By: Shaquille Pierre, Contributing Writer
Black History Month is an essential part of the culture of African Americans in the United States. In commemoration of Black History Month, an event called “Important Figures In History” was held on Feb. 21st, 2020. This event highlighted important and critical figures in the history of African Americans in the United States.
The display, which was handled by Paige Ramsey-Hamacher, the Senior Director of Multicultural & International Services, showed pictures and descriptions of countless African American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the American history and influenced today’s society.
The display included many well-known African American figures. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, well known for his “I Had A Dream” speech and work as a Civil Rights Leader, was shown. The display also featured Oprah Winfrey, American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer, and philanthropist.
Barak Obama, former president of the United States of America, also appeared on the display.
Students that interacted with the table gained knowledge about the important black history figures.
It also included lesser-known figures such as Mae C. Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space, and Madame C. J. Walker, wealthy entrepreneur, and creator of hair products for African American hair. Other notable figures highlighted were Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary W. Jackson, and Langston Hughes.
“I wanted to show the contribution of African Americans who made an impact on American history. I also wanted to highlight some of the lesser-known figures that may be overlooked in Black History,” Hamacher stated. She found this event very important to Black History Month and the students.
Saint Leo showed their appreciation for black history month by demonstrating to student’s important figures in history.
“It is essential to educate students on the history of African Americans and the men and women who contributed to it. Being Black History Month, this event was even more keen in honoring these important figures.
As a token, students who visited the table were given a ruler that shows forty important African American figures.
