Black History Month is more than a time to remember the most widely recognized names in history. While figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman deserve every bit of honor they receive, what I enjoy most about Black History Month is discovering the depth and breadth of stories beyond those regularly highlighted. Each year, I find myself drawn to lesser-known pioneers whose courage, intellect, creativity, and resilience shaped the world in powerful ways. Learning about these individuals makes history feel richer, more complex, and more inspiring.
One figure I deeply admire is Claudette Colvin, a teenager who refused to give up her bus seat months before Rosa Parks. At just 15 years old, she stood firm against segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama. Though her story was not widely publicized at the time, she later became one of the plaintiffs in Browder v. Gayle, the case that ultimately ended bus segregation. Her bravery reminds me that history is often built on the courage of young people whose names we don’t always learn first.
I also appreciate learning about Bayard Rustin, a key strategist behind the 1963 March on Washington. Rustin was a brilliant organizer and advocate of nonviolent protest, yet he was often pushed into the background because he was openly gay at a time when that brought additional discrimination. His work demonstrates that movements succeed not only because of charismatic speakers, but because of skilled planners working tirelessly behind the scenes.
In the world of science, figures like Dr. Charles Drew stand out. His groundbreaking work in blood plasma preservation saved countless lives during World War II and laid the foundation for modern blood banks. Despite facing racial discrimination—even in the institutions that benefited from his discoveries—he remained committed to advancing medical science.
Another remarkable individual is Katherine Johnson, whose mathematical calculations were essential to NASA’s early space missions. Long before her story gained mainstream attention, her work ensured the safe return of astronauts from space. She exemplifies how Black excellence has been central to achievements often celebrated without full recognition of the people behind them.
Black History Month also introduces me to cultural pioneers such as Zora Neale Hurston, whose writing during the Harlem Renaissance preserved the voices, dialects, and traditions of Black communities in the South. Though her work was underappreciated during her lifetime, it now stands as a cornerstone of American literature. Similarly, Gordon Parks, a photographer and filmmaker, used his camera as a tool for social change, documenting both hardship and humanity in ways that challenged stereotypes and exposed injustice.
In politics and governance, I value learning about leaders like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for president. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” reflects a fearless independence that continues to inspire generations.
Black History Month also allows space to explore global figures. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, played a major role in African independence movements. Nelson Mandela, though widely known, represents a broader struggle against apartheid that involved countless activists whose names are less familiar but equally important. Expanding beyond American history helps me understand the global impact of Black leadership and resistance.
I also find inspiration in innovators like Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first self-made female millionaires in America. She built a business empire at a time when opportunities for Black women were severely limited, while also funding scholarships and activism. Her story highlights entrepreneurship as a form of empowerment.
What makes learning about these figures so meaningful is that they reveal history as layered and interconnected. Progress did not come from a few individuals acting alone—it came from communities of thinkers, organizers, artists, and visionaries. Some spoke from podiums, others worked in laboratories, classrooms, courtrooms, and neighborhoods. Each contributed in their own way.
Ultimately, what I enjoy most about Black History Month is the expansion of perspective. It challenges simplified narratives and invites deeper exploration. By moving beyond the “celebrated regulars,” I gain a fuller understanding of resilience, brilliance, and creativity throughout Black history. These stories not only honor the past—they encourage me to look more closely, think more critically, and appreciate the many voices that have shaped our world.
Theres so much I like about the month that I would probably ever express… Well enjoy…
