BHM Reading Articles PDF

barack obama He has charm, charisma, and great speaking skills. Barack Obama was the first African American President of the United States. At age 47, he was the 44th President from 2009 to 2017. 2 million people watched his inauguration, the most in history. Barack Obama is...

barack obama He has charm, charisma, and great speaking skills. Barack Obama was the first African American President of the United States. At age 47, he was the 44th President from 2009 to 2017. 2 million people watched his inauguration, the most in history. Barack Obama is a lawyer, law professor, politician, and author. life story Barack Obama was born on August 4, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up in Hawaii and Indonesia. Ultimately, he was raised by his grandparents in Hawaii. Obama studied law at Harvard Law School, became a lawyer, and then taught law in Chicago from 1992 to 2004. Despite refusing Obama’s requests for a dates, Michelle and Barack Obama got married in Oct 1992. They have two children – Malia and Sasha and a dog named Bo. In 1996 Obama entered into politics. In 2004, Obama was elected senator of Illinois. With only 3 years on the U.S. Senate, Obama entered and won the presidential election of 2008 over Hilary Clinton. He also won the presidential re-election in 2012 against Mitt Romney. As President, Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act (ACA) otherwise known as Obamacare. The ACA was designed to reform healthcare for Americans. During his presidency, Osama bin Laden was captured and killed in May 2011. Personal Characteristics Obama is considered very charismatic. His nicknames included Barry (as a child) and O’Bomer (high school). Some additional fun facts about Barack Obama: he worked at Baskin Robbins as a teenager and has read all of the Harry Potter books. He loves playing basketball and enjoys the Chicago Bears (football) and Chicago White Sox (baseball) teams. One of Obama’s famous quotes was, “If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.” Fame Barack Obama won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts in international diplomacy and foreign policy. In addition to being known as the first African American and bi-racial president, Obama is an established author. He won a Grammy Award in 2006 for voicing Dreams From My Father. 6 © Lucky Chlover Writing  Barbara jordan Civil rights leader and a great public speaker. Barbara Jordan was an African American lawyer, educator, and politician. She was the first African American woman from the south elected in the House of Representatives. She is considered a leader of the Civil Rights movement. life story Barbara Jordan was born February 21, 1936 in Houston, Texas. Her father was a minister and her mother a domestic worker. She grew up poor, but her parents encouraged academic excellence. She became a skilled public speaker in high school. Jordan graduated with honors from Phillis Wheatley High School and then pursued political science and history at Texas Southern University. Then she graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1959, one of very few African American students there. Jordan taught political science at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama upon graduating from law school. In 1960, she started a private law practice in Houston. Jordan’s first venture into politics was when she worked for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign. While it took 3 tries, Jordan earned her spot on the Texas House of Representatives in 1966 – the first African American female in the Texas Senate after Reconstruction. She retired from politics in 1979. Jordan had multiple sclerosis and leukemia. She nearly drowned in July 1988, but her companion Nancy Earl revived her. She died of a complication from pneumonia. Personal Characteristics Jordan presented an eloquent opening statement during the impeachment proceedings against Richard Nixon and the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 1976. Fame Barbara Jordan received the Springarn Medal in 1992 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. She was inducted into the National 7 Women’s Hall of Fame. © Lucky Chlover Writing  Benjamin o. davis jr. The first African American flying unit in the U.S. military! Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. was U.S. Air Force general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen. He was a pilot, officer, and administrator. life story Benjamin O Davis Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. on December 18, 1912. His father, Benjamin O Davis Sr. was an Army officer. His mother died from complications with birth to the third child in 1916. Davis Jr. went to the University of Chicago and then West Point Military Academy in New York in 1932. Davis Jr. felt racial segregation because classmates gave him the “silent treatment.” He ate by himself and never had a roommate. His strength and motivation drove him to graduate, earning the respect of his classmates. Later, Davis Jr. would encounter more segregation when he was rejected at the Army Air Corps because he was African American. He ended up at the Tuskegee Institute, a college for African Americans, teaching military tactics. In 1941, Davis Jr. was among the first African Americans allowed in the Army Air Corps for pilot training. Davis Jr. was promoted to lieutenant colonel and commander. He organized the 99th Pursuit Squadron, the first African American air unit. He flew in more than 60 missions. He helped plan to desegregate the Air Force in 1948. Personal Characteristics Like his father, Davis Jr. broke racial barriers. He became more determined to achieve success. He blazed his own pathway with courage and intelligence. This led to President Harry Truman to order racial integration of the armed forces. Fame Davis Jr. earned 2 Distinguished Service Medals and a Silver Star. President Bill Clinton declared Benjamin O Davis Jr. a 4 star general in December 1998, the first African American to be so honored. His claim to fame was that he was the first African American that became8 a general – in any branch of the military. © Lucky Chlover Writing  Bessie coleman Before Amelia Earhart, there was Bessie Coleman! Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman was the first female African and Native American aviator (pilot). She was the first African American to earn an international pilot’s license. life story Coleman was the 10th of 13 children born to a family of sharecroppers in Texas in 1892. At age 6 Coleman walked 4 miles every day to her segregated, one-room school. She excelled in reading and math. After moving to Chicago in 1916 at age 24, Coleman heard stories from the pilots of World War I. This sparked her dream to become a pilot. Due to segregation in the U.S., she had to travel to Paris to learn to fly planes. Upon returning to the U.S. she became a celebrity. Unfortunately, racial discrimination prevented Coleman from becoming a commercial pilot in the U.S. With additional training in France, she opted to do stunt flying (barnstorming) performing dangerous tricks in front of a paying audience. While she was popular at aerial shows, she refused to fly in front of segregated audiences in the south. Coleman was heading to a show that required a parachute jump. She did not wear her seatbelt because she needed to look out of the plane and down to see where to land. The plane spun out of control and Coleman catapulted almost 2,000 feet to her death. Personal Characteristics Coleman was scrappy (resourceful) and motivated, doing what she needed so she could do what she loved. Seeing how she didn’t have the same same rights as White men, she encouraged African Americans to take an interest in aviation. She even founded her own school. Fame Coleman was featured on a Black Heritage stamp by the U.S. Postal Service in 1995. She was inducted to the National Women’s Hall of Fame 9 © Lucky Chloverthe WritingNational Aviation Hall of Fame, and International Air & Space Hall of Fame.  booker t. washington He’s always doing for others... and respecting others. Booker T. Washington was an educator, author, and the developer of the Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University). In his quest to raise funds for his school, Washington became one of the leaders of the civil rights movement. life story Booker Taliaferro Washington was born on April 5, 1856 in Hale’s Ford, Virginia. His parents lived on a plantation in Virginia in a one-room shack. Since he was born into slavery, he started working for his master around the age of 5. In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the slaves. At around the age of 9, Washington’s family was free. However, jobs were scarce and the South was divided. Washington’s family relocated to West Virginia to work in the salt and coal mines. Eventually, in 1872 Washington traveled 500 miles away to attend The Hampton Institute. After graduating, he taught at the school. Eventually, in 1881 Washington opened a school for African Americans in Tuskegee, Alabama. After the humble beginnings of being the only teacher in a church setting, Washington spent his life turning the Institute into a University. Personal Characteristics Washington was a motivated hard worker. He learned to read and write at a school for African American children, all while working as a kid. Not afraid of hard work, he did odd jobs on his way to the Hampton Institute. He delivered a speech in 1895 called the Atlanta Compromise that encourage African Americans to learn a trade to make a living. He was a proud man who was respectful of the White community. Fame Washington was the first African American man on a U.S. postage stamp and coin, and he was the first African American man invited to11 the © Lucky White Chlover Writing House. He advised Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Taft.  colin powell He’s a force to be reckoned with! Colin Powell is nicknamed the reluctant warrior. He is a retired General in the U.S. Army. Serving under President George W. Bush, he was the first African American Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State. life story Powell was born on April 5, 1937 in New York. Upon graduating from high school, he majored in geology a the City College of New York. He joined the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). This is where he discovered he wanted to become a solider. Powell joined the army as a second lieutenant and served in Vietnam. Meanwhile, he married Alma Vivian Johnson in 1962 and they had 3 children. While in Vietnam he stepped on a trap, got injured, but recovered. He returned to Vietnam in 1968 as a major. Investigating the My Lai Massacre, Powell was in a helicopter that crashed and caught on fire. If all of that wasn’t enough, Powell earned his MBA at George Washington University. This led to working at the White House, a tour of duty in Korea, and promotions to colonel in 1976 and brigadier general in 1979. Personal Characteristics Powell followed “13 Rules of Leadership.” Some principles include “get mad, then get over it”, “share credit”, and “remain calm and be