Brightline
Feb 5, 2025
It’s Black History Month!
Did you know that the theme for 2025 is African Americans and Labor? Let’s talk about it.
Black Americans have been working in this country for centuries. First, there were the traumatic days of slavery and forced labor. Then, Black families worked to harvest their own land, build homes, cook for their families, run stores, and learn trades.
Over the decades, Black Americans have overcome scary, large, and sