February is an impactful month for many Americans. Black History Month, running since the mid 1970s, is a month that helps emphasize the importance of the contributions of black people into the United States. Whether that’d be in politics, arts, or in leadership, this month is meant to solidify the great of the community, whilst also highlighting the history and racism throughout our history.
As we look further into our past, there are many figures that are swept under the rug, especially minorities. The likes of people such as Rosa Parks and Malcom X are important, but to fully embrace and take in the significance of the time that is Black History Month, other figures should be highlighted as well.
Here are just a few of the may influential figures, whom have gone unrecognized despite their contributions.
Reverend James E. Orange (1942-2008)
James Orange, also nicknamed “Shackdaddy” by Dr. Martin Luther King himself, was one of the many activists throughout the 60s encouraging peaceful protesting. His nickname was thanks to his strong sense of community, as well as his imposing size of 6’3 and ability to unite people thanks to his headstrong spirit. He contributed to marches within the SCLC (The same church that Dr. King led), being both a mentor and a organizer for frequent store picketing. His efforts into the church led him to preach, encouraging many to stay loving during a time of overwhelming hate and prejudice.
Deborah Batts (1947-2020)
Deborah Batts was the first ever openly gay federal judge, being sworn in as a district judge for Manhattan in June of 1994. She was previously the first ever African American faculty member, being a professor for Fordham University of Law. She was a revolutionist for law; there are currently 23 openly LGBTQ+ judges serving lifetime sentences, many stating that she “opened the closet doors” for queer judges to come.
Evelyn Preer (1896-1932)
Evelyn Preer revolutionized and broke barriers down for aspiring black actresses. Coming into the scene and now to the screens during late 1910s up to the 30s, she was nicknamed “The First Lady of Screen”, thanks to her rising popularity, acting in movies where African Americans were depicted more in a honorable light, rather than diminishing them to maids or servants for the white upper class. Throughout her career, she shined brightly on both the screen and the stage, as she contributed to both crossover and starring in several productions, such as “Rain” in 1928.
James Hemings (1765-1801)
James Hemings didn’t have an easy life. He was born into slavery, being only eight when the Founding Father Thomas Jefferson had purchased the man. Given Jefferson’s ideals of freedom, this is quite ironic. Despite the circumstances of his life, however, Hemings did what he could, being taught French cuisine when Jefferson was appointed to the Minister of France. He was thus the first American to ever train in the country, an honor prestigious, especially for the enslaved. This developed his love and natural talent of cooking, being the maker of recipes heavily inspired by his learnings, such as meringues and even the iconic mac and cheese, labelled “macaroni pie” in his original recipe.
