February is a month full of celebrating the many integral figures and differences that Black Americans have made throughout the history of the United States. Recognized in February of 1976 by President Gerald Ford, the origins of the celebration go far deeper than the first public recognition of the month. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the celebration, began his endeavours for the month back in 1926, where he chose the month of February due to both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’s birthday happening within the month. This is now the 49th year of America celebrating the accomplishments of Black Americans. The theme this year is dedicated to “African Americans and Labor”, emphasizing work being the very back bone of Black history and culture.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist from Atlanta Georgia. He was a key name in the civil rights movement and played a lead role in the America that we live in today. He was also recognized for his actions when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He heavily promoted non-violent tactics, which led to many marches that opened American eyes to the issue and violence that surrounded segregation. His actions played a role in the creation of many policies that ended legal segregation, namely the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  He is remembered for his famous speech, “I Have a Dream”, in 1963 and all his work with the civil rights movement. 

John Lewis was a civil rights leader who played a big role throughout the movement, especially due to his chairmanship position on the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and for leading the march in Selma, Alabama. He was considered one of the civil rights movement’s “big six” by the time he was in his early 20s. His actions also aided in the creation of the Voting Rights Act. Lewis remained active in the movement and similar foundations until his death on July 17, 2020. 

Malcolm X was an “ideological hero” due to his involvement in the Nation of Islam and his work with black nationalism. Malcolm pushed the Nation of Islam to become more active in civil rights protests. In 1965, Malcolm founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity and used it to shift the focus from civil rights to human rights. He is remembered for his part in the development of the Black Power movement and his values about human rights. 

Rosa Parks was an American civil rights activist that is widely known for the statement she made on a public bus which prompted the Montgomery bus boycott. Rosa Parks is known for being active in the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self-Development which offered education on career and the civil rights movement. She is remembered in many ways, but mainly through her many awards, some being: the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. 

W. E. B. Du Bois was an American activist, sociologist, historian, editor and author who was an important leader in the first half of the 20th century. He aided in the creation of the NAACP and created a collection of essays that became a landmark of African American literature. He is well remembered for his involvement in Pan-Africanism and his development of Black literature. 

Ida B. Wells was an American journalist who was active in the justice movement for African Americans. She was born into slavery and used a pen name, Iola, to publish her articles. She is well-known due to her campaign opposing lynching that was spurred on by three of her friends who had been lynched by a mob. She was also involved in many groups supporting these kinds of issues such as the Negro Fellowship League and the Chicago’s Alpha Suffrage Club. 

Frederick Douglass was known for many awe-inspiring accomplishments, such as being a profound abolitionist, orator, publisher and author. Douglass was enslaved for many years prior to abolitionists purchasing his freedom. He is remembered for his book, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and his heavy involvement in civil rights, both for African Americans and women.