kind.” He is an honorable, dedicated man who has served his country well. Fame Powell has an impressive array of honors. He was promoted to 4 star general by 1989. He was also awarded the highest ranking position in the U.S. military – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1991. He also earned the Purple Heart for being wounded in Vietnam. Finally, he earned 12 © Lucky Chlover Writing the Soldier’s Medal for bravery pulling others to safety after the  condoleezza rice Who can compete with Condoleezza Rice? She has it all! Condoleezza Rice is a professor, diplomat, civil servant, and politician. She has blazed a pathway to being the first female African American United States Secretary of State. She was also the first woman National Security Advisor. life story Rice was born November 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was a well- rounded child with lessons in French, music, figure skating, and ballet at the age of 3. Rice was the first African American student at the Birmingham Southern Conservatory of Music. At age 15 she began studies at the University of Denver as a concert pianist, but later changed her major to international relations. She earned her master’s degree in economics from University of Notre Dame and a doctorate in international studies. She later was responsible for balancing Stanford University’s multibillion dollar budget. She turned the $20 million deficit into a surplus of over $14.5 million. Aside from academics, Rice has had an elite political career assisting presidents in everything from terrorism to interrogation techniques. Personal Characteristics Rice is a classic over-achiever, having skipped 1st and 7th grades and beginning college at age 15. She received 7 honorary doctorates between 1991 and 2004. Yet, Rice also has a non-academic side. She loves to shop, gets up everyday at 5am to exercise, and loves football. She would love to someday be commissioner of the National Football League! Fame Rice has been on Time Magazine’s Time 100 list four times. Time Magazine also considered her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Forbes Magazine has ranked Rice as #1 in 2004 and 2005 and #2 in 2006 of the most powerful women in the world. 13 © Lucky Chlover Writing  Daniel hale williams What an influential man in the field of medicine! Daniel Hale Williams was the founder of Provident Hospital in Chicago, the first non-segregated hospital in the United States. He even founded a nursing school for African Americans. life story Daniel Hale Williams was born on January 18, 1856 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania (though some think his birth year was 1858). His father died when he was 9 or 10 years old. Williams ended up working with a shoemaker, he opened a barber shop, and was inspired by a physician from Janesville, Wisconsin. Dr. Henry W. Palmer was his mentor for 2 years before Williams attended Chicago Medical College (now known as Northwestern University Medical School). After graduating, he opened his own medical office. Williams moved to Washington, D.C. in 1894 to serve as chief surgeon of Freedmen’s Hospital. This facility provided medical care for formerly enslaved African Americans. Here is where Williams improved medical procedures, launched ambulance services, and more. In 1895, he co-founded the National Medical Association for African American doctors. In 1898, Williams married Alice Johnson. Williams died of a stroke in August 1931. Personal Characteristics Williams was an independent wise man who apprenticed with mentors to find his true passion – being a doctor. Fame Williams is known for performing one of the first successful cardiac (heart) surgeries on July 10, 1893. His patient lived for 20 more years after Williams repaired the sac around the heart with no blood transfusions, anesthetics, or antibiotics. Not only that, but Williams was the only African American charter member of the American College of14 © Lucky Chlover WritingSurgeons.  Frederick douglass He’s a writer, a speaker, and inspiration to so many. Frederick Douglass became a leading African American human rights activist after escaping slavery. life story Frederick Douglass (born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey) was born into slavery in Tuckahoe, Maryland in 1818, exact date unknown. He was sent to Baltimore, Maryland at age 8 to live in Hugh Auld’s house where Auld’s wife taught Douglass to read. Slaves weren’t allowed to read, so Douglass had to learn secretly. He would practice by trading small pieces of bread to the White kids while running errands for his owner. Douglass was then sent to Edward Covey who had a reputation for “breaking” slaves – whipping them into behaving properly. Eventually, Douglass fought back and was never beaten again. Douglass escaped slavery as a teen by wearing a sailor uniform and papers from a free African American seaman. In New Bedford, Massachusetts, he changed his name to Douglass after a character in the poem The Lady of the Lake. Later in life, Douglass served under 5 Presidents and was even nominated for Vice President of the United States. Personal Characteristics Douglass had a gift with words – both as a speaker and reader. He was fiercely determined to be educated and to advocate (fight) for African Americans and women while fighting against slavery. Fame Douglass became the first African American to hold high rank in the US government. During the Civil War, he consulted with President Abraham Lincoln fighting for slaves’ rights. He actively recruited African American soldiers for the