A Legacy of Trailblazers
By proclamation, February has been appointed as National Black History Month. This is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of the many Black Americans who have undeniably shaped our nation’s history. Throughout American history, Black people have been among our country’s most significant trailblazers, shaping our cultural and political destiny in profound ways.
Heroes like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Barack Obama, among countless others, represent what is best in Black America and the nation. Their achievements have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country and continue to serve as an inspiration for all. We also recognize the achievements of American greats like Venus and Serena Williams and Tiger Woods, who have pushed the boundaries of excellence in their respective fields, paving the way for others to follow.
The Path to the Presidency
I want to take this time to point out my specific inspirations: the courageous Black women who ran for President and paved the way for all women of color in leadership. This legacy of persistence includes Charlene Mitchell (1968), Margaret Wright (1976), Isabell Masters (1984–2004), Lenora Fulani (1988), Monica Moorhead (1996–2016), and Cynthia McKinney (2008).
Special recognition belongs to Ms. Shirley Chisholm. In 1968, she made history as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, and in 1972, she became the first woman and the first Black person to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her “Unbought and Unbossed” spirit is the defining reason why I could become Monticello’s first Black Mayor.
Inventions That Shape Our Every Day
Beyond the halls of government, we celebrate the “person-based” inventions that affect your everyday life—often without you even knowing it. Today, let us salute these inventors for their innovation and tenacity:
- Garrett Morgan: The three-light traffic signal (1923) and the gas mask (1914).
- Alexander Miles: Automatic elevator doors (1887).
- Frederick McKinley Jones: Automatic refrigerating systems and self-starting gas engines (1940).
- Dr. Charles Drew: Pioneering work in blood plasma that led to the creation of modern blood banks (1939).
- Marie Van Brittan Brown: The first home security system (1966).
- Mark Dean: Co-creator of the personal computer and color imaging, leading the team that developed the first gigahertz microchip (1984).
- James E. West & Gerhard Sessler: The foil electret microphone used in almost all modern phones and cameras (1962).
- Sarah Boone: The improved ironing board (1892).
- Benjamin Banneker: The first American-made clock (1750).
- George Crum: The potato chip (1853).
From the pencil sharpener, mop, and dustpan to the folding chair, clothes dryer, ice cream scoop, and Caller ID, Black innovation has made life better for every generation that followed.
In Remembrance: Rev. Jesse Jackson
“As we continue in the struggle for human rights, remember that God will see us through, even in our midnight moments.” — Rev. Jackson
In line with this month of reflection, let us honor the achievements of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson. A Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and two-time Democratic presidential candidate, Jackson was a protégé of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a pillar of the civil rights movement.
From his arrest for protesting segregation at age 18 to standing just feet away when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968, Jackson’s life has been defined by the struggle for justice. He marched from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights and led Operation Breadbasket to pressure corporations into fair hiring practices. His work transcended borders, as he successfully negotiated the release of American hostages and political prisoners in Syria and Cuba.
Community Involvement and Progress
Residents are encouraged to make volunteering a personal priority. Catholic Charities Foundation continues to seek volunteers for food pantry operations every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Community engagement strengthens Monticello, whether through attending board meetings, participating in activities, or supporting neighbors. Both permanent and seasonal residents play vital roles in the progress and resilience of our community.