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 By Ken Hughes Feb. 27, 2006 Claxton Graham and I have collaborated on several occasions in affairs concerning African American issues. Claxton knows I have an interest in Black History pertaining to those who made a difference by contributing. He asked me to publish my list on UK of Un-Sung African American accomplishments I assembled for him at his request. Let me start with the first black to step foot in the new world. Pedro Alonzo Nino, one of Cristobel Colon’s navigators. * * * Attucks Crispus. [1723 – 1770] The First American to die in the American Revolution prior to that he was an activist for American Independence. * * * B. K. Bruce [1841 – 1898] The first African American to serve a full Senate term. Later became register of the treasury. * * * Fredric Douglas [1817 – 1895] Author, actor and abolitionist. He was the first African American appointed to a meaningful position in the US government. * * * Doctor Charles Drew [1904 – 1950] invented the process creating blood plasma, pioneered blood banks. He was involved in an automobile accident once and rushed to a hospital that refused him a blood transfusion because he was colored [Ironic isn’t it.] * * * Jean Du Sable [1750 – 1818] Founder of the present city of Chicago Il. * * * Estevanico [aka] Black Stephan, Stephen the Moor [1500 – 1539] An explorer of the Southwest part of what would become The United States. * * * Matthew Henson [1866- 1955] One of the first men to visit the North Pole along with Admiral Perry. * * * Barbara Jordon [1936 – 1996] There’re no words that can adequately describe this accomplished lady. The first African American woman to be elected to congress from the south. She was a stabilizing voice in the Nixon Congressional hearings. She later became a Professor at Baylor Universities Huston Campus. * * * Elijah McCoy [1843 – 1929 ] Inventor of the lubricator for steam engines, air brakes for railroad cars. The term “It’s the real McCoy” can be attributed to him. * * * Garrett Morgan [1877 – 1963 ] Invented the gas mask and the traffic signal. * * * Norbert Rillieux [ 1806 – 1894] Invented the process used to granulate sugar. His invention revolutionizes the sugar industry around the world. * * * Madame C. J. Walker [1867 – 1919 ] The first self made female African American millionaire. * * * Maggie Lena Walker [1867 – 1934 ] The first female African American Bank President. Other Not So Notable Blacks of History So Many Names So Little Space. This is a short list of African Americans who made contributions to America’s betterment. They weren’t on government subsidies and they hadn’t heard of affirmative action. Many were born at the time slavery was still fresh in the minds of everyone, it was an issue not yet settled. It goes to show with determination and dedication to a cause one can prevail under nearly impossible odds. I could name a hundred more accomplish African Americans given time and space. February is Black History Month. How many of the names I’ve listed will show up on any school chalk board telling of their contributions? It’s more likely than not only those involved in the civil rights movement will be hailed as heroes in the Black Community. That’s a shame because it sends the wrong message to young impressionable minds. There’s a wealth of Black History not being taught and that’s a shame. I went to the search sites to affirm the above names I’ve listed I knew the history of many of them. I needed conformation. This information is their for the looking-up. Go to any web search site Type in American, Black and History in as many configurations as you can think of and you’ll get more information than many can digest. It’s a pleasure to work with you once more Claxton. ------------ About the author: Ken Hughes joined the Republican Party at the age of three. He hid the fact from his Liberal Democratic family for the next eighteen years. When his political leanings were discovered he was immediately sent packing. Mr. Hughes life began on a ranch in Idaho 75 years ago. He’s traveled extensively to many countries of the world and five continents. He has a keen interest in people and politics. Mr. Hughes believes in the individual’s right to hold his or her own beliefs, his sole purpose for writing is to make people think, what they think is up to them. His one original quote is, "Truth is like a coin, you must see both sides to know it’s not counterfeit." Email: ken-hughes@comcast.net Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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