Black History Month
Started by Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is a chance for us to celebrate the contributions of black people and share some awesome parts of our history with the world
The Mansa
Mansa Musa (r. 1312–1337) was the ruler of the West African Mali Empire and is widely considered the wealthiest individual in human history. Controlling vast territories rich in gold and salt, he is best known for his legendary 1324 pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he traveled with an entourage of tens of thousands and distributed so much gold that he single-handedly destabilized the economy of Cairo for over a decade. Beyond his riches, Musa was a transformative leader who expanded trade and turned the city of Timbuktu into a renowned center of Islamic scholarship and architecture, commissioning landmarks like the Djinguereber Mosque that still stand today.
The bell hooks
bell hooks (1952-2021) is a groundbreaking Black feminist scholar, cultural critic, and author whose work transforms discussions on race, gender, and class. Rejecting the capitalization of her pen name to emphasize the substance of her writing over her persona, she famously defined feminism as "a movement to end sexist oppression," arguing that all forms of domination—including racism, capitalism, and patriarchy—are interconnected. Through influential books like "Ain't I a Woman?" and "All About Love", she makes complex theory accessible to a broad audience, advocating for a radical love and critical consciousness as essential tools for social justice and community healing.
"To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds."
-bell hooks-
The Garvey
Marcus Garvey
Born: August 17, 1887
Died: June 10, 1940
Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican political activist, publisher, and journalist who became a foundational figure in the history of Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism. Founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), he championed a philosophy of racial pride, economic self-reliance, and the formation of an independent Black nation in Africa, a movement that came to be known as "Garveyism." Through initiatives like the Black Star Line shipping company, he sought to facilitate trade and migration between Africans and the African diaspora, and although his business ventures faced significant legal and financial hurdles, his message inspired millions and laid the groundwork for future civil rights leaders and the Rastafari movement.
"Whatsoever things common to man, that man has done, man can do."
-Marcus Mosiah Garvey-
