Unsung Heroes of Black History: 5 Little-Known Black Figures Who Changed the World
Black history is filled with a plethora of inspiring figures who fought to make the world a better place. While many well-known names such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X have cemented their place in history, there are many more unsung heroes who deserve recognition and admiration. In this article, we will highlight five little-known black figures who made significant contributions to their respective fields, improving the lives of people around the world.
1) Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was an aviation pioneer who became the first African American woman to obtain a pilot’s license in the United States. Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman had faced numerous barriers as a black woman in the early 20th century, but it did not deter her passion for aviation. She moved to France to pursue her dream of flying, as no American flight school would teach her. Not only did Coleman earn her pilot’s license, but she returned to the U.S. to give flight exhibitions and perform aerial tricks that wowed audiences across the country. Despite the tragic end to her career in a plane accident, Coleman’s legacy paved the way for future generations of black aviators.
2) Dr. Charles Richard Drew
Dr. Charles Richard Drew was a physician and surgeon whose research led to the creation of large-scale blood banks and the development of modern blood transfusion techniques. Born in 1904 in Washington D.C., Drew excelled academically, earning his medical degree and becoming the first African American to earn a Doctor of Science in Medicine degree from Columbia University. Drew’s research in the field of blood transfusion helped to improve the treatment of wounded soldiers in World War II and laid the foundation for blood banking as we know it today.
3) Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Born in 1831 in Delaware, Crumpler worked as a nurse before pursuing her medical degree in 1860. Despite facing discrimination from her fellow classmates and professors, Crumpler persevered, becoming a skilled physician known for her expertise in treating women and children. In 1883, she published “A Book of Medical Discourses,” which became one of the few medical guides available to women and African Americans at the time.
4) Mary Eliza Mahoney
Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first African American registered nurse in the United States. Born in 1845 in Massachusetts, Mahoney worked as a nurse’s aide until she was accepted into a nursing program in 1878. After completing her training, Mahoney worked as a private nurse for wealthy families and later became a member of the Nurses’ Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada, a group that fought for the recognition of black nurses. Mahoney’s perseverance and dedication to her field helped break down racial barriers in nursing, paving the way for future generations of black nurses.
5) Garrett Morgan
Garrett Morgan was an inventor who created several life-saving devices that helped revolutionize the world of safety equipment. Born in 1877 in Kentucky, Morgan had to drop out of school at a young age to work and support his family. Despite his lack of formal education, Morgan taught himself the skills needed to become a successful inventor. He created the safety hood and gas mask, which were later used by the U.S. Army during World War I, as well as the first traffic signal, which helped to reduce the number of traffic accidents.
Conclusion
Black history is rich with inspiring figures who fought to make the world a better place. These five unsung heroes have contributed immensely to their fields and paved the way for future generations. Bessie Coleman, Dr. Charles Richard Drew, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, Mary Eliza Mahoney, and Garrett Morgan deserve recognition for their contributions to society. We should continue to honor their legacies and strive to create a better future for all.