Civil War and wrote his own autobiography in 1882 titled Life and Times of Frederick Douglass. Douglass also supported the women’s rights movement. He was on a postage stamp and coin, and was 17 inducted © Lucky into the New York Writers Hall of Fame. Chlover Writing  George Washington carver He’s not really the “Peanut Man.” George Washington Carver was known as the young “plant doctor.” Carver cared more about people than money. life story George Washington Carver was born into slavery in 1860 near Diamond Grove, Missouri. A sickly child, he wasn’t able to work in the fields so he learned about plants. He earned a scholarship to Highland University in Kansas, but the school withdrew the scholarship when they saw he was African American. Carver’s interest in science brought him to Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University). He was offered a faculty position after graduation, the first African American person to ever receive the honor. He now had time to work on agriculture and botany. After receiving his master’s degree in agriculture, Booker T. Washington appointed Carver director of agriculture at Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. He planted peas on 20 barren acres with his students because peas converted nitrogen in the air into nitrates to fertilize the soil. Carver’s discoveries with soil led to farmers’ abundance with peanuts (and how they rotted quickly in warehouses). Carver began experimenting with how to use peanuts productively. He found ways to use the peanut with ink, facial cream, shampoo, and soap. This led to an entire industry to find multi uses for various vegetables including sweet potatoes, pecans and more. Personal Characteristics Carter was an inquisitive scientist who researched and experimented to find methods that enabled farmers to prosper. Fame Carver is considered the most prominent African American scientist of the early 20th century. He received the Springarn Medal of the NAACP in 1923 and was awarded the Roosevelt Medal for distinguished research19 in © Lucky Chlover Writing agricultural chemistry in 1939.  guion bluford Journey into outer space. Guion Bluford, an engineer, fighter pilot, and astronaut, was the first African American in space. life story Guion “Guy” Bluford was born on November 22, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bluford likely develop an interest in engineering because his mom was a school teacher and dad was a mechanical engineer. Bluford was the only African American student in aerospace engineering at Pennsylvania State University in 1964. He married Linda Tull in 1964 and they have 2 sons. Earning his pilot wings in 1966, he fought 144 combat missions during the Vietnam War as a fighter pilot. He later earned his doctorate in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. In 1978, Bluford applied to NASA’s first competition astronaut program. He was one of 35 people chosen out of 10,000 applicants. He eventually launched on the 8th space shuttle mission (STS-8) in 1983. He then went on 3 additional missions to space. In 2002, Bluford became the President of Aerospace Technology in Cleveland, Ohio. Personal Characteristics Bluford is a private man who works hard and takes responsibility seriously. He is a firm believer in STEM education. He enjoys scuba diving, playing golf, swimming, jogging, racquetball, handball, and reading. Fame Bluford earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, 3 Outstanding Unit Awards, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and 10 Air Force Medals He was awarded 8 service medals from NASA and has been inducted into the20 © Lucky Chlover Writing International Space Hall of Fame, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, and  harriet tubman How brave are you? Do you have what it takes to do the right thing? Harriet Tubman was a nurse and civil rights activist. life story Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross) was born into slavery around 1820. At 13 years old she changed her name to Harriet when she ran away from her master, but as a kid, her parents called her Minty. When she was 5 or 6 she was sent to take care of a baby in a different home. Harriet was whipped if the baby cried. She had a difficult childhood driving oxen, plowing fields, hauling logs, loading produce, and checking muskrat traps even when she had measles. When she was 13, a slave owner threw an iron weight at one of his slaves, but missed and hit Harriet in the head. She had dizzy spells and blackouts for the rest of her life. The northern states outlawed slavery so slaves would escape using the Underground Railroad (not a real railroad). This freedom involved “conductors” hiding slaves as they traveled north from station to station (safe homes). Harriet used the Underground Railroad to escape in 1849. Unfortunately, the Fugitive Slave Act passed in 1850 which meant free slaves could now be returned to their owners. This was the start of Harriet’s journey as a conductor where she helped free 300 slaves with 19 escapes. During the Civil War, she became a scout and spay for the Union Army. Personal Characteristics Harriet was a very religious brave soul who did the right thing helping others. In addition to freeing slaves, she nursed soldiers in the Civil War. She helped the sick and poor and fought for equal rights for African Americans and women. Fame Tubman is most famous for being a leader in the Underground Railroad. Tubman was nicknamed “Moses” while she was alive. She is the icon for 21 © Lucky Chlover Writing courage and freedom.  