As Black History Month comes to an end, we want to highlight some important, but unfortunately lesser known, Black history figures who everyone should know. When Shirley Chisholm was elected in 1969 to represent New York’s 12th district, she became the first Black woman ever elected to Congress. Have you heard of Bessie Coleman? She was the first Black pilot to be licensed in the world. Gordon Parks paved the way for Black photographers by being the first Black person to work at LIFE magazine and taking some of Vogue’s most iconic photos. Mae Jemison, who continues to advocate for women of color today, was the first Black woman to go to space. To learn more about changemakers like these, consider reading one of these books about Black history.
Image via Biography
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