02/12/2026
As we continue our celebrations during Black History Month, get to know some influential individuals whose influence profoundly impacts our world. 2026 marks 100 years of Black history commemorations, honoring the visionaries who advance equality and preserve the history of Black Americans, and the moments that continue to shape progress today.
Carter G. Woodson founded the week-long observance honoring Black history in February, later expanded to a full month. Through carefully chosen themes and resources, he elevated the study of Black history and highlighted the profound contributions of Black Americans to the nation’s cultural and historical landscape.
Fannie Lou Hamer was a leading advocate for voting rights and women’s rights and a powerful voice of the Civil Rights Movement. After years of advocacy, she became a member of Mississippi’s first integrated delegation, marking a historic breakthrough in political representation. 48 years after her death, Hamer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Jesse Jackson is a civil rights activist, politician, and ordained minister who was integral in bridging the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s with late-20th century electoral politics and activism. He formed two non-profit organizations, Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition (which later merged into the Rainbow PUSH Coalition), with missions of advocacy for socioeconomic and political equality.
Keep following us to learn more throughout the month!
