When 42-year-old Rosa Parks sat down in a seat on a Montgomery bus late one evening back in 1955, she had no idea at the time that her single act of courage would set into action a chain of events that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. That single act helped to ignite a movement that changed the face of civil rights in America.
While the history of the civil rights struggle for African-Americans has been generally recounted, the stories of the unsung heroes who risked their lives both before and after Parks’ stand have added significantly to the fabric of our nation.
This month, February, marks the annual observance of African-Americans’ contributions to American history as part of Black History Month. More than 50 years since the dawn of the civil rights movement, we watched last year as the first African-American took the oath of office as president of the United States.
But there have been numerous other recent firsts for African-Americans that may not be as widely known. Lisa Jackson became the first African-American administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Eric H. Holder became the nation’s 82nd attorney general, the first African-American to hold the position. Their names are added to the contributions of other African-Americans in U.S. government, including Gen. Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Condoleeza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State, among others. There are many other stories and contributions much like these — some more widely known, yet others with less notoriety, though still of noteworthy significance.
Their stories and the stories of numerous others were made possible by Parks and others who fought to open doors before them. Their stories and their examples of reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication will likely lay the foundation for others who may chart their own paths to success through their shining examples. There are numerous local firsts and successes of historic nature to recount as well, and we should all keep those moments and contributions in the backs of our minds this month, Black History Month, and all year round.
There are similar often unsuspecting heroes among us every day. Their works have helped to contribute to the shape of our nation and should be recognized and remembered.
History is made every day and there are numerous firsts with regards to African-Americans and their contributions to the country and the globe.
