Each February, we celebrate the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month. Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln have birthdays in February, so it seems fitting to honor black history heroes this month.
There are many black history heroes that you might not even know about! Here are just a few influential African Americans to study in your homeschool’s celebration of Black History Month.
Who is the most important black person in history?
Martin Luther King Jr. is perhaps the most famous African American in U.S. history. In fact, the third Monday of January is designated as a federal holiday to celebrate his contributions in the fight for equality for African Americans and his role as a civil rights leader.
Dr. Martin Luther King was an American Baptist minister who became the most visible spokesman for the Civil Rights Movement. He became known for his use of peaceful protest, even being thrown in jail for his resistance activities. In fact, he was imprisoned nearly 30 times for his outspoken words and civil disobedience to bring attention and change to America’s segregation policies.
King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and continued his civil rights activism throughout the 1950s and 1960s to show the need for equal rights for black Americans.
He was largely responsible for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. King received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Because he used his talent in motivating and inspiring people, he helped change the course of history.
You can do some fun Martin Luther King crafts to get to know more about him.
public domain photo of Martin Martin Luther King Jr.
Who are some important figures in black history?
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth was a former slave who became an outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the nineteenth century. Because of her tireless work during the Civil War, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln asked to meet her in 1864.
Sojourner Truth is known for her part in the abolitionist movement as she helped successfully relocate former slaves to northern and western settlements. She encouraged African Americans to stand up for their right to liberty.
public domain photo of Sojourner Truth
Harriet Tubman
Another important figure in black history is Harriet Tubman, known as the “Moses of her people.” She was instrumental in helped other enslaved blacks escape from bondage in the South and find their freedom. Harriet did this as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad.
Her work became even harder when in 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act allowed fugitives in the North to be recaptured. This meant that the northern states weren’t safe anymore. Harriet had to lead escaped slaves further north into Canada. Harriet famously said, “I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.”
But Harriet Tubman’s contributions to American history and black history don’t end with the Underground Railroad. In fact, she was also a nurse, a spy for the Union Army and a women’s suffrage supporter.
public domain photo of Harriet Tubman
Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States. Even though he was born into slavery, he founded Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (Now Tuskegee University) in 1881 as one of the leading intellectuals of his time.
He also advised two presidents, Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft.
“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington
public domain photo of Booker T. Washington
Dr. Charles Richard Drew
Dr. Charles Drew (1904-1950) is probably an overlooked figure in 20th century black history. At a time when African American men were still discriminated against, he made his mark as a surgeon and organized the first large-scale blood bank in the United States. In fact, during World War II, Charles directed the blood plasma programs of both the United States and Great Britain, making him a black history hero.
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks (1913-2005) has been called “the mother of the civil rights movement” for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. She refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on December 1, 1955, and her arrest helped spark the Civil Rights Movement. She remains a role model for black women in the United States because of her crucial role in peacefully fighting for equality.
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Rosa Parks
The United States Congress honored Rosa Parks as the “mother of the freedom movement ” and “the First Lady of civil rights” for her role as an influential American activist.
Her influence continued into the 1960s, when the Freedom Rides challenged the segregation policies of the South. These famous interracial bus rides across state lines drew national attention to the local violence that was used to enforce segregation in the southern states.
public domain photo of Rosa Parks
Nelson Mandela
South Africa had much racial upheaval and had in place the racist system of apartheid when Nelson Mandela started fighting to bring justice to the people of his country. The government imprisoned Mandela for 27 years for speaking out against injustice and apartheid.
His efforts helped to bring an end to apartheid. He became the first black head of state when he was elected in a fully representative democratic election to be the president of South Africa in 1994. He served in this role until 1999. His government focused on overturning the remaining vestiges of apartheid in the institutions of South Africa.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
This image was originally posted to Flickr by Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com at https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/5113183824 (archive). It was reviewed on 30 November 2018 by FlickreviewR 2 and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-sa-2.0.
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) is an American author, poet, and civil rights activist. She’s most famous for her contributions to literature. She is best known for her poem entitled “Still I Rise” which expresses faith that black people will persevere and triumph despite adversity.
The main point of this poem is to show that one can overcome anything through self-respect, confidence, and self-esteem. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, along with many plays, movies, and television shows to her credit. She remains one of the most famous African American women in the field of poetry.
“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.” Maya Angelou
public domain photo of Maya Angelou
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is an inspiring figure in black history. She was an engineer and physician and in 1992, Mae became the first black woman to travel in space. She served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” Mae Jemison
public domain photo of Mae Jemison
Colin Powell
Colin Powell (1937-2021) was the first African-American to serve as Secretary of State. George W. Bush appointed Powell to that position in 2001 after being unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Before entering politics, Powell served for 35 years in the Army, including two tours in Vietnam.