Jackie robinson He’s the superhero of athletes. Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball. life story Jack Roosevelt Robinsons was born on January 31, 1919 in Cairo, Georgia. The youngest of 5 children, Robinson grew up watching his older brothers excel at sports in Pasadena, California. Robinson also excelled in sports - football, basketball, track, tennis, and baseball. In college he was one of 10 students named to the Order of the Mast and Dagger. Robinson was drafted to the US Army in 1942. While he was delayed acceptance into Officer Candidate School, he became a 2nd lieutenant in 1943. His military career halted when Robinson boarded a bus and the driver order him to move to the back of the bus. Robinson refused which led to his court-martial. Later he was acquitted with the terms that he become the coach for army athletics. After his honorable discharge, Robinson played baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League. From there, the Brooklyn Dodgers recruited Robinson. Starting in the minor leagues, Robinson encountered racism, but he had a.349 average and the MVP award. In April 1947, Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers and was named Rookie of the Year. Personal Characteristics Robinson was an outspoken nonviolent, talented athlete whose achievements famously altered civil rights for African Americans in baseball. Fame At UCLA, Robinson was the first athlete to earn varsity letters in all 4 sports – track, baseball, football, and basketball. He broke the racial divide in baseball, while being the first African American to play in the major leagues. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential 23 Medal © Lucky of Freedom. Robinson was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. Chlover Writing  john lewis Inspired by others, but blazed his own pathway. John Lewis is a politician and civil rights leader. life story John Robert Lewis was born February 21, 1940 in Troy, Alabama. Growing up with his 6 brothers and 3 sisters in segregated schools, his parents did not encourage rising against segregation. That changed, however, when he saw Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. speak of civil rights. Lewis went to Troy State College (now Troy University), the American Baptist Theological Institute, and Fisk University. Lewis participated and organized nonviolent protests, sit-ins, and assemblies. He even got arrested on occasion. Lewis, considered one of civil rights’ “Big Six” leaders, had a major role in the historic March on Washington in 1963. He became one of the original 13 Freedom Riders who rode interstate buses into segregated areas to challenge authority by using “Whites only” restrooms, lunch counters, and even bus stations. Lewis began as a Democratic U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district in 1987. Personal Characteristics Lewis had a happy, yet working childhood. He went against his parents wishes and tried to spread the word about segregation and its unfairness. Periodically, Lewis preached as a teenager. This translated into working against segregation. Fame Lewis was the youngest of the “Big Six” chairpersons of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He led the march known as “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama in 1965. He was awarded the Martin Luther Kind Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize, the John F. Kennedy Profile in25 Courage © Lucky Chlover WritingAward, the Springarn Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  Langston hughes Can you writing pass the test? Langston Hughes was poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He established jazz poetry as he became known as the leader of the Harlem Renaissance. life story James Mercer Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1902 in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes grew up in small Midwestern towns. His grandmother raised and helped him develop a sense of racial pride. In high school, Hughes wrote for the school paper, he edited the yearbook, and began his first short stories, poetry, and plays. After high school, Hughes moved to Mexico to spend time with his father. His father agreed to pay for him to go to Columbia University– if he studied engineering (he was against Hughes becoming a writer). Hughes didn’t finish school, though, because of racial prejudice with students and teachers. Instead, he traveled as a crewman to Europe and Africa aboard the S.S. Malone. Hughes returned to the States and attended Lincoln University, a primarily African American college. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in English with Supreme Justice Thurgood Marshall as a classmate. Throughout his life, Hughes wrote novels, short stores, nonfiction plays, and children’s books in addition to poetry. Personal Characteristics Hughes was a great writer at a young age, earning him the title - class poet. He spent his life traveling, learning, and writing about his experiences. Hughes’ most famous poem “Negro Speaks of Rivers” was published when he was just a teen. He had a play on Broadway in 1935 and wrote his own autobiography when he was 28 (“The Big Sea”). Fame Hughes was awarded the Springarn Medal by the NAACP for his achievements as a writer. He also received an award from the National 27 © Lucky Chlover Writing Institute of Arts & Letters.  