African American History Month

http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month What are the origins of Black History Month? Whose idea was it? Why February?

Neil deGrasse Tyson Born in 1958 Attended Bronx Science High School Harvard University (physics), University of Texas (Masters in astronomy),PhD in astrophysics from Columbia University Director of the Hayden Planetarium at The American Museum of Natural History NASA Advisor on the future of space travel Produces & hosts ‘Star Talk’ on the National Geographic Channel

Mae Carol Jemison Born 1956 Stanford (Chemical Engineering & African American Studies), Cornell University Medical School) Served in the Peace Corps 1983- 85 in Sierra Leon & Ghana MD and mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Endeavor in 1992 Specialized in cellular research College Professor President of The Jemison Group

Elijah McCoy 1844-1929 Son of fugitive slaves who gained freedom through the Underground Railroad Studied mechanical engineering in Scotland Holds 57 patents (most for steam engine design & maintenance), folding ironing board & a rotating lawn sprinkler ‘That’s the real McCoy’ became a popular phrase meaning that a product was of the best quality

George Washington Carver 1861-1943 Born into slavery in Missouri Studied Botany at Iowa State Headed the Agricultural Science department at Tuskegee University Taught there for 47 years Focus on alternative crops to cotton including peanuts & sweet potatoes Early environmentalist Taught farmers to rotate crops & grow soybeans to replenish nitrogen

Solomon Northrup 1808 – 1863 Free man who was kidnapped in Washington, DC & sold into slavery for 12 years in Louisiana Professional violinist Although tried, his kidnappers were never convicted 1853, wrote Twelve years a Slave Details of his death are unknown

Mary McLoed Bethune 1875-1955 Child of slaves –first person in her family to go to school Founded Bethune College (HBCU) –Daytona, FL First black woman to serve as a presidential advisor Founded the United Negro College Fund https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yflu3gRV2Pc

Frederick Douglass 1818- 1895 Born into slavery in Talbot County Maryland Taught to read & write at age 12 Escaped from slavery at age 20 Wrote The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass & My Bondage, My freedom Published The North Star, abolitionist & freedmen’s newspaper Advocated fro African American & Women’s rights 1st African American to be nominated for Vice- President

Edmonia Lewis 1844 – 1907 1st African American sculpture to have their work in the Smithsonian collection –National Gallery of Art Focused on black historical subjects

Dorothy Counts Born 1942 Charlotte, NC 1st African American student to integrate Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools Due to death threats & violence, force to withdraw & move to Pennsylvania for high school On Her Civil Rights Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t5IG_ET-u8

Romare Bearden 1911 – 1988 Born in Charlotte, NC Part of the Harlem Renaissance Acclaimed artist & illustrator Jazz Music Composer

Harvey Gantt Born 1942 First African American student at Clemson University (1963 – 1965) Architect Mayor of Charlotte 1983 – 1987 Museum of African American Art & Culture named in his honor https://vimeo.com/76866167

Harriet Jacobs 1813 – 1897 Born into slavery in Edenton, NC Ran away, living in hiding for 7 years Published her story in 1861 – ”Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” First book to address sexual harassment & rape of slave women

Nina Simone 1933- 2003 Born Eunice Waymon in Tryon, NC Attended the Julliard School of Music Recorded more than 40 albums Self-described her music as ‘black classical’