Black History Month!

HISTORY BLACK MONTH

BYOPTIONSFORALL

NOTABLE BLACK FIGURES

Michelle Obama

Oprah Winfrey

Barack Obama

Harriet Tubman

Frederick Douglass

Kid President

Martin Luther King Jr.

Rosa Parks

Nelson Mandela

Malcolm X

Thurgood Marshall

Jackie Robinson

Arthur Ashe

Serena Williams

Kimberle Crenshaw

Angela Davis

Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson

Sammy Davis Jr.

Ray Charles

Shirley Chisholm Booker T. Washington

Lebron James

Kobe Bryant

Mae Jemison

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois (W.E.B.)

Serena Williams, born on September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, is a living legend in the world of tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, Serena has dominated the sport with her powerful athleticism and unwavering determination Beyond the tennis court, she stands as a cultural icon, breaking barriers for women, particularly women of color, and championing the cause of gender equality Serena's legacy extends far beyond her athletic prowess, making her a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.

Kobe Bryant, born on August 23, 1978, was an iconic American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport Spending his entire 20-season NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant earned numerous accolades, including five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medals Known for his scoring prowess, work ethic, and competitive spirit, he was nicknamed the "Black Mamba." Beyond basketball, Bryant also ventured into filmmaking, winning an Academy Award for his animated short film, "Dear Basketball." Tragically, Kobe Bryant, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, lost their lives in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020, leaving a lasting impact on the sports world and beyond

Barack Obama, born on August 4, 1961, is an American politician and the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017 A charismatic and eloquent leader, he made history as the first African American president Obama's presidency was marked by significant legislative achievements, including the Affordable Care Act, and efforts to address climate change. He emphasized unity and inclusivity, using the slogan "Yes We Can" to inspire hope and change. Obama's leadership style and emphasis on diplomacy garnered him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009. His impact on American politics and his role as a symbol of progress and diversity continue to resonate

BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS

Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

James McBride - "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store"

"The Color of Water", "Deacon King Kong"

"Kill 'Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul"

The Hate U Give- Angie Thomas

I know why the cage bird sings, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Color Purple, The Good House (Tananarive Due)

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs

"Yes, Chef" is a captivating memoir by acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson. This compelling narrative takes readers on a culinary journey through Samuelsson's life, from his humble beginnings in Ethiopia to becoming a renowned chef in the competitive world of haute cuisine The book not only delves into his extraordinary career, including his time at notable restaurants and winning accolades, but also explores the complex intersections of identity, race, and food Samuelsson's storytelling is rich, honest, and flavorful, making "Yes, Chef" a must-read for food enthusiasts and anyone seeking inspiration from a life driven by passion and resilience in and out of the kitchen.

"The Color Purple" is a literary masterpiece penned by Alice Walker This poignant novel unfolds the life of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 20th century, as she navigates through abuse, love, and selfdiscovery Walker's prose is both lyrical and raw, vividly portraying the harsh realities of racial and gender inequality "The Color Purple" stands as a powerful testament to resilience, sisterhood, and the transformative power of finding one's voice. With its compelling narrative and unforgettable characters, this novel has rightfully earned its place as a classic, leaving an indelible mark on literature and the exploration of social issues.

The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas is a groundbreaking young adult novel that tackles pressing issues of racial injustice and police brutality. The story revolves around Starr Carter, a young African-American girl who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend. Faced with the dilemma of speaking out against systemic racism, Starr finds herself at the center of a national debate Angie Thomas's narrative is powerful, compelling, and unapologetically honest Through Starr's journey, the novel explores themes of identity, activism, and the importance of finding one's voice in the fight against social injustice "The Hate U Give" is a thought-provoking and timely novel that resonates with readers of all ages.

ART BY BLACK ARTISTS

1.

Jean-Michel Basquiat - An influential neo-expressionist painter in the 1980s.

2.

Kehinde Wiley - Known for his portraits that feature contemporary African American subjects in poses from classic paintings.

4.

3. Alma Thomas - An abstract painter and the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

5.

Jacob Lawrence - A prominent 20th-century artist known for his narrative paintings depicting African American history.

7.

Kerry James Marshall - His work often explores the African American experience, and he is known for his powerful depictions of black figures.

Mickalene Thomas - Notable for her elaborate paintings exploring African American female identity and beauty.

6. Faith Ringgold - An artist and activist known for her narrative quilts and her contributions to the feminist and civil rights movements.

Njideka Akunyili Crosby - A Nigerian-born visual artist whose work often combines collage, painting, and drawing.

9.