louis armstrong What a wonderful world! Louis Armstrong was one of the most influential musicians in the history of jazz music. life story Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, composer, vocalist, and actor born August 4, 1901 in New Orleans, Louisiana. His neighborhood was so poor it was nicknamed “The Battleground.” Armstrong was a troublesome boy who dropped out of school at age 11. He joined a quartet of boys who sang in the street for money. When Armstrong was 12, he was arrested for playing with a gun and taken to the New Orleans Home for Colored Waifs. Here he started playing in the band. After his year at the boys’ home Joe “King” Oliver mentored Armstrong. During the summers, Armstrong toured on the steamboats up and down the Mississippi River playing music. Armstrong was part of a jazz band in Chicago during the beginning of the Roaring 20s. He later learned the trumpet, his signature instrument, after he joined Fletcher Henderson’s band in New York. By this time in the 1930s, Armstrong had a reputation as the gravelly voiced soloist with big bands. Armstrong returned to Chicago and created his own band called the All Stars. During a recording session, Armstrong dropped his lyrics on the floor and began singing in nonsense syllables. This was the beginning of “scatting” (making up words). Personal Characteristics Music was Armstrong’s escape from a difficult childhood with no father. He was always working odd jobs and he often got in trouble. Armstrong’s nicknames include Satchmo (for satchelmouth – referring to the size of his mouth), Pops, Dippermouth. Fame Armstrong has 11 recordings in the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972 and was inducted into the 28 Rock © Lucky Chloverand WritingRoll Hall of Fame in 1990. He even had a postage stamp in his honor in 1995.  Malcolm x A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything. (Malcom X) Malcom X was one of the most controversial leaders of the civil rights movement. life story Malcom Little was born on May 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska. Malcom was put into foster care as a teen after his father’s death and mother’s hospitalization. While Malcom wanted to be a successful lawyer, a teacher told him he couldn’t because he was African American. He moved to Boston to live with his sister. He ended up in jail for 10 years for larceny (stealing) and breaking and entering. In jail, Malcom read a lot and learned about Islamic teachings from his brother. After speaking with Elijah Muhammad, the leader of the Nation of Islam, Malcom converted to Islam and changed his last name to “X” (to break free from his last name that was assigned by his slave master). He eventually changed his entire name. After prison Malcom worked at 7 temples and became the leader of Temple Number 7 in Harlem. He became a popular and powerful speaker, leader, and minister. He was the most influential member of the Nation of Islam, after Elijah Muhammad, raising membership from 500 to 25,000 members in 11 years. Initially, Malcom did not fight for racial equality for African Americans. He pushed violence against the “evil White people” who he considered less than the superior African American race. Later, Malcom debated Muhammad’s Islamic beliefs and left the Nation of Islam. Malcom’s house was burned down in February 1965 and then came his assassination by 3 members of the Nation of Islam. Personal Characteristics Malcom had a difficult childhood. His dad died when he was 6. His mom ended up hospitalized for 25 years because it became challenging to care for 7 children during the Great Depression. With no strong guiding role models, it seems he was easily led astray with others’ strong beliefs at times in his life. Fame Malcom X is remembered for helping African Americans connect to their roots. 29 There are © Lucky Chlover Writing memorials, tributes, books, and movies, and even a postage stamp in his honor.  michelle obama Becoming the First Lady... Michelle Obama is known as the First Lady, having been the wife to President Barack Obama from 2009-2017. She was the first African American female wife to the President of the United States. life story Michelle Obama (Michelle LaVaughn Robinson) was born on January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama was reading by age 4, skipped 2nd grade, and sent to the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School because she was academically gifted. Obama graduated from both Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She worked at Sidley Austin LLP specializing in intellectual property law. This is where she met President Barack Obama. She then served as an assistant to the Chicago Mayor and later was assistant commissioner for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Another job of hers was associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago. In 2002, Obama worked as executive director for community affairs at the University of Chicago hospitals. She advanced to Vice President for Community and External Affairs. Obama cut her job tasks by 80 percent so she could devote time to Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. As First Lady she visited homeless shelters and soup kitchens. Her primary objectives were Let’s Move, Reach Higher, Let Girls Learn, and Join Forces. Personal Characteristics Obama has a strong personality that is effective in bringing about change. She insisted that Barack Obama quit smoking if he was going to run for President. Some have seen her as too harsh or sarcastic, but she was nicknamed "the closer” because she was very persuasive at times. Fame Obama was named Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating Person of the Year in 2009. She is known for supporting military families and trying to end 32 © Lucky Chloverchildhood Writing obesity.  