6 Unsung Heroes to Remember This Black History Month

American history is full of people whose contributions shaped the country. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Robert Sengstacke are among the well-known historical figures. But there are countless other personalities who didn’t get as much recognition as they deserve.

This Black History Month, let’s remember the unsung heroes of African American history and celebrate their contributions.

1. Bessie Coleman

At a time when segregation and discrimination against minorities and women were at their peak, Bessie Coleman made history by becoming the first African American woman to earn a civil pilot’s license.

After being denied admission to any flight school across the country, Coleman applied to Caudron Brothers' School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France where she received her international pilot’s license on 15th June 1921.

She then moved back to the US where she performed in flight shows and gave flight lessons. Also, she refused to speak at segregated events and promoted equality for all.

Her flight on 30th April 1926 proved to be her last.

When flying with an aviation mechanic as a passenger, the plane flipped over due to a technical issue. The airplane didn’t have a roof and she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt, causing her to fall out. Unfortunately, she didn’t survive the fall and passed away at the young age of 34. However, her legacy remains to this day.

2. Jane Bolin

Born in 1908, Jane Matilda Bolin became the first African American woman judge. Not only that, she was the first African American female to join the NYC Law Department and graduate from Yale Law School. She worked with the Family Court bench for over 40 years.

Despite racism, sexism, and social isolation, Jane Bolin was amongst the top students in her batch and made history with her achievements. Further, she didn’t let injustices against minorities stop her from achieving her dreams and opening doors for others.

Bolin was a social activist too. Throughout her life, she served organizations such as NAACP, the New York Urban League, and the NY State Board of Regents as a volunteer and board member.

3. Eunice Hunton Carter

Nicknamed Mob Buster, Eunice Hunton Carter played a crucial role in reclaiming peace from the reign of one of the most notorious Five Families in New York City.

A street-smart person, Carter became the first Black woman to graduate from Fordham Law School. Then she proceeded to work as a prosecutor in women’s court that basically handled cases of women, especially prostitutes.

During one such assignment, she succeeded in proving a direct relationship between brothels and organized crime. This is how she charged mobster Charlie “Lucky” Luciano and brought his criminal activities to end.

4. Ella Baker

The former Secretary of the NAACP organization, Ella Baker was a prominent civil rights activist who worked alongside Martin Luther King Jr. for equal human rights. However, her name isn’t as widely known since she preferred working in the background.

“Give light and people will find the way.”

• Ella Baker

Baker was inspired by her grandmother who used to be a slave and worked with multiple social activism organizations to promote Black economic power. Also, she fought against Jim Crow Laws and then joined SCLC (MLK Jr’s new organization).

5. Daisy Gatson Bates

After losing her biological mother to racism at the tender age of 3, Daisy Gatson Bates worked to address racial injustice all through her older years.

She was the president of the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP and played a key role in the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School. When the Supreme Court made segregation at schools unconstitutional, she integrated Little Rock’s Central High School by sending nine black kids there and ensured their safety.

Further, she encouraged black voters to use their rights and advocated for fair housing and employment opportunities.

6. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler

As the first African American woman to earn an M.D. degree in the country, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler worked to relieve the suffering of others. After receiving her “Doctress of Medicine” degree in 1864, Dr. Crumpler collaborated with Freedman’s Bureau to serve freed African Americans after the Civil War.

She went on to publish “A Book of Medical Discourses” to share valuable information about the treatment of ill infants, young children, and women.

Conclusion

Black History Month is an important time to remember the contributions of African Americans to the country. From Fannie Lou Hamer to Pauli Murray, there is a myriad of other unsung heroes who made an unforgettable impact on the community.

Despite racism and segregation, they fought for the rights of people and set an example for others.

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Becoming a Member

NAACP has lots of work to do! So, it’s important to lock arms and work hand in hand to create the change OUR people deserve.

Join us in our mission. We need your support to make our voice count and work for people who are unfairly serving time in prison due to the rotten justice system and solve other major problems in the community.

Consider becoming a member of NAACP Tulsa #6143 through the NAACP website and don’t forget to choose branch#6143 during registration. Also, you can support us through donations to help us with activities and plans for the betterment of the community. Visit www.naacp.org.

NAACP is a membership-only organization and there are different membership plans available for individuals and business corporations. Also, you can become a lifetime member to show your never-ending support.

We look forward to meeting you at the Inaugural Service & Fundraising Gala in February!

Reach the NAACP Tulsa branch#6143 via telephone at (405) 400-7771 or email at naacptulsa@gmail.com.

Meet the Team at the Gala

This is a new era for NAACP.

Join us at the Inaugural Service & Fundraising Gala to meet the officers and learn more about the organization that is focused on the greater good.

The new team will meet the community and discuss issues prevalent in the community. Also, the team will share plans for NAACP in the upcoming months and how it plans to bring change.

So, book your spot today before seats are filled to meet the team behind NAACP Tulsa.

Reserve Your Seat at the Inaugural Event

The Inaugural Gala is a fundraising event. So, the proceedings received through tickets and donations will go toward NAACP’s community-centric programs.

There are several activities planned for attendees. The event duration will be around 4 hours during which attendees can network, eat, dance, loland get swag bags. Also, there will be vendor stalls where local businesses will showcase their products.

Reach DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tulsa Downtown 616 West 7th Street Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127 on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM. But first, don’t forget to buy your eTicket for $50-$75 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/naacp-tulsa-inaugural-service-fundraising-gala-tickets-475726539887 to reserve your spot beforehand.

The event entry is open to everyone who supports the mission of NAACP to create opportunities for people and promote justice and equality in society.