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Honoring excellence
This year, Black History Month holds even greater significance. Over the next 28 days, we are taking time to honor and reflect on our rich history—recognizing the trailblazers who came before us and the progress we've made as a community. While much work remains, the foundation of excellence and resilience is strong.
Each week, we will spotlight different areas of Black achievement and impact:
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Week 1: Civil Rights & Leadership
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Week 2: Arts & Literature
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Week 3: Science, Medicine & Innovation
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Week 4: Politics, Activism & Sports
We invite you to join St. James AME Zion Church this month in celebrating and uplifting Black excellence.
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg:
Preserving memory when history refused t o Diouf, Sylvan Anna. Photo of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. BlackPast, blackpast.org/african-american-history/schomburg-arturo-alfonso-1874-1938/. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.Early Life and Motivation History does not preserve itself.What survives is shaped by what is collected, protected, and passed forward — and what is ignored is often allowed to disappear. For generations of Black people, erasure was not accidental. It was reinforced in clas
Feb 92 min read
The Golden Thirteen
The story of The Golden thirteen
Feb 83 min read
Culture as Declaration: The Harlem Renaissance
The vibe of the Harlem renaissance
Feb 73 min read
When Change Became Inevitable
Before visibility came movement. Before growth came choice. The Great Migration marked the moment when survival began to reorganize itself. Black Family Arrives in Chicago from the South. BlackPast , December 6, 2007. Contributed by Stephanie Christensen. Public domain. Between 1910 and 1970, the United States experienced the largest internal movement of people in its history. More than six million Black Americans left the rural South and resettled in Northern, Midwestern, an
Feb 62 min read
Community as Strategy: The Organizing Legacy of Ella Baker
When systems failed Black Americans, progress did not end—it adapted. Community became the strategy that carried people forward. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. "Civil rights activist Ella Baker (standing third from right) with a group of young and teenage girls at a fair sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, circa 1950s" The New York Public Library Digital Col
Feb 53 min read
Faith as a Framework
James Varick and the Foundation of Freedom Faith wasn’t just spiritual refuge — it was a framework for education, self-governance, and future generations. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, The New York Public Library. (1921). James Varick; [The first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1822.] Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/2822ab60-c6f2-012f-c4ce-3c075448cc4b For man
Feb 43 min read
Maggie Lena Walker: Building Stability Where Opportunity Was Denied
Education opened doors — but financial independence made it possible to walk through them without permission. Photo Credit: Maggie Lena Walker. Courtesy of the National Park Service, Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from the National Park Service website. That truth shaped much of Black progress in the early twentieth century, and few people understood it more clearly than Maggie Lena Walker . Walker’s life reminds us that freedom is fragi
Feb 33 min read
The Quiet Power of Dr. Willa Beatrice Player
Willa Player made history quietly, through steady leadership and an unshakable belief in the power of education. Her life reminds us that lasting change is often built over time—through dedication, resilience, and care for those who follow. Photo credit: Mark J. Price / Akron Beacon Journal (2021). Dr. Willa Beatrice Player, President Emerita of Bennett College. Beacon Journal file photo. Some seeds are planted quietly. They don’t draw attention to themselves. They take root
Feb 22 min read
A. Philip Randolph: Champion of Labor and Civil Rights
A. Philip Randolph was a key figure in both the labor and civil rights movements. Born in 1889 in Crescent City, Florida, he was raised in a family that emphasized education and social justice. His father, a minister, instilled in him a commitment to advocating for marginalized communities—a principle that would shape Randolph’s life and career. In 1911, Randolph moved to New York City, where he enrolled at the City College of New York to study political science and economics
Feb 22 min read
Langston Hughes: The Voice of the Harlem Renaissance
Langston Hughes is not just a name from the past; he is a powerful voice that continues to resonate today. As a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes broke barriers in African American literature, giving voice to a community that faced both struggle and resilience. His writings became the soundtrack of an era, reflecting a deep longing for recognition and social justice. Hughes was born on February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri. His passion for writing blossomed i
Feb 23 min read
The Remarkable Journey of Huey P. Newton and the Birth of the Black Panther Party
Huey P. Newton was not just a key player in the civil rights movement; he was a trailblazer whose life story resonates deeply today. From a challenging childhood marked by racial discrimination to becoming a respected scholar and co-founder of the Black Panther Party (BPP), Newton's journey is both inspiring and noteworthy. This blog post examines Newton’s early life, his academic achievements, and his significant contributions to civil rights through the Black Panther Party.
