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Black History Month 2023

History-Makers of Today

Black HistoryMonth 2023History-Makers of Today

History is All Around Us

Students don't always understand that history is being made all around us, in all kinds of ways. History, to them, is relegated to the past. In contrast, this template is chock full of Black Americans who are making history now.


Happy Black History Month! Let's show our students the breadth of change-makers out there! :)

Bringing About New Laws - Black Politicians

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Vice President Kamala Harris

Madam Vice President! "Wear your sneakers, ladies, because there's glass all over the floor." Learn about VP Harris's life here.
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Congressman Ritchie Torres

Raised by a single mother on miminum wage, Torres battled childhood asthma and depression. Then he got a job working for a city councilman. Read his amazing story.
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Representative Jewell Jones

The youngest lawmaker in the US, read all about Michigan's Jewell Jones and his incredible rise.

Discovering the World's Mysteries - Black Scientists

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Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, Cancer-fighter

Wow, she is a force! Read about Dr. Green here.
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Dr. Brian Nord, Astrophysicist

Dr. Nord searches for clues to the universe's origin. Check out how he got his start here.
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Dr. Erich Jarvis, Neuroscientist

Dr. Jarvis studies songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds, learning how they learn to mimic sound. Learn all about his pathway to science here (it's quite a story!)
And then there's saving the planet!
This article profiles Black climate scientists active today, including Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and daughter of a farmer/teacher, whose work focuses on the ocean. Learn more about her at: https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/bio.

Caring for Others - Black Doctors, Chefs, & Public Health Experts

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Dr. Jason Campbell, aka the "Tik Tok Doctor"

Recently featured in the inauguration Parade Across America, Dr. Campbell's mission is to show Black children that they can grow up to be doctors.
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Kia Damon, Chef

Describing herself as the only Black woman in every kitchen she ever worked in, read about Kia's amazing career here. For a broader list of Black chefs in America today, click here.
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Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Covid Vaccine Developer

Born in 1986, read all about Dr. Corbett's life story and contribution to developing a vaccine for Covid-19 here.

Creating Beauty - Black Artists & Fashion Designers

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Amanda Gorman, Poet

Learn all about how this 22-year old poet overcame a speech impediment and found her voice through poetry.
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Amy Sherald, Painter

Learn all about Amy Sherald's path to becoming a painter, and ultimately being chosen to paint First Lady Michelle Obama's official portrait.
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Kerby Jean-Raymond, Fashion Designer

Born in NYC to Haitian immigrants, Kerby got started early -- while still in high school! Read about his incredible career here.

Building the Economy - Black Business Owners

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Black Girl Sunscreen

When you can't find the product you need, sometimes you have to invent it yourself! Check it out founder Shontay Lundy's story here.
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Mahogany Books

It's not always so easy to find picture books with Black characters -- that's why Derrick and Ramunda Young started their online bookshop. Since then, they've only grown! Read about it here.
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Goodee Home Goods

Twin brothers Byron and Dexter Peart built a sustainable home goods marketplace that supports struggling artisans around the world. Here's their story.