Black History for Some
Great American Women
By D.J. Mathews
For many years, every February in America has been designated Black History Month. African Americans make up 14.4 percent (according to the Pew Research Center) of today’s population, and they’ve been part of U. S. history since they first arrived in 1619 in Virginia, brought to America to work the plantations.
Since almost the beginning, Blacks in the U. S. have lost of their rights, became slaves without a choice in the matter, hated their situation, and tried to flee, the most famous being Harriet Tubman. This “situation” helped cause the Civil War. After Blacks were supposedly free they still had to fight for more rights, when it came to voting, getting fair housing, getting decent jobs, even entering the military.
Along the way, some have really stood out for their efforts. I’m thinking of Mae Jemison, a really brilliant woman. She is actually in my YA book “Great American Women in Science and Environment.” She was smart, into science when it wasn’t quite considered cool (unlike now). She became a doctor, chemical engineer, and Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, THEN became an astronaut, being one of 15 chosen back in 1987, from 2,000 applicants. She flew in space in 1992, going up to the International Space Station (ISS), even dancing up there in low gravity.
Perhaps not all women can do what Mae has done. But children of color can aspire to “do it all” if they so choose.
Other women young girls should learn more about include Condolezza Rice, the first Black female (U. S.) Secretary of State, who traveled the world to hotspots and negotiated on behalf of the U. S. Or what about the great Aretha Franklin, a soul-gospel- pop singer? And who can forget her acting in the “Blue Brothers” movie?
There are probably many more “firsts” out there to achieve, like heading the NIH (National Institutes of Health). Or being the first astronaut on Mars?
Students? Study hard. Take up hobbies related to science, like astronomy, electronics (taking things apart like radios, blenders, computers), identifying parts of nature right outside your front door or local park. Maybe one of you-all will aspire to cure most cancers, or figure out how to stop climate change. Challenges await you!
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