Feb 23 min read
John Lewis: Champion of Good Trouble and History-Maker Extraordinaire
John Lewis was more than just a politician; he was a true warrior for justice. His life story is a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to civil rights. As a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Lewis led the charge during pivotal moments like Bloody Sunday, dedicating his life to ensure that every American had the right to vote. His legacy extends beyond his time in office, forever etched in history as a symbol of relentless advocacy for
Feb 23 min read
The Inspiring Journey of Ida B. Wells - Journalist, Activist, and Crusader
Ida B. Wells was more than a name; she was a powerful force whose relentless work as a journalist and activist forever changed American history. Born into slavery in 1862 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Wells emerged as a crucial voice against one of the darkest aspects of society: lynching. Her unwavering dedication to civil rights and her fearless pursuit of truth continue to inspire generations today. Miss Ida B. Wells
Feb 23 min read
Wilma Rudolph: The Sprinter Who Defied the Odds
Wilma Rudolph, celebrated as the fastest woman on Earth, was much more than an exceptional athlete. Her journey is a powerful story of resilience and determination, and her accomplishments have inspired generations of athletes, particularly African American women. Early Life and Challenges Born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, Wilma was the 20th of 22 siblings. From a young age, she faced significant challenges, including polio and scarlet fever, which left he
Feb 22 min read
Raising Fists, Breaking Barriers: How Black Athletes Championed Civil Rights
Sports have always been more than just games. For Black athletes, arenas have served as platforms to challenge injustice and demand change. During the Civil Rights era, amidst pervasive racial discrimination, these athletes transformed their fields of play into stages for activism, using their prominence to confront inequality head-on. The Civil Rights Era & Athlete Activism Jackie Robinson: Breaking Barriers Beyond Baseball In 1947, Jackie Robinson shattered Major League Bas
Feb 22 min read
Wes Moore: A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Impact
Wes Moore is a name that signifies hope, leadership, and transformation. His story goes beyond personal triumph; it is intertwined with the history of Black America. From his humble beginnings to his outstanding contributions, Moore’s life is a powerful blueprint for empowerment and social change. Early Life Westley "Wes" Watende Omari Moore was born on October 15, 1978, in Takoma Park, Maryland. His early childhood was marked by tragedy when his father, William Westley Moore
Feb 23 min read
Dr. Ernest Everett Just: A Pioneer in Cell Biology and African American Science Education
Ernest Everett Just was much more than just an American biologist; he was a pioneering figure whose work laid the foundation for future advancements in biology and physiology. His groundbreaking research primarily focused on fertilization and embryonic development. Despite the considerable racial barriers he faced, Just's contributions are significant and still have a profound impact today. His story is one of resilience and scientific achievement that inspires many. Early Li
Feb 24 min read
Thurgood Marshall: A Champion for Justice
Thurgood Marshall’s life is a powerful testament to the strength of determination and resilience. Rising from modest beginnings, he became a key figure in American civil rights history. His unyielding commitment to justice and equality not only affected the many cases he worked on but also set a strong foundation for future generations to build upon. Early Life and Education Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland, during an era of deep racial segre
Feb 23 min read
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson: A Visionary in Science, Technology, and Leadership
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson stands as a monumental figure in both science and leadership, breaking barriers as a Black woman in STEM and paving the way for future generations. Her remarkable contributions to physics, telecommunications, and higher education have left an enduring impact on Black history and the scientific community. Upbringing and Education Born on August 5, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Shirley Ann Jackson was raised in a household that emphasized the value of educa
Feb 23 min read
Dr. Patricia Bath: A Visionary Pioneer in Ophthalmology
Dr. Patricia Bath was a groundbreaking ophthalmologist, inventor, and advocate who transformed eye care with her pioneering invention of laser cataract surgery. As the first Black woman to complete an ophthalmology residency and receive a medical patent in the United States, she shattered barriers and redefined the field of ophthalmology. Her dedication to innovation and health equity not only restored sight to millions but also ensured that quality eye care became accessible
Feb 23 min read
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