8. Amy Sherald - Gained recognition for her portrait of Michelle Obama for the National Portrait Gallery.

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was an American artist and one of the most influential figures in the neoexpressionist movement of the 1980s. Emerging from the vibrant New York City graffiti and street art scene, Basquiat transitioned to the gallery space, gaining recognition for his raw, emotionally charged paintings. His works often feature a fusion of words, symbols, and images, reflecting his African American and Puerto Rican heritage, as well as social and political issues. Basquiat's career was meteoric, marked by collaborations with Andy Warhol and critical acclaim, but tragically, he succumbed to a drug overdose at the age of 27. Despite his brief career, Basquiat's impact on contemporary art remains profound, challenging conventions and pushing boundaries while addressing themes of race, identity, and societal critique.

MUSIC BY BLACK ARTISTS

Georgia In My Mind - Ray Charles

One Moment In Time - Whitney

Houston

Ain't No Mountain High EnoughMarvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Hello - Lionel Richie

Walk on By - Dionne Warwick

JD Short: Slidin' Delta

Powerful - Jussie Smollett and Alicia

Keys

Doubt - Mary J Blige

If This World Were Mine - Marvin

Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Beyond - Leon Bridges

Coming Home - Leon Bridges

Better Days - Ant Clemons

Lean On Me - Bill Withers

Stay With You - John Legend

Can I Call You Rose? - Thee Sacred

Souls

Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye

Me and Mrs Jones - Billy Paul

Fast Car - Tracy Chapman

Girl From The Gutter - Kina

Don't Cry For Me - Whitney Houston

Scream and Shout - Will.I.Am

He Wasn't Man Enough - Toni

Braxton

No Scrubs - TLC

Sissy That Walk - RuPaul

Dive Into The Pool - Pepper MaShay

Next to Me - Emeli Sande

Body - Megan Thee Stallion

Just Fine - Mary J Blige

Ex-Factor - Lauryn Hill

N** In Paris - Kanye West

Minefields - John Legend

Rhythm Nation - Janet Jackson

West Savannah - Isaiah Rashas, SZA

Drew Barrymore - SZA

No One - Alicia Keys

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

Easy - Commodores

Respect - Aretha Franklin

Single Ladies - Beyoncé

September - Earth, Wind & Fire

Don't Stop 'til You Get EnoughMichael Jackson

Wanna Be Startin' SomethingMichael Jackson

What a Wonderful World - Louis

Armstrong

No Going Back - Yuno

Sunlight - Yuno

Saved - Khalid

Good Kid, Mad City - Kendrick

Lamar

My Girl - The Temptations

Shine Bright Like DiamondsRihanna

Brown Skin Girl - Beyoncé, Blue

Ivy, SAINt JHN, Wizkid

Outside - Mariah Carey

Black Parade - Beyoncé

Young, Gifted, and Black - Nina

Simone

Black Effect - The Carters

Marvin Gaye (1939-1984) was an iconic American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, celebrated for his smooth and emotive voice that transcended genres. Born in Washington, D.C., Gaye rose to fame in the 1960s and became a Motown legend with hits like "What's Going On," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and "Let's Get It On " His socially conscious lyrics and innovative musical style set him apart, making him a symbol of artistic integrity Tragically, Gaye's life was cut short when he was shot and killed by his father in 1984, leaving behind a timeless legacy of soulful music that continues to influence generations

Beyoncé, born Beyoncé Giselle Knowles on September 4, 1981, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and producer who rose to fame as the lead singer of Destiny's Child, one of the world's best-selling girl groups. Recognized for her powerful vocals, captivating performances, and versatility, Beyoncé has become an iconic figure in the music industry. With a string of solo hits such as "Crazy in Love," "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," and "Halo," she has achieved global success and numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards Beyond music, Beyoncé is known for her philanthropy, activism, and influence in promoting empowerment, especially for women of color As a cultural and fashion icon, she continues to shape the entertainment landscape and inspire millions worldwide.

Whitney Houston (1963-2012) was an American singer and actress, often hailed as one of the greatest voices in the history of popular music. Born on August 9, 1963, in Newark, New Jersey, she achieved monumental success with her powerful and soulful vocals. Houston's charttopping hits include iconic songs like "I Will Always Love You," "Saving All My Love for You," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) " Beyond her musical accomplishments, she made a significant impact in the film industry with roles in movies such as "The Bodyguard" and "Waiting to Exhale " Houston's career, unfortunately, faced personal struggles, and her untimely death in 2012 marked the loss of a remarkable talent. Despite the challenges, Whitney Houston's enduring legacy as a vocal virtuoso and cultural icon remains indelible in the hearts of fans worldwide.