Feb. 12, 2003

By Shonna Brown
Patriot League Administrative Intern

Black History Month is an American celebration of the contributions African-Americans have made to this country. Black History Month should not only be celebrated by African-Americans; the events that took place within the government, the educational system, the medical world, in athletics and numerous technological innovations have affected everyone who lives in America today.

If it were not for the struggles of Gabriel Prosser, who planned the first major slave rebellion in Virginia on August 30, 1800, and the intuition and desire to self-educate like Benjamin Banneker, America would not have experienced the great minds of Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson, who encouraged every American to realize the United States of America was not just a nation for white people, but all people.

African-Americans have helped shape the world with several inventions. Thomas Jennings received a patent for a dry cleaning process. Andrew Beard patented the Jenny Coupler, which did the job of connecting railroad cars together. Alice Parker from Morristown, N.J. invented an improved gas-heating furnace that provided central heating. Donald Cotton invented propellants for nuclear reactors. Garrett Morgan invented the gas mask and the traffic light.

African-Americans have also made major contributions to modern medicine. Charles R. Drew developed efficient ways to process and store large quantities of blood plasma in "blood banks." Patricia Bath patented a method for removing cataract lenses, by using a laser, which made the procedure more accurate. Daniel Hale Williams performed the first successful heart surgery in Chicago's Provident Hospital.

There is a long history of African-Americans in the theatre as well. The first known play by a black American is James Brown's King Shotaway, which was written in 1823. The black theatre grew during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and '30s. Appearances, written by Garland Anderson, was the first play written by a black author to hit Broadway in 1925. But it wasn't until 1935 when Broadway had its first black hit, Mulatto, written by Langston Hughes.

African-Americans have played a major role in music. Before there was Rap, R&B, Jazz and even the Blues there was the Work Song. Slaves would sing in their native tongue as a way to remember the country they had to leave behind. Singing soon became a way to communicate ideas and plans. As slave revolts became more and more common, too much talking by the slaves would insight fear into white people thinking the slaves might be planning a revolt.

After the Civil War, blacks were free, but not yet accepted in society. They still had several obstacles and hardships to overcome. Black people started singing the Blues. The Blues were not only a way to sing out frustration, but the harmonica and guitar were cheap, easy to transport and in a time of displacement in a land that had become theirs, moving was common.

Jazz was born in the early 1900s as African-Americans were exposed to the world primarily through World War I while they were still trying to be accepted as part of society in America. The French were really big on military bands, and in Europe the troops experienced the wonderful sound of brass instruments. Initially the sound was that of the traditional marching band. African-Americans introduced the soul of the Blues and the passion of the Work Song to create the sound of Jazz.

African-Americans have shaped modern day Rock & Roll with the influence of Rhythm & Blues. The best example is the phenomena of Elvis Presley and the affects his music had on the people of America. In the 1970s Funk was born. African-American artists began to use the electric guitar found in most rock bands.

Just as artists had always been influenced by the society in which they lived, Rap became a sign of the times. Rap began in the inner cities as early as 1978 and stayed there for years. Rap began at house parties when people began rapping over R&B songs. This style of music was the primary influence of hip hop. Hip Hop is now everywhere, in every country and every race.

African-Americans have also excelled in athletics. Joe Gans won the world lightweight title in 1902. Muhammad Ali was the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three separate times. At the age of 45, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion ever.

Wilt Chamberlian is considered one of the greatest offensive players in the history of basketball. Bill Russell is regarded as one of the greatest defensive centers in basketball. Michael Jordan was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player five times.

Michael Johnson became the first man to win Olympic gold medals in both the 200 and 400 meters. Wilma Rudolph was the first woman to win three gold medals during a single Olympics.

Arthur Ashe was the first black winner of a major men's singles championship in tennis. Tennis players Venus and Serina Williams are the first siblings in the world to be ranked No. 1 and No. 2. In 2001 Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods became the first ever to hold all four professional major golf championships at the same time.

There are several African-American Pulitzer Prize winners such as August Wilson, who won twice for Fences and The Piano Lesson. Alice Walker won for The Color Purple. Charles Fuller won for A Soldier's Play. John Edger Wideman became the first author to win the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction twice. He won for Sent for You Yesterday and Philadelphia Fire.

African-Americans have been active in American politics as well. John Mercer Langston was the first black to be elected into political office in 1855 in Brownhelm Township, Ohio. Shirley Chisholm was the first black female elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968 in New York. Andrew Young was Mayor of Atlanta, Ga. 1981-1989. Colin Powell was the first African-American to hold the highest military post as Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. Harold Washington was the first African-American Mayor of Chicago.

Through struggles and accomplishments, African-Americans have paved the way for minorities as a whole to succeed in this country. It was the vision, determination and ability to build allies by African-Americans that has allowed America to flourish and become known as a safe haven to people all over the world.

The month of February was chosen because of the numerous birthdays of pathfinders and freedom fighters during this month. This month is a celebration of black history in America. Although there is only one month set aside for observance, anyone can find out more about this aspect of American history 365 days a year, on several websites and in libraries everywhere. There is a plethora of information available waiting for people to care, appreciate the past contributions and learn from it.