Black History Month

Acknowledging Lesser Known Influential Leaders

Ashley Changstory

Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Features

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African American History Month is a time that we can acknowledge the history and evolution of African American culture and the innovators that have influenced our world. It is a moment where we can stop and remember those who endured slavery, fought against segregation and persecution and those who continually stand up for what is right and lead us toward a better tomorrow.

Popular African American leaders are important to remember during this time of celebration; however, we must also embrace the lesser known individuals that have influenced our society. Here is a mere glimpse at a few of the myriad amount of influential African American leaders of all time.




Rebecca Lee Cumpler
Feb. 8, 1831-March 9, 1895.

- First African American woman physician in the U.S.
- She cared for freed African American slaves who could not obtain medical treatment otherwise.
- Her book, "A Book of Medical Discourses" (1883) was one of the first books about medicine written by an African American.



John Baxter Taylor
Nov. 3, 1882-Dec. 2,1908.

- Track and Field Athlete.
- Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania.
- First African American to receive a gold medal in the 1908 Olympics.



Aaron Douglas
May 26, 1899 - Feb. 3, 1979.

- African American Painter.
- Major innovator of the Harlem Renaissance.
- Oversaw the Art Department for Fisk University for three decades.



Josephine Baker
June 3, 1906 - April 12, 1975.

- Actress, entertainer and civil rights activist.
- One of the first African American Women to take part in a major movie.
- She aided in the French Resistance and is the first female American to achieve the French military honor, Croix de Guerre.



Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu
Oct.7,1931-
- Human right activist known for his stand against apartheid.
- Honorary Doctor of Divinity in various countries.
- In 1984, he became the second South African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- He will be visiting NSU on Feb. 26, 2010



Alice Malsenior Walker
Feb. 9, 1944-

- American author and civil rights activist.
- Wrote The Color Purple in 1983.
- First African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.



Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela
July 18, 1918-

- First Black President of South Africa, elected on May 10, 1994.
- Sentenced to life imprisonment, for revolutionary action aimed toward the South Africa government at that time, in 1964 and was emancipated in 1990.
- Known for his work to transform the racial prejudices and aid the victims of apartheid.



Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek
April 29, 1926-

- First African American congressperson from the state of Fla. since the Reconstruction era.
- Granddaughter of slaves and the daughter of sharecroppers.
- Founded the Carrie Meek Foundation, which strives to improve the businesses of the inner cities of Miami.

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