It’s Our History

History is an integral part of success in the future.  Since February is black history month it is important that we do not forgot our past.  In addition, it is important that black history is learned year round not only during the month of February because black history is American history, world history, our history.  African Americans have been here too long for the disintegration of our historical backgrounds.  In honor of black history month, my mother has been texting me facts about African-Americans who have invented things, been the first at achieving a goal, or made an impact on American ways of life.  I will share with you some of the interesting and obscure facts about black history that my mother has shared with me.

• In 1916 Frank Yerby became the first best selling American black novelist
• Henry Blair was the first black to obtain a patent for a corn planter and cotton planter in 1834 and 1836
• Lewis Latimer, an associate of Thomas Edison, supervised installation of the first electric street light in New York
• William Alexander Leidesdorff was the first African millionaire. He owned a hotel, extensive land, and a steamboat in California.
• Frank E. Petersen was the first African American Marine Corps general. (Fun Fact: I will always remember Frank E. because my mother’s name is Frankie and she was in the Marine Corps!)

These are just a few of the many text messages that I received from my mother everyday about an African American who has successfully knocked down boundaries.  Today, racism and marginalization of minorities still exist but there are ways to continue our progress towards cultural collectivism.  At William and Mary, the NAACP serves as an active organization dedicated to improving the discriminatory circumstances in which minorities face. MAC (multicultural ambassador council) is another group dedicated to diversifying the campus.  A plethora of opportunities exist for allowing different cultures to  make history together as Americans. We just have to actively pursue them.