10 things to inspire you this Black History Month
February 1: Happy Black History Month
This month we honor those who have helped create so much change. They inspire us to continue the fight for a better democracy. Freedom is not given; it is something that is fought for and won in each generation.
February 3: 15th Amendment Ratified
On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. The Constitution was ratified, giving African American men the right to vote. Yet years later, systemic barriers still exist, making it harder for everyone’s voice to be heard. Common Cause will toujours fight for the right to vote.
February 4: Rosa Park’s Birthday
On Rosa Park’s birthday, we honor her for taking a stand: “Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground.”
Seventy-one years ago, Rosa Park’s arrest started a movement: A bus boycott that would last over 381 days. This show of community and solidarity showed the nation that the African American community would not be silenced. We hope Parks inspires you to take a stand for what you believe in!
February 7: Benjamin Banneker Surveys Washington D.C.
On this day in 1791, Benjamin Banneker helped survey the land that we would come to know as Washington D.C. Banneker was a brilliant self-taught mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor. But in his time, he would fight to be recognized for his work because of his race.
It’s symbolic that a Black surveyor helped lay out a city whose residents – 40% of whom are Black — still lack full congressional representation. Despite the citizens of D.C paying taxes, they receive no voting representation in the government. Let’s honor Benhamin Banneker and end taxation without representation.
February 8: Harry S. McAlpin is Admitted to a White House Press Conference
On this day in 1944, Harry S. McAlpin made history as the first African American journalist to be admitted to a White House press conference.
The National Negro Publishers Association successfully petitioned the White House Correspondents Association for press credentials and were finally able to enter places their predecessors weren’t.
At a time where the current administration is cracking down on our right to a free press, we must remember the fight it took to achieve the freedom we have now. This month, say no to being silenced and continue to speak out!
February 10: Barack Obama Announces He’s Running for President.
On this day in 2007, Barack Obama formally announced the start of his Presidential campaign in Springfield, IL – ultimately making history as our first Black president.
Today, we heed his powerful words about how ordinary Americans can strengthen our democracy: “Our democracy is out of balance. It should be about people, not party or money, and together – with mutual respect and understanding — we can fix it. We want a democracy that works for and reflects the views of all Americans.”
February 17: Honoring Rev. Jessie Jackson
On this day we mourn the passing of civil rights legend Reverend Jesse Jackson.
For decades, Rev. Jackson stood on the frontlines of the fight for justice, equality, and the right to vote. He reminded us that democracy only works when it works for all of us.
It is now our responsibility to continue his campaign to keep hope alive as we work for a government accountable to the people.
February 21: John Lewis Birthday
On February 21, we honor civil rights icon John Lewis’s Birthday! We do so by not giving up on the fight to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to ensure every voice can be heard, and every vote is counted.
Watch this in remembrance!
February 23: WEB DuBois & Fredrick Douglass Birthday
“To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.” – Frederick Douglass
Douglass was born into slavery in 1818, yet he rose to become one of the most powerful voices for freedom and equality in American history. He challenged the nation to live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.
“The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression.” – W.E.B. Du Bois
Du Bois, born in 1868, was a brilliant scholar and civil rights activist. He helped a co-found the NAACP, where he fought for equal rights, higher education, and political power for African Americans.
February 25: Hiram Rhodes Sworn In and Martin Luther King Jr. Ordained.
On this day in 1870. Hiram Rhodes Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first African American U.S. Senator. Hiram was a fighter for the people:
“I remarked that I rose to plead for protection for the defenseless race that now sends their delegation to the seat of Government to sue for that which this Congress alone can secure to them.”
On this day in 1948, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was ordained and appointed assistant pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta at the age of 19, kicking off the start of this civil rights icon’s impactful legacy.
This Black History Month continue to fight for what is right!
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