misty copeland Overcoming challenges and becoming an artist. Misty Copeland is the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre. life story Misty Danielle Copeland was born on September 10, 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri. Copeland’s mother remarried several times, and there were frequent family moves in her childhood. In middle school she followed in her sisters footsteps joining the drill team. Her coach noticed her talent and recommended a ballet class at the local Boys & Girls Club with Cynthia Bradley. Copeland had raw natural talent so she began taking classes with Bradley at the San Pedro Ballet School. She ultimately moved in with Bradley’s family to be closer to the studio. In 1998 at age 15, after winning first place at the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards, she got a full scholarship into the summer intensive program at the San Francisco Ballet. While Copeland was quickly gaining recognition and skills, there was a custody battle between her mother and Bradley. Copeland was going to file emancipation papers to legally free herself from her mother, but she withdrew the request. In 2001 Copeland joined the American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet. Six years later she was promoted to soloist and in eventually earned the title of principal dancer. Personal Characteristics Misty has done what many have said can’t be done because she applies herself and works hard. She didn’t let stereotypes like body size and age interfere with her goals (she didn’t start ballet until age 13). Fame Copeland is a ballet prodigy. She was National Youth of the Year Ambassador in 2013. and named to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in 2014. She was one of Barbara Walters’ Most 33 © Lucky Chlover Writing Fascinating People of 2015.  Muhammad ali He floated like a butterfly, but stung like a bee. Muhammad Ali was a boxer, activist, and philanthropist who was nicknamed “The Greatest.” life story Muhammad Ali (Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.) was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. Someone stole Ali’s bike when he was 12 so Ali told the police officer that he was going to beat the thief up. Joe Martin, the police officer, was a boxing coach and taught Ali how to defend himself. That was the beginning. Ali became a professional boxer after his 1960 gold medal in the Olympics. He became a Muslim and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. He later used his religious beliefs as a reason to not be drafted in the Vietnam War The boxing association refused to let him fight for 3 years because of this choice. Ali earned his heavyweight champion title in 1964 when he defeated Sonny Liston by knockout because Liston wouldn’t return for the 7th round. Other famous fights included the “Fight of the Century” on March 8, 1971 against Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden. It lasted all 12 rounds and was Ali’s first loss (by decision). Two more memorable fights resulting in wins for Ali were The Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman and Thrilla in Manilla against Joe Frazier again. Ali’s final boxing record had 56 wins, 37 knockouts, and 19 decisions. Personal Characteristics Ali’s boxing style used quick moves, dodging the hits, quicker punches, trash talk, and dropped arms to tempt his opponents. Outside of the boxing ring, he was a musician with 2 Grammy nominations, an actor, and author. He battled Parkinson’s syndrome. Fame Ali was the first heavyweight fighter to win the crown 3 times. He was “Sportsman of the Century” and “Sports Personality of the Century.” He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990 and was 35 © Lucky Chlover Writing awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.  Shirley chisholm “The Black man must step forward, but that doesn’t mean the Black woman must step back.” Chisholm. Shirley Chisholm was a politician, author, and educator. life story Shirley Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924 in New York, New York. Chisholm grew up with her grandparents in Barbados from age 5 to age 10, earning a good education. She graduated from Brooklyn College in 1946, winning prizes in debating. While earning her master’s degree in elementary education, Chisholm worked in a daycare. She ended up being the director of the daycare which sparked her interest in politics. Chisholm began her political career in the New York State Assembly. Here she argued against a mandatory literacy test in English (just because someone speaks another language, doesn’t mean they are illiterate). She helped get unemployment benefits for domestic workers. She also sponsored the SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation, and Knowledge) program for disadvantaged students wanting to go to college. Chisholm was elected into the U.S. House of Representatives in 1968 and served for 7 terms. Upon retiring from Congress, Chisholm returned to education and taught politics and sociology at Mt. Holyoke College from 1983 to 1987. Personal Characteristics Chisholm wasn’t always popular because she spoke her mind. She worked to improve education, health care, and social services for the under- privileged. Fame Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress. She helped create the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Women’s Caucus. She was the first African American to make a bid to run for President. She has had Black Heritage stamp in her honor and Chisholm 38 © Lucky Chloverwas Writing awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.  