6 Important Black Figures Throughout History
October is Black History Month for several countries including the USA, Canada, and the UK. Black History Month celebrates the contribution that Black communities and individuals have made throughout history in shaping a diverse society, and contributing to our freedoms and culture.
Black people have been an intrinsic part of Britain since the Roman times, and the National Curriculum supports teaching about their contribution. Highlighting incredible Black people in our wall graphics for schools extends the teaching of important Black history from one month to all year round. This is also supported by the National Curriculum.
In this blog we are highlighting some of the most important black figures throughout history that we are proud to have featured in our wall graphics.
Mary Seacole (1805 – 1881)
Born in Jamaica, Mary’s mother was a free born black woman and her father was a Scottish soldier. Mary was a nurse who is famous for her work during the Crimean War. She travelled to Russia to help the sick and wounded soldiers on the frontlines. Mary became known amongst the soldiers as “Mother Seacole”. Most of what we know about Mary has come from her autobiography.
Jesse Owens (1913 – 1980)
In 1936 Owens competed in the Olympics held in Berlin, Germany. Adolf Hitler was using the games to show the world a superior Nazi Germany, where ethnic Africans were seen as inferior. However Owens proved Hitler wrong by winning 4 gold medals in track and field. In addition he was the most successful athlete at the Games!
Kamala Harris (Born 1964)
Kamala Harris is an American lawyer and politician. In 2020 Harris made history. She was the first African American, the first Asian American, and the first woman in history elected vice president of the USA.
Rosa Parks (1913 – 2005)
Rosa Parks, born in Alabama, made a stand against racism in 1955 when she refused to give up her seat on a bus, breaking laws of the time. She was arrested but refused to pay a fine. Parks argued that the law was wrong, not her! As a result, Rosa’s actions sparked the beginning of the civil rights movement in the USA which fought for equality.
Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013)
Nelson Mandela was a civil rights hero and became the first black President of South Africa. He served from 1994 to 1999.
Prior to serving as President of South Africa. Mandela was an activist and fought for equal rights. This was during a time when racial inequality was at its height in South Africa. However Mandela’s passion for activism saw him serve a total of 37 years in prison. He was arrested for crimes including treason in 1956. The crime of betraying your country’s government.
During his term in office as President, Mandela’s government focused on dismantling the legacy of the apartheid. Overcoming inequality by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation.
Martin Luther King Jr (1929 – 1968)
Born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s. He wanted to live in a society where people’s civil rights weren’t impacted by their race. Martin Luther King Jr. is most famous for advancing the civil rights movement and delivering his inspiring “I have a dream” speech in 1963.
More about Wall Graphics
At Trigger Education, we design a huge variety of wall graphics for schools, academies, colleges, and universities.
Wall graphics are a fantastic way to educate people about any topic. Furthermore featuring prominent black figures in wall graphics is a fantastic way to extend the celebrations and discussions around black history. During Black History Month, and throughout the school year.
Contact us to find out more about how you can use wall graphics. To educate, and celebrate any part of the National Curriculum with a bespoke design.
