As we continue to honor Black History Month here is some great inspiration and facts we learned this week:
Motivational Messages
“It isn’t where you come from; it’s where you’re going that counts.” – Ella Fitzgerald
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr
Honorable Historic Moments
In March 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks defied segregation laws by refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin did exactly the same thing. Eclipsed by Parks, her act of defiance was largely ignored for many years. “Whenever people ask me: ‘Why didn’t you get up when the bus driver asked you?’ I say it felt as though Harriet Tubman’s hands were pushing me down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth’s hands were pushing me down on the other shoulder. I felt inspired by these women because my teacher taught us about them in so much detail,” stated Colvin. Colvin was the first person to be arrested for challenging Montgomery’s bus segregation policies, so her story made a few local papers – but nine months later, the same act of defiance by Rosa Parks was reported all over the world. Colvin actually knew Parks very well. She became very active in her youth group and would meet every Sunday afternoon at the Luther Church. Colvin says Parks had the right image to become the face of resistance to segregation because of her previous work with the NAACP. The organization didn’t want a teenager in the role.
Inspirational Black Inventors
Dr. Patricia Bath became the first female African American medical doctor to receive a medical patent when she invented a laser cataract treatment device called a Laserphaco Probe in 1986.
Thomas Jennings – The aforementioned first African American U.S. patent recipient was working as a tailor and businessman in New York City when he invented a process for dry-cleaning delicate clothing known as “dry-scouring.” Jennings applied for a patent in 1820 and received his history-making approval the following year.
Black-Owned Delicious Dining Options
Seven (7) Black-Owned Culinary Restaurants You Can Support in the DC & NoVa area
With the recent nationwide protests and Black Lives Matter movement, many people have been wondering how they can help the cause. One of the more underrated ways to do your part is by supporting Black-owned businesses. And what better business to support in a pandemic than a restaurant? Ordering from Black-owned restaurants bolsters local economies and provides job opportunities, which is essential during this time since COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Black communities. With that, here are seven (7) Black-owned restaurants you can support in the Northern Virginia (NoVa) and DC area.
Meaningful Black History Month Thoughts from M9 Team Members
What does black history mean to me? by Taylor C., Talent Acquisition Specialist
Black history to me, means remembering important people and events that African Americans have made to the educational, scientific, and social justice of our country. Black history month is used not only to highlight the neglected historical accomplishments of black people but to also educate others on current black issues; seeing how far we have come and how far we still have to go, to empower black voices and to help build a better community overall.