Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month

image of peanuts

February 1, 2021
George Washington Carver 
Scientist
George Washington Carver (1864-1943) was a scientist who discovered many uses for peanuts, including making peanut butter. 

 

image of sprinkler
February 2, 2021
Elijah Mccoy 
Inventor 
The sprinkler was invented by Elijah Mccoy (1843-1929). He also invented the folding ironing board, and much more. 

 

image of super soaker

February 3, 2021
Linnie G. Johnson 
NASA Scientist 
The Super Soaker was invited by Lonnie G. Johnson (born in 1949) who was an aerospace engineer for NASA.

image of stoplight

February 4, 2021
Garrett Morgan
Inventor
The spotlight was invented by Garrett Morgan (1877-1963) who also invented the gas mask that saved many soldiers in the WWI.

red cells

February 5, 2021
Charles R. Drew 
Doctor 
Dr. Charles R. Drew (1904-1950) was a heart surgeon who invited blood transfusions and brought his blood storage concept to the Red Cross.

image of houses

February 8, 2021
Weeksville
Brooklyn, NY
Founded in 1838, Weeksville, a historically preserved town in Brooklyn was one of America’s first free Black communities during the 19th century. You can still visit it today. 

outdoor staircase

February 9, 2021
Door of No Return
Goree Island of West Africa
The Door of No Return on Goree Island, West Africa got its name because loved one walked through the door and were never seen again. They were put on slave ships and taken to the Americas. It was built in 1482. 

image of fire extinguisher

February 10, 2021
Thomas J. Martin
Inventor
Thomas J. Martin (1842-1872) patented improvements to the fire extinguisher in 1872.

image of runner

February 11, 2021
Wilma Rudolph 
Athlete
Wilma Rudolph was crippled as a child, yet she became the first African American women to win three gold medals in one Olympiad during the 1960 Olympics in Rome. 

image of wonder woman

February 12, 2021
Nubia 
DC Comics
Did you know that Wonder Women’s sister is Black, and her name is Nubia? Nubia is the only person who can defeat her sister. She first appeared in DC Comics in 1973. 

slavery era woodcut image

February 16, 2021
Slavery 
Kidnapping and Torture of Africans
Slavery grew rapidly in the South. In 1700, there were 30,000 captive slaves. By 1860, year before the start of the Civil War, there were about 4 million Africans used as slaves. 

image of Martin Luther King

February 17, 2021
Martin Luther King, JR Day
A National Holiday
In 1986, congress passed legislation that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day would be observed in the third Monday in January and it has been observed ever since. 

graphic of human brain

February 18, 2021
Dr. Alexa Canday
Surgeon
In 1984, Alexa Canady became the first Black woman in America to perform neurosurgery. 

basketball team

February 19, 2021
Harlem Globetrotters 
Athletes
In 1936, the Savoy Big Five was started in Chicago and was the original name of the original name of the later founded Harlem Globetrotters. 

crowd at Washington Monument

February 22, 2021
Million Man March
The million Man March took place in 1995 In Washing D.C., to present unity, solidarity, and male bonding for young black men. 

image of Michael Jackson

February 23, 2021
Michael Jackson
Musician
In 1983, Michael Jackson won eight Grammy Awards for his album thriller, which sold more copies than any other recording album up to that time. 

image of Shirley Chisholm button

February 24, 2021
Shirley Chisholm 
Politician
In 1968, Shirley Chisolm became the first women, and first Black woman to serve in the US congress (NY). In 1972, she became the first black major-party candidate to run for President of the US.

image of grand piano

February 25, 2021
Philippa Schuyler 
Child Prodigy
The Child prodigy, Philippa Schuyler made her debut at Ney York’s Town Hall in 1953 at age 12. She was a well-known concert pianist and composer. At age 13, she wrote the symphonic composition. 

image of man playing African instrument

February 26, 2021
The Kora
Musical Instrument
The Jora was a popular string instrument that was brought to America by enslaved Africans, in the 17th century, it was made from gourds and inspired the bajo. 

 

 

Email: ryan.hardy@dot.ca.gov