Tag Archive Black History Month

Invisible Heroes

February is Black History Month recognizing all the African Americans who have made a difference. Throughout this month the most famous individuals are thrust into the forefront and celebrated for their contributions to society. However, there are a large number of African Americans not mentioned.

These are our invisible heroes. We tend to forget about those that were left out of the history books in favor of the more famous individuals. Invisible heroes are just as worthy of praise. For every Dr. Martin King, Jr. and Harriet Tubman there are three others that contributed just as much to society, however they are often overlooked.

People like Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the first person to perform open heart surgery was African American. Or Garrett Morgan who invented the gas mask and traffic signal. Notable accomplishments by African American women are also silenced. For example, Jane Bolin was the first African American woman to become a judge as well as the first to graduate from Yale Law School and join the New York City Bar Association. And Althea Gibson, the first African American to play in and win the United States National Tennis Championship and Wimbledon.

It is important to recognize and celebrate everyone both famous and the not so famous every day not just in February.

W.O.M.E.N. challenges you to research and learn more about the invisible heroes. There is more to black history than what is taught in school!