He was President Ronald Reagan’s Deputy National Security Advisor in 1987 and then National Security Advisor from 1988-1989. Under President George H.W. Bush, Powell served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where he oversaw many crises, including Operation Desert Storm.
He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
“All work is honorable. Always do your best because someone is watching.” Colin Powell
public domain photo of Colin Powell
Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice (1954-present) is an American diplomat, political scientist, civil servant, and professor. She served as the 66th United States secretary of state from 2005 to 2009 and as the 20th national security advisor from 2001 to 2005.
“The essence of America – that which really unites us – is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion – it is an idea – and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.” Condoleezza Rice
public domain photo of Condoleezza Rice
President Barack Obama
Barack Obama became the first black President of the United States in 2009. He held this position for two terms, leaving office in 2017.
“We, the People, recognize that we have responsibilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together; that a freedom which only asks what’s in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a freedom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.” Barack Obama
public domain photo of Barack Obama
Who were the 7 black heroes of the American Revolution?
There were many black history heroes that took part in the American Revolution. Usually, these enslaved people joined with the side that seemed most likely to grant them freedom. An estimated 5,000 to 8,000 blacks joined the side of the Patriots, while more than 20,000 were loyal to the Crown.
Here are some black heroes of the Revolution and the impact made by their significant contributions to the cause.
Crispus Attucks
Crispus Attucks was a sailor and rope maker living in Massachusetts in 1770. He was drawn into the conflict between British soldiers and colonists and was one of five colonists killed in the Boston Massacre. Witnesses say he was the first to fall from the gunfire. We remember Crispus Attucks as the first martyr to die for American independence and as an example of sacrifice and patriotism.
James Armistead Lafayette
James Armistead was loyal to the Patriot cause and became a double agent for the Americans. He was able to infiltrate the British command by pretending to be a runaway slave. The British saw Armistead as an asset as he knew the terrain and could bring them information about the Patriot’s plans. But instead, Armistead remained loyal to the colonists and gave the Americans critical intelligence that led to the successful Siege of Yorktown.
This battle was decisive in ending the Revolutionary War. Armistead did gain his freedom years later and changed his name to honor his former general, Marquis de Lafayette.
Salem Poor and Peter Salem
These two men were heroes of Bunker Hill. Even though the Americans lost that battle, Salem Poor and Peter Salem were key participants in bravely fighting for the patriot cause. In fact, both of them killed key British officers during the fight along with several other British soldiers.
Salem Poor was able to purchase his freedom and fought with the Continental Army as a free man. Peter Salem enlisted as a slave, but his owners freed him so he could keep fighting for the colonists. Both men showed bravery and courage as Patriot soldiers.
Phyllis Wheatley
While Phyllis Wheatley never picked up arms to help the patriot cause during the Revolution, she was an abolition poet who promoted independence from the Crown with her writing. Phyllis studied ancient classics along with Biblical theology when her owners allowed her to be educated.
She was the first black person and only the third woman to publish a book of poetry in the colonies. We cannot overlook her contribution in words and changing hearts and minds.
The First Rhode Island Regiment
In 1778, the Rhode Island legislature promised freedom to any enslaved blacks that would fight for the Continental Army. That is when the First Rhode Island Regiment was born.
Comprised of African American soldiers that gallantly fought on the side of the Patriots during the Revolution, these men showed skill as soldiers. This small regiment of about 130 men showed their fierce loyalty and earned their place as black history heroes.
Colonel Tye
Colonel Tye was one of the enslaved people who joined the British Army. The Crown had promised freedom to anyone who enlisted, so Titus saw value in leaving his brutal master in 1775 and helped the British cause.
Since he knew the local terrain of New Jersey, he was a valuable asset to the Redcoats as a guerrilla fighter. After the war, the British gave him the honorific title of Colonel as they recognized his part in their success. While he fought for the Crown, Colonel Tye remains a great example of brave resistance.
Who was the first famous black?
While many people would name Martin Luther King, Jr. as the most famous person in black history, the march toward civil rights began before King was on the national stage. In fact, you could argue that Jackie Robinson was the first famous black in modern history.
Jackie Robinson
When he became a player on a Major League Baseball team in 1947, it ended sixty years of segregated Negro leagues and threw him into the spotlight as a black history hero.
Everyone in the country knew who Jackie Robinson was and knew his talent along with his grace and strength under control. He is a role model for strong perseverance under pressure. No wonder he became a household name and someone all Americans could look up to for his part in calling attention to segregation in the United States and doing something about it.
Robinson was named Rookie of the Year in 1947. But his character was not formed solely in the hard years in the national spotlight. In fact, “(i)t all starts with the day-to-day decisions we make in our lives.” Jackie Robinson’s story highlights this truth for homeschoolers even today.
“Men and women of great leadership and character do not simply sit on their gifts, they use them to change lives, and that’s what Robinson wanted to do.”
If you want to learn more about black history heroes, print some free black history month coloring pages.
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