On August 31st we honor the cultures and contributions of people of African Descent around the world
"International days reflect the values societies share, while celebrating and reinforcing humanity’s collective achievements. On 31 August, the International Day for People of African Descent calls on us to honour the immense and diverse contributions of people of African descent to the rich fabric of our societies and to human progress as a whole."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Congressman John Lewis talks about how Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him as a young man during the Civil Rights Movement
John Lewis
By: Kathy Crockett, MY HERO
No one had to tell John to stand up for what he believed was right; it just came naturally.
Rosa McCauley Parks
By: Taiesha from lancaster
Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, leading to desegregation and her becoming a civil rights icon.
Malcolm X
By: Serena Xie
Malcolm X was an American Muslim minister and activist during the civil rights movement.
Ella J. Baker
By: Rebecca from Boca Raton
Ella J. Baker was an early and life-long civil rights activist who taught Rosa Parks to stand up for her rights.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
By: Staff Writer
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was formed in 1909 by whites and blacks to fight for black civil rights.
Thurgood Marshall
By: Xenia Shin
Thurgood Marshall, US Supreme Court Justice and founder of the NAACP, profoundly affected the progress of civil rights by using the law.
Nelson Mandela
By: Jeff Trussell
Nelson Mandela
was a peacemaker and a freedom hero.
Musicians
Wynton Marsalis
By: The My Hero Project
Wynton Marsalis is dedicated to passing on the benefits of music education to young people.
Angélique Kidjo
By: Abigail Richardson
Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo believes that music has the power to connect cultures, preserve history and inspire change.
"No two people on earth are alike, and it's got to be that way in music or it isn't music." Billie Holiday
Nina Simone
By: Jillian Murphy
Nina Simone, a courageous and creative African American woman, fought for racial equality through her music and activism in the 1960s. Her legacy continues to inspire artists today, as seen in Kanye West's use of her songs.
Dizzy Gillespie
By: Zach from San Diego
Dizzy Gillespie was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator and singer.
John Coltrane
By: Motoki from San Diego
John Coltrane was an American jazz saxophonist and composer.
Stevie Wonder
By: Lauren
Stevie Wonder is an award-winning musician and record producer, who benefit concerts support children with disabilities.
Charlie Parker
By: Ben from Santa Monica
Charlie Parker known as "Bird" was a great American musician.
Ray Charles
By: Cailah Jadyn from San Diego
Ray Charles used jazz to create a new genre of music.
Scott Joplin
By: Adam from Center Valley
Scott Joplin
composed operatic and ragtime music and influenced early jazz.
Ella Fitzgerald
By: Julie from Selden
Ella Fitzgerald
was a beloved songstress who used her success to help people of all races, cultures and beliefs.
Louis Armstrong
By: Michael Lee
Louis Armstrong was a jazz pioneer who was never afraid to take a chance and is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.
Artists
Jean-Michel Basquiat
By: Dorothy Lie
Jean-Michel Basquiat is an artist from the 1980s who demonstrated perseverance in overcoming obstacles to create messages that deeply resonate with his audience
Harriet Powers
By: Lindsay from Wallingford
Harriet Powers, born into slavery in Georgia, became renowned for her quilts. Despite financial struggles, she sold one of her quilts to Jennie Smith, who recognized its artistic value. The quilt is now preserved in the Smithsonian Museum, showcasing Harriet's creativity and resilience.
The Sculptor: Selma Burke
By: Sebastian Ruiz
Selma Burke was an influential African American sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance in the U.S.
Mariama Diamanka: Promoting Peace Through Art
By: Naomi Gledhill
Read about Mariama Diamanka, one of Dakar's leading urban artists promoting peace, hope, and social progress.
