For Black History Month, we would like to take the time to recognize prominent Black figures and locations throughout American history.
- Barney Ford escaped slavery to become a prominent entrepreneur and civic leader in Colorado. Ford owned restaurants, barbershops, hotels and was the first Black man to be nominated to the Colorado Territorial legislature.
- Bessie Colman’s legacy lives on as the very first woman of African American and Native American descent to earn her pilot’s license in the US.
- Eatonville, Florida is not only the home of Zora Neale Hurston, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, but is also the first all-Black city to become incorporated in the state of Florida. It was established in 1887 after being settled by former slaves after the civil war.
- Benjamin Banneker was an African American intellectual who constructed a wooden clock – considered the first in America; predicted the solar eclipse of 1789; was an almanac author – a rare achievement for his time; and possessed advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. Additionally, Banneker was selected in 1791 to survey the land which became Washington, D.C.
In the past we also had 2 sessions with Wayne Winborne, who spoke with the council on various topics surrounding the African American community & helped council members learn how to be an ally. Wayne also eloquently discussed the history of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion and how this topic has changed in society’s view from civil rights legislation through the Black Lives Matter movement.
Some books suggested by our council volunteer’s:
- How to Be an Antiracist- Ibram X, Kendi
- Four Hundred Souls, A Community History of African America 1619-2019- Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain
Happy Black History Month!
Corra's DEI Blog 