Highlight History

In a year when we have inaugurated the first President of the United State of America of African-America descent, it is important that we understand our history and honor where we have come from as people. So many times, in so many ways, it has been said "If you don't know where you have come from, you can't possibly know where you are going." There is an untold number of pioneers of sport, politics, business, and community service that must be honored by our generation. This article will only play a small part in creating awareness, starting conversations and honoring those who came before me.

President Barack Hussein Obama is the 44th President of the United States of America, and a pioneer. He has set an example not only for African-Americans but for all members of all races, nationalities, colors, and creeds, by his example of a larger than life dream, we can all be reminded that in this country, with work, faith, determination and a never ending dream all things can be accomplished. A long road was traveled by this country to elect President Obama to the highest office in this country and the most powerful position in the free world. On September 27, 1827, Hiram Rhodes Revels was born in Fayetteville, Cumberland, N.C. In 1870, HIram was elected to represent Mississippi as a Senator until March 3, 1871. Hiram's service to the United State did not start not end with his senate seat. Prior to becoming senator he served as a chaplain in Mississippi during the Civil War and as secretary of State ad interim of Mississippi in 1873; among other noted accomplishments. A journey that started almost 140 years to date where Hiram Rhodes Revels started as a Republican Senator for Mississippi, Barack Hussein Obama brought the political ascent full circle by taking the Oath of office of the President of the United States on January 20, 2009.

The full circle of ascension does not end with political achievement, there are many areas in which our community has made vast strides and these achievements need to be highlighted. Actors and actresses have played a major part in our assimilation to mainstream America. Hattie McDaniel paved the way for our actresses and actors of today by becoming the first African-American to receive the award for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Mammy in 'Gone With the Wind.' As a trailblazer and a pioneer, Hattie laid the bricks that allowed actors such as Sidney Poitier to win awards and nominations. Revered as one of the greatest actors of all time, Sidney has won over 20 awards for his dedication to his craft and the Film Industry. It is the service of great people, that allows our entertainment moguls and larger than life Hollywood stars of today enjoy success. Sidney won his Oscar award during the heart of the Civil Rights movement when other great men and women were drawing lines in the sand to fast forward progress on a level the masses could relate to.

In Alabama; Martin Luther King, Jr. who is arguably the famous Civil Rights leader this country has ever had the honor of learning from, listening to or reading about started a non-violent movement similar to Ghandi in which he preached the principal of equality among races. Martin Jr. had many accomplishments in his life but one of his most notable was the Nobel Peace Prize that he received at the age of 35, upon notification of this, Dr. King announced he would donate all of prize money to the furtherance of the civil rights movement. Martin was often at odds with the another great civil rights leader, not because of conflicting goals, but the method in which Malcolm X set out to accomplish his goals. As a leader, Malcolm X lived by the philosophy "by any means necessary." This mantra instilled in his followers the desire to bring about the advancement of people of African-American descent, using any and all methods including violence. Malcolm and Martin, like Barack, were search of change and forty years after the civil rights movement change has come with a lot of work yet to be done as a nation and a world. In a global economy where knowledge is power, and money equates to influence many of our superstars have used their status to create paths to success and a legacy to be passed on to the next generation. Oprah Winfrey is well known for her philanthropy work both on her show and around the world and listed at number 8 of the 50 Most Powerful Women in 2008 by Fortune. An inspiration to young women everywhere, her light shined bright enough to lead Tyra Banks to her own daytime television talk show.

Not only in February is history to be highlighted, but every day of every month of every year. Challenge yourself and your friends to learn more, do more, give more, love more and pray more. Differences make us unique and when we come together they make us better. Our future is bright and we are in a place to seize the same success achieved by the founders of this country. The job of our generation is to claim what is ours through smart work and perseverance.