Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Bucks of America movie being created by Robert Gatewood provides a perfect homage to how the actions of the Bucks of America helped save our right to freedom. With all the civil unrest and turmoil going on in today’s America, it is the perfect time to look back and reflect on how African Americans are part of the foundation of this country.
At a time when America’s fate was hanging in the balance, free and enslaved African Americans mobilized to help the 13 colonies fight for their independence from the British. The British tried to entice these African American soldiers to fight for them with the promise of becoming free men, but they could not be swayed.
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The Bucks of America was organized in Boston and little is known about their campaign. Most of the unit’s history is constructed from eyewitness accounts because few records survived. This Patriot Massachusetts Military Company was instrumental to the success at the battle of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and the Boston Massacre.
This human-interest story covers the amazing true accounts of the Bucks of America, as well as the story of influential people during America’s fight for independence. You have to check it out!
Bucks of America Official Page
The Inspirational Maggie Walker
This story originally appeared on Black Enterprise
Maggie Lena Walker became a lasting legacy by becoming the first black woman to become a founder and editor-in-chief of the St. Luke Herald newspaper in 1902, then became the first woman to own a bank in 1903. Maggie Walker saw the struggle of the black community after the Civil War. There were millions of freed slaves working hard against the “Black Codes” that had prevented them from buying property, mortgages, investment capitals, checking accounts, or owning any businesses. This was still another level of oppression where Blacks could not participate in a part of wealth creation in the United States while the country was reforming into a new era. She saw an opportunity to start and make her St. Luke Penny Savings Bank a catalyst for economic independence in the Black community.
Walker has passed away in 1934, however, her legacy still lives on as an influential person. Maggie was so determined to make the world a better place than the way she found it by giving blacks a chance in the “rat race of life” and a launching pad for the advancement of many Black leaders.
In Memory of Chadwick Boseman the Legacy
Chadwick Boseman became a lasting legacy playing T’Challa in the Avenger movie “Black Panther”. This was the first superhero movie by Marvel that casted a black superhero, and almost all black cast based in Africa. Chadwick played his role flawlessly and made a profound impact on the Black community. Boseman has given the black community insight into what is it like being Black and a hero in the movie and real life. The Black Panther Movie is about more than the latest superhero’s journey; it’s also about black culture’s journey, and it points toward a future where it could be the culture. It acknowledges and celebrates everything from traditional African society to African-American political debates, from the power and beauty of black women to the preservation of identity, all within the lush confines of the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The impact he has made and left on the Black community from his character and his real-life battles has inspired many.
Chadwick amplified Black voices as a humanitarian when he selflessly helped children who were fighting the same invasive disease he was battling with. He worked relentlessly with a dedication to making his vision happen. He has inspired many to “carry the mantle” like a call to service to rise to the challenges, despite the circumstances.
Even though he has been portrayed as a superhero in a movie, he truly was a “superhero” in real life where he has inspired so many people by his resilience during his battle with colon cancer. He knew he had cancer when he made the Marvel movie but didn’t let cancer slow him down and his dreams. Boseman has passed away in 2020, his legacy still lives on as an influential person, a true fighter.
In Memory of Mary Wilson
Mary Wilson was a singer, bestselling author, motivational speaker, businesswoman, former U.S. Cultural Ambassador, mother, and grandmother. She was well known as one of the original founding singers of “The Supreme”, where she made history and became one of the trendsetters who broke down the racial, social, and gender barriers after their first number one song hit off. Wilson also worked in activism, fighting to pass Truth in Music Advertising bills and donating to various charities. Wilson was inducted along with Ross and Ballard (as members of the Supremes) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Mary passed away in her sleep on February 8th, however, her legacy still lives on as an influential person for her humanitarian work assisting non-profit organizations’ ending hunger, raising awareness, encouraging world peace, and helping children to realize their dreams.
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