Historical Figures
Jewell Parker Rhodes
Revere was so fortunate to finish Black History Month with a famous writer Jewell Parker Rhodes. She is the award-winning author of several books for youth including Black Brother, Black Brother, named Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best 2020, and the New York Times bestseller Ghost Boys which has garnered over 30 awards and honors including the Jane Addams Peace Award.The driving force behind all of Jewell’s work is to inspire social justice, equality, and environmental stewardship.
She enjoys teaching, walking her Toy Aussie Sheepdogs, theater, dancing, and music. Born in Pittsburgh, she now lives in Seattle.
African American Historical Figures
Phillis Wheatley
She was born May 8, 1753 - Passed December 5, 1784Known as the first African American and first female African American author to have published a book of poetry. Since America wouldn’t publish her books, she was forced to go to England to seek help, after years of her book being published in London, she sent her book back to America where George Washington became intrigued and it finally got published in the states.
In 1773, Phillis Wheatley accomplished something that no other woman of her status had done. When her book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, appeared, she became the first American slave, the first person of African descent, and only the third colonial American woman to have her work published.
Born 1912- Passed 1987The American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, non-violence, gay rights, and pushed for better wages for jobs. Was Dr. King’s advisor and he had a big part in strategizing and organizing the march on Washington. He was acknowledged as one of the most brilliant people a part of the movement and served his community tirelessly.
Claudette Colvin Born September 5, 1939- Present
Who is she you might be wondering? Claudette Colvin is a pioneer of the 1950s civil rights movement Claudette was the first African American young lady to refuse to leave her set in the bus on the same bus system as Rosa Parks. You might be thinking “ wait wasn’t Rosa Parks the first ?” Well, this happened 9 months before her incident. She was sitting down when a white male told her to get up and go to the back of the bus. When she refused, he called the cops and had her arrested at 15. This event didn’t stop her from going back on the bus after she was released.
Shirley Chisholm
Born November 30, 1924- January 1, 2005
Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to be elected into congress representing New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983 she was also the first African American to make a bid for the presidency. Throughout her political career, Chisholm fought for education opportunities and social justice.
Chisholm was born November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn NY. She graduated from Brooklyn University and went on to get her master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University. She served as Director of the Hamilton-Madison Child Care Center from 1953 to 1959, and as an educational consultant for New York City's Bureau of Child Welfare from 1959 to 1964.
Interesting facts
Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman to be elected into congress representing New York's 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983 she was also the first African American to make a bid for the presidency. Throughout her political career, Chisholm fought for education opportunities and social justice.
Chisholm was born November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn NY. She graduated from Brooklyn University and went on to get her master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University. She served as Director of the Hamilton-Madison Child Care Center from 1953 to 1959, and as an educational consultant for New York City's Bureau of Child Welfare from 1959 to 1964.
Interesting facts
- Shirley Chisholm survived three assassination attempts during her campaign for the 1972 Democratic nomination to the U.S. presidency.
- In 1969, Shirley Chisholm became one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus which is a political meeting or get-together made up of most or all of the African American politicians in congress.
- following her death, Chisholm was awarded the distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom.
By: Brooklyn Walker