Black History Month

Celebrated throughout October, Black History Month is a significant annual commemoration of all of the achievements, sacrifices and struggles the Black community has made and overcome. From slavery and fighting for equal rights to Black icons, this is a great opportunity to learn about and remember pivotal moments in Black history. 

Although it is true that in modern culture there have been many positive changes to the way that society addresses the Black community, there is still so much to be done to eradicate the inequalities that still exist today. 

Here are just some key moments and people throughout Black history that should be remembered: 

1826 - Sojourner Truth

As an African-American woman born into slavery, Sojourner Truth escaped to freedom in 1826. She later became an abolitionist, women's rights activist and author who fought for equal rights for all. 

Quote: "Now, if you want me to get out of the world, you had better get the women votin' soon. I shan't go till I can do that."

1838 - Frederick Douglass

Also born into slavery, Frederick Douglass not only taught himself and others to read and write but after escaping in 1838 became an important activist, author and public speaker who sought to end the practice of slavery before and during the Civil War. He is remembered as one of the primary leaders in the abolitionist movement. 

Quote: "I would unite with anybody to do right; and with nobody to do wrong.”

1859 - Harriet Tubman

It is believed that in 1859, Harriet Tubman - an escaped enslaved woman - helped almost 300 other enslaved people escape slavery via the Underground Railroad to find freedom in Philadelphia. It's important to note that she was also a nurse, Union spy and a women's suffrage supporter who remains a source of inspiration for all. 

Quote: "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world."

1863 - President Abraham Lincoln

This year was momental in Black history, when Lincoln finally issued the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation declared that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states "are, and henceforward shall be free."

Quote: "Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it."

1955 - Rosa Parks

Bus segregation was once a normal aspect of culture - where Black passengers must sit at the back of the bus and leave the front seats to white passengers. However, after Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat for a white man in 1955, the Montogomery Bus Boycott began.

Rosa Parks continues to be a recognised symbol of dignity and bravery for the Black community. 

Quote: "People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true. I was not tired physically...No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in."

1963 - Martin Luther King Jr.

Known as a social activist and Baptist minister, Martin Luther King Jr. will forever be know for his role in the American civil rights movement. One of the most memorable moments in his lifetime will be his iconic 'I Have A Dream' speech, in which he called for peace and equality and fought against racial injustice. 

Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

1969 - Marsha P. Johnson

We shouldn't forget about the Black gay and trans activists too, including Marsha P. Johnson who played a pivotal role in the LGBTQIA+ movement and was a huge figure in the Stonewall protests. At this time, homosexuality was considered a mental illness in the United States, so unfortunately it was common for young gay and trans people to be disowned by their parents and the victims of violence. 

Although her cause of death remains undetermined, Marsha's legacy of generosity and kindness lives on.

Quote: “You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights."

2008 - Barack Obama

In 2008, Barack Obama became the first Black president of the Unites States. During Obama's time in presidency, incredible social, demographic and technological changes had swept the nation as he aimed to unite all. 

Quote: "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."  

2013 - #BlackLivesMatter Movement

As a response to the death of Trayvon Martin - an unarmed 17-year-old boy shot by a neighbourhood watch volunteer - the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation was founded in 2013. As a global organisation, their mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities. 

There have been many cases of Black people dying and wounded at the hands of white authority figures, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, Andre Hill, Atatiana Jefferson, Stephon Clark and many more. These are some of the names of those who were taken from the world too early but their memory lives on. 

Black History Month provides the world with an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and sacrifices made, remember the names of those who made a difference, and rejoice in some of the greatest achievements in Black history. 

Educate yourself and join in on the celebration of Black History Month.