In America, the quest to celebrate the contributions African Americans and all other beings of African descent was established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and many other prominent African Americans.  Initially, it was to be celebrated during the second week of February, between the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Gradually cities across America began recognizing African American week during the mid-20th Century.  The growing awareness of black identity throughout the Civil Rights movement of the sixties helped to turn Negro History Week into Black History Month.  By 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized the month and called for all Americans to become aware of the too often ignored achievements of blacks in all areas of life.  Black history month was officially acknowledged in the UK in 1987 and  Canada in 1996.

Therefore, Cockatail Molly will celebrate black history month by honoring the efforts of African Americans in the United States of America and beyond.  The first article will display the accomplishments of blacks that people do not often hear about.  For example,  readers will not see pictures of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, or Nelson Mandela.  It is not because CM is not a fan but because people have been made aware of their achievements time and again throughout Black History Month.  The goal here is to expose people to more unsung blacks and their contributions to history – past and present.  The remainder of the month will celebrate everyday blacks making their mark on society through business, arts, and more.

Picture:

A. Leymah Gbowee: Liberian peace activist

B. Estavanico: 16th Century Black explorer. Discovered state of New Mexico

C. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Legendary NBA ballplayer & scholar

D. Dr. Shirley Jackson: Theoretical Physicists & Inventor responsible for research that enabled the inventions of portable fax, touch tone phone, solar cells, fiber optic cells, caller id and call waiting.

E. Dahia al-Kahina

F. Carter G. Woodson: Educator, historian and founder of Black history week.

G. Tony Elumelu: Nigerian billionaire, economist, entrepreneur & philanthropist

H. Suzanne de Passe: African-American television, music and film producer. Discovered many music acts from The Commodores to the Jackson 5 while at Motown Records.

I. Frantz Fanon: Martinique-born Afro-Caribbean psychiatrist, philosopher, revolutionary, and writer.

J. Naomi Campbell: International supermodel

K. Patrice Lumumba: Congolese independence leader and the first democratically elected leader of the Congo

L. Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable: Founder of Chicago.

M. Shelley-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Jamaican Olympic track & field gold medalist

N. Folorunsho Alakija: Nigerian oil magnate & billionaire