sojourner truth “Ain’t I a Woman?” Truth. Sojourner Truth was an abolitionist and author who demanded equal rights for women and African Americans. life story Sojourner Truth (born Isabella Baumfree) was born into slavery around 1797. Truth was sold to farmer John Neely for $100 (with a herd of sheep) when she was 9 years old. Neely severely beat Truth because she couldn’t follow orders since she spoke Dutch and he spoke English. Truth taught her self English by listening to others. Truth’s last owner was John Dumont. He wouldn’t let Truth marry Robert, a slave on a nearby farm, because he wanted to own her children. She was forced to marry his own slave named Thomas and they had 5 children, though one died shortly after birth. While Dumont promised Truth freedom (because of the New York Anti Slavery Law of 1827), he changed his mind. Truth was angry so she walked away from the farm with her daughter Sophia to the Van Wagenen’s home. She couldn’t take her other children because they weren’t free at the time. At the Van Wagenen’s home, Truth learned about religion, education, and public speaking. She became a preacher, educating others about slavery and how women are harassed and tormented. In 1843 she changed her name to Sojourner Truth. Around that time, she met Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. Truth’s most famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech was at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. Personal Characteristics Truth was a smart, resourceful, powerful, quick-witted, and respectable speaker who traveled to share her story. Fame Truth was the first African American woman to win a case against a White man in court. She was in the first group of women inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. One of her famous quotes is, “truth is © Lucky Chlover Writing powerful and it prevails.” 39  Thurgood marshall Mr. Civil Rights. Thurgood Marshall was influential lawyer in the civil rights movement who helped establish major changes in discriminatory law. life story Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. After, he tried to attend University of Maryland, but he was denied because he was African American. Instead, he went to Howard University, graduating the top of his class in 1933. He began his own law practice in Baltimore. Ironically, Marshall’s first court win in 1934 was a case about an African American named Donald Murray, who was refused admission to the University of Maryland simply due to race. Marshall became the chief counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His fight against segregation, passion for civil rights, and skill as a lawyer led to his nickname “Mr. Civil Rights”. Marshall's landmark case was Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas (1954). It was another case of “separate but equal” where African Americans couldn’t attend the same schools as White people. Marshall won because it violated the 14th amendment of the United States. Marshall became a hero and one of the most well-known attorneys. President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall a judge on the Court of Appeals in 1961. From there he became Solicitor General and then President Lyndon Johnson appointed him to the Supreme Court in 1966. Personal Characteristics Marshall was a good student, but a troublemaker (he had to memorize the US Constitution as a punishment for misbehaving in class). He was a star of the debate team because he was logical and loved to argue. He had a great sense of humor. Fame Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice. 40 He fought for the rights of all people and broke racial barriers. © Lucky Chlover Writing  w.e.b. dubois “Either American will destroy ignorance or ignorance will destroy the United States.” Du Bois. W.E.B. Du Bois was a writer, sociologist, and civil rights activist. life story William Edward Burghardt Du Bois, known as W.E.B. Du Bois, was born in February 23, 1868 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He graduated in 1890 from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where he saw the racism and Jim Crow laws in effect. After, he earned scholarships to Harvard University where he studied history and philosophy. In 1895, He became the first African American to receive his Ph.D. from Harvard. Du Bois taught at the University of Pennsylvania in 1896 followed by Atlanta University in 1897. By 1899, Du Bois published The Philadelphia Negro: A Social Study while teaching at Atlanta University. While here, Du Bois argued with Booker T. Washington over Washington’s Atlanta Compromise. Du Bois thought African Americans could be successful in trades and college and politics. Du Bois formed the Niagara Movement in 1905 and became a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909. He edited the NAACP monthly magazine, The Crisis. He also helped coordinate Pan- African congresses to free African colonies from Europe. Personal Characteristics Du Bois was smart and insightful, always demanding equality for African Americans. Fame Du Bois was the first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He co-founded the NAACP. He was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize by the USSR in 1951 and the Springarn Medal in 1920. He had a postage stamp in his honor and they named the highest career award given by the American Sociological Association the W.E.B. Du Bois Career41of © Lucky Chlover WritingDistinguished Scholarship Award.