Unlike other states, America has made it a culture to celebrate the blacks for a whole month. America has achieved its objectives today due to some African American people who played vital roles in the past. As a show of gratitude, those that did something outstanding get to be honored over the black history month activities Missouri. The celebrations were introduced in 1920s by Carter G. Woodson. February was the month chosen as it also marks the birth of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Due to the racists issues experienced in the early twentieth century, it led to African American leaders joining together to form a new permanent civil rights organization known as National Association for the Advancement of Colored People [NAACP]. Its 100th anniversary was marked on November 12th 2009.
Those who get to be remembered on this time of the year, among them are Jack Johnson. For those who may not remember him, he was the first black to hold a world Heavyweight champion boxing title in 1908 to 1915. They also commemorate John Mercer who was the 1st black to be a legal representative in Ohio after qualifying in 1854. He was also the first to be elected as a clerk of Ohio town in 1855.
This period honors Thurgood Marshall, the first colored representative in the supreme courts. The president named Lyndon B. Johnson presented him with the post which he served from the year 1967 to 1991. Another iconic figure is George Washington Carver who was able to extract 300 products such as cosmetics and medicinal oils just from peanuts.
The first black to be elected in the US senate was Hiram Rhodes. He did represent the Mississippi State in the senate for one year from 1870 to 1871. The other iconic person was Shirley Chisholm. She rose to become the number one colored person to be elected to the House of Representatives. She was a representative of the New York State back in 1972 she vied for presidency making her the first woman candidate to do so in the US.
In 1870, the colored population was 4.8 million. In 2007, the number of African American residents is at 40.7 million including those of more than one race. In 1940, Hattie became the first black American to perform and win an academy award due to her portrayal of a loyal slave governess in Gone with the Wind.
Extension of the activities to take a month-long was introduced in 1976. April presents the chance to remember the accomplishment of the blacks in America. Students get the chance to learn about the celebrated Africans Americans and at the same time improve their skill on internet surfing. This gives them a glimpse of how America as a nation has come from and therefore should recognize how privileges they are to enjoy the freedoms they have today.
The number of African American military and the military veterans is raising everyday. Not forgetting what military go through, they should be honored during this month too. Racism is common though in reduced volumes unlike before. The activities that go down during this period symbolize unity and enlightening the people of the importance of the African American on the US soil thus needs appreciation.
If you would like to know more about the black history month activities Missouri locals suggest that you refer to the following blog. Read these interesting posts about the role of African American women in history at http://amoureuxhouse.org.