The My Hero Project -

My Hero Celebrates Black History Month

"Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise I rise I rise. " -- Maya Angelou
(Still I rise, And Still I Rise - 1978)

Carter G. Woodson,
also known as the "Father of Black History,"
organized Black History Week in February of 1926,
selecting the second week of February to coincide with
the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

MY HERO celebrates Black History Month around the globe in recognition and appreciation of the contributions and achievements of people of African descent in politics, the arts, education, business, science, and literature.

Women Had Key Roles in Civil Rights Era by Erin Texeira AP National Writer	Steveland Morris (a.k.a. Stevie Wonder) is an incredible pianist and singer. by Tim from Montvale	Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" was the civil rights speech that moved the world	Malcolm Little known as Malcom X, was a warrior in the fight against racism. by Roberto from Pacoima
Marian Wright Edelman is one of the country's leading advocates for children.	Harriet Tubman organized the Underground Railroad and helped lead slaves to freedom. by Nancy Nickerson	Martin Luther King Jr. fought for civil rights and equality. by Nathalie from Houston	Maya Angelou is an accomplished poet, playwright, and writer. by Leilani from Kahului
Paul J. Adams III is a passionate educator who built a nationally renowned prep school for African American students. by Claudia Herrera Hudson	Fati Kirakoya is a researcher committed to finding solutions to end HIV/AIDS. by Wendy Jewell	Philly Bongole Lutaaya was the first Ugandan to put a human face on AIDS. by Open Vision Youth Club	Edmonia Lewis defied restrictions on black women and achieved respect in the art community. by Jerrilyn & Madeline Jacobs
Madam C.J. Walker used her business success to fight discrimination and open doors for others. by Alexandra from St.Paul	Malika Sanders was born into the Civil Rights Movement and continues work today. by Wendy Jewell	Maxine Waters is a Congresswoman who works fervently for her community. by Michelle from Hidden Hills	Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement that plants trees to help restore the desolate ecosystem in Africa. by Heidi Antocicco
Mae Jemison dreamed of going to space since childhood. by Christian Walsh	Joseph Ki-Zerbo works to help Africans retain control of their country's agriculture. by Geeta Malik	Kofi Annan is an honored freedom and peacemaker hero. by Jerrilyn Jacobs	Nelson Mandela is a peacemaker and a freedom hero. by Jeff Trussell
Florence Ngobeni urges African leaders to work for AIDS prevention. by Jerrilyn Jacobs.	Fela Kuti was a revolutionary musician from Nigeria. by Geeta Malik	Norma Merrick Sklarek rose above the odds to become the first female African- American architect. by Charna from New Haven	Ibrahim Alex Bangura makes music that sends a message of peace and tolerance. by Wendy Jewell
Langston Hughes was nicknamed the Poet Laureate of Harlem. by Jeff Trussell	Arthur Ashe was a tennis champion and humanitarian. by Dylan Stern	Didier Drogba is a professional soccer player from Cote D'Ivoire, Africa. by Mallet from Dakar, Senegal	Baba Coleman is a drumming teacher who instills self-determination in his students. by Deborah Hare
Frances Ellen Watkins was a prolific author and poet who devoted her life to speaking out against slavery. by Geeta Malik	Jacob Lawrence broke racial barriers as a renowned painter. by Kristin Myer	Phillis Wheatley was the first distinguished African-American poet.	Jesse Owens defied the odds in running. by Brett from Fredericksburg
Ruby Bridges bravely led the way to desegregation of schools as a child. by Susannah Abbey	Nkosi Johnson , an orphan infected by HIV who spoke out on behalf of children with AIDS. by My Hero	Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball. by Brian	Magic Johnson inspires others with his basketball talents and philanthropic work. by Laura Tucker for MY HERO
