Greater Athens February 2022 | Page 16

Notable figures to celebrate this Black History Month

America long has been described as a melting pot . People from all cultures , continents and walks of life have blended together to paint the canvas that is the United States . African Americans have played a significant role in forming the fabric of the United States , and every February we recognize the accomplishments of African Americans and give thanks for their contributions to medicine , the arts , sports , business , law , and much more . The following is a small sampling of the myriad African American individuals past and present who have made their mark on American history .

Robert Abbott

Giving voice to African Americans in a different way , Robert Abbot was a pioneer of the black
press . He founded a weekly paper called The Chicago Defender , which would become one of the most important newspapers in history in the early 20th century . Abbott ’ s work would eventually pave the way for many other publications .

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is arguably the greatest female tennis player of all time . Serena Williams has more than 20 Grand Slam titles to her name and is a face and advocate for working women . One of her more notable recent accomplishments is her successful return to the court just one year after nearly dying from complications that arose during the birth of her daughter - once again proving her mettle .

Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey was a modern dance choreographer and pioneer . He also was a civil rights activist . He founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater , which became one of the most successful dance companies in the world . His company was an amalgam of faces and cultures , making it unique for its time .

Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator , civil rights leader and adviser to five United States presidents . She turned to her faith and used her voice to be a pioneer for racial progress . Education long had been at
the core of Bethune ’ s mission , and she founded two schools and later became one of few female college presidents .

Aretha Franklin

The world lost the “ Queen of Soul ” in 2018 , but her influence and resounding voice live on . Her gospel-infused singing was born out of church choirs , and her famous No . 1 hit “ Respect ” helped become a soundtrack not only for women , but also the civil rights movement . Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 , Franklin ’ s influence could be heard through singers like Whitney Houston , Beyoncé and more .
16 Greater Athens Magazine | February 2022