It's Black History Month. I prefer to call it Black Legacy Month. So many Black people throughout history and to this day have literally changed the world. I would argue that to deny Black History is to deny world history. To try to avoid teaching Black History is as ridiculous as avoiding teaching American History. And to be clear, I don't mean slavery. Black history and Black legacy are so far beyond slavery.
For example, here are 5 Black Americans that can easily be called world changers:
Valerie Thomas – 3D Imaging Technology
Thomas invented the illusion transmitter, a forerunner to modern 3D technology, used by NASA and in medical imaging.
Marian Croak – Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Croak pioneered VoIP technology, enabling voice calls over the internet, which led to services like Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime.
Frederick McKinley Jones – Refrigerated Transport
Jones revolutionized the food and medical industries by inventing the portable refrigeration unit for trucks, making it possible to transport perishable goods over long distances.
Dr. Patricia Bath – Laser Cataract Surgery
Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that made cataract surgery safer and more precise, restoring vision for millions worldwide.
Elijah McCoy – Automatic Lubrication for Steam Engines
McCoy’s automatic lubricator allowed steam engines to be oiled without stopping, revolutionizing the railroad and industrial industries. His high-quality work led to the phrase “the real McCoy” as a mark of authenticity.
And the list goes on and on and on and on and on...
One of the most important messages I try to convey to young people is that if you don't define who you are, then someone else will. If you don't write your own story then someone else will write that story and there's a strong chance it won't be for your benefit, but for theirs.
My daughter who is Afro-Latina wrote a poem called Dear Black Boy, and as we celebrate Black Legacy Month and consider the importance of writing our own stories, I would challenge you to thoughtfully consider the message in her poem.
Please watch, respond, and share if you think someone else needs to hear it.
Thank you.