Alvin Ailey was a choreographer and founder of the American Dance Theater. by Danelle from Montvale	Ben Carson is the chief of neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. by Dr. Renee Shackelford	Clara Hale was foster mother and founder of the Hale House. by Jessica from Mississauga, Canada	Hank Aaron is a baseball legend. by Justin from Fredericksburg
Colin Powell is the first African-American U.S. Secretary of State. by Sean from Fredericksburg	Helene Gayle is one of the leading authorities on AIDS research. by Geeta Malik	Marian Anderson was a world-renowned opera singer. by Elizabeth	Muhammad Ali is still 'The Greatest.' by Jaime Marcus
Mary McLeod Bethune used education to help in the fight for racial and gender equality. by Audrey from Mount Joy	Ntozake Shange is the inventor of the choreopoem.	Paul Robeson was a performer who was deeply committed to political causes. by TONY	Rosa Parks made history when she refused to sit in the back of the bus. by Francisca Stewart
Ruth Simmons is breaking down barriers in the world of higher education.	Effa Manley was an activist and pioneer in breaking down baseball's racial barriers. by Diane from New Haven	W.E.B. Dubois was a leading 19th century writer and scholar. by Jennifer Beck	Thurgood Marshall was the first African-American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. by Huava from St. Paul
Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree. by Aisha from New Haven	Willie Howard Mays was a favored baseball player. by Tom J Dedicated to my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kerpsack	Andrew Greene Jr. of Sierra Leone teaches the world about peace. by Charles Harper	Oseola McCarty donated her life savings so others could go to college. by Molly
Joneice proved how strong a kid can be to her sister, Kia. by Kia	J.A. and Geraldine Reynolds Founded 'Bruce's Garden' in NYC which honors Bruce, a victim of 9/11. by Claudia Hudson	OPEN VISION YOUTH PROJECT strives to provide technology to students in Uganda.	Derwin and Tori gave Ian, and other kids, a chance at a better life. by Ian from Woodland Hills
Angela Davis is a leader, author, and professor who has fought for decades for human rights. by Alexia from Madison	Medgar Wiley Evers worked to end racism in America by Sina from Washington State	Doreen Van Lee writes about her Chicago childhood.	Phyllis Utircia Simmons is an inspiration to her daughter, Miriam by Miriam from Pinehurst
Tommie Hamaluba is a teacher in Botswana, Africa working to eradicate malaria. by Claudia Herrera Hudson	Ray Charles Robinson although blind, was a talented musician by Cynthia from Flushing	Ernest Jones, Sr. is admired by his granddaughter for having ''birthed a generation of leaders.'' by Lynai Barnes from New Haven, CT	Charlie Parker was a great musician and father. by Ben from Santa Monica
Olara Otunnu is helping children and working for peace in war-torn nations. by Jeanne	Bob Marley had a vision of One World, One Love. by Jenee from Fernandina Beach	Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African-American poet of the nineteenth century.	Scott Joplin composed operatic and ragtime music. by Adam from Center Valley
Earl Boykins is a star basketball player who has fought against the odds by Chris from Commerce City	Saul Williams is a Spoken Word Poet and Slam Champ. by Geeta Malik	Lisa Leslie is a WNBA star and an inspiration to girls. by Arayael from Columbia	Michael Jordan can do anything with a basketball, and is admired on and off the court. by Kevin Nuest
Michael Franti sends a message of peace and tolerance through his music. by brianne from woodland hills	Curtis Mayfield who is Doreen Van Lee's hero, was an influential singer and songwriter. by Lindsey Baker	Pelé is a great Brazilian soccer hero. by Bryan Stillwagon	Venus Williams won the 2000 US Open tennis tournament. by Emily from Montvale
Herschel Vaughn conducts an after-school program that teaches music, discipline, and friendship. by Anwyn Hurxthal	Robert Moses founded The Algebra Project, which is committed to teaching math literacy. by Margaret Dean	Vince Carter is both a talented and compassionate basketball star. by Forrest from Flagstaff	Florence Griffith-Joyner was one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Sojourner Truth born into slavery, worked for the freedom of all. by Nancy Nickerson	Waris Dirie works to protect the rights of women. by Jackie from Sydney	James Baldwin was a famed novelist and essayist. by Eric from Elmhurst	Wilt Chamberlain may be the best basketball player of all time. by Winston from Fredericksburg
Ken Saro Wiwa was a Nigerian writer, environmentalist and human rights activist. by Devi from Laguna Beach	John Lewis has worked for civil rights for all for over 40 years. by Kathy Crockett My Hero	Bill Cosby injects his comedy with wisdom. by Melanie from Fredericksburg	Azie Morton valued education and gave back to her community. by Alex from Austin
Dr. Felton Earls treats communities through his work. by The My Hero Project	Nelson Mandela is Muhammad Ali's hero because he understands what it means to fight against enormous odds by Muhammad Ali	Paul Rusesabagina saved the lives of more than 1200 Rwandans who took refuge in his hotel. by Kathy Crockett, The My Hero Project	Wynton Marsalis is dedicated to passing on the benefits of music education to young people. by The My Hero Project
Hadraawi, Beloved Peacemaker / Poet of Somalia is a powerful voice for peace in his country. by Rebecca Miller	Dr. Barbara Ross Lee became the first African American woman dean of a US medical school. by Sabin from Raleigh	Dr. Gloria WilderBrathwaite was inspired to provide health care to the poor in the innner city. by Victoria from Raleigh	Rokhaya Gueye treats malaria and raises awareness about women's health issues in Senegal. by Seck from Dakar
Audrey Penn: Just Do It is a medical doctor who has devoted herself to studying diseases that affect muscle control. by Nancy Touchette, Ph.D.	C. Vivian Stringer despite great challenges, pursued her passion for basketball and is known for turning women into champions. by Kathy Crockett The My Hero Project	Wangari Maathai 2006 Film Festival 1st Place Student Winner &Special Hero Award Winner:Wangari Maathai by Will Levitt	Mother Mary helps Senegalese children and mothers with HIV/AIDS.
Dominican-Haitian to Win RFK Award	Kenyan Starts Tree- Planting Campaign by ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY Associated Press Writer	In U.S., 'Lost Boy' Won't Forget Sudan	Sudanese Come Home to Serve Country by CHRIS TOMLINSON Associated Press Writer
Walls and Springs: a Story of Friendship by JAIME ARON AP Sports Writer	Man Saves Teen Who Fell on Subway Track by DEEPTI HAJELA Associated Press Writer	Black Priest's Story Unknown to Many by MARTHA IRVINE AP National Writer	King Holiday Focus to Include Widow by ERRIN HAINES Associated Press Writer
Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls has opened up opportunities to South African girls. by Kathy Crockett	Kofi Annan, Darfur Activist Win Palmes	Mamadou Tall Diedhiou combines recycled materials to create inspiring works of art. by Cheikh Darou Seck from DAKAR	Kimmie Weeks survived the war in Liberia and now works to rebuild communities in war-torn countries. by My Hero Staff
Ed Grant is passionate about helping others better their lives. by Jessie from New Haven	Oumoul Khary Sow founded the Caravan of Hope which travels to remote areas in Senegal to help prevent malaria. by Mame Fatou from Dakar	Philip Emeagwali Is one of the “fathers of the Internet” and an inspiration to anyone who wants to achieve their own dreams. by Lance from Blue Sky	Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is a leader who is bringing change and hope to Liberia. by Patrick Kiyemba from Pretoria
Guion S. Bluford, Jr. became the first African-American in space. by Jonathan from Michigan	The Little Rock Nine bravely fought discrimination to attend an all white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas. by Natasha from New Haven	Susie King Taylor was a pioneer in the struggle for African American women's rights. by Heather from Gilbert, Arizona	Mohammed Bah Abba invented a refrigeration device that is not dependent on electricity. by Zachary from Cedar Grove
Percy Julian was a groundbreaking African American chemist, inventor, and trailblazer. by Kathy Crockett	Clifford V. Johnson is a string theorist who studies the makeup of the smallest particles of the universe. by Jennifer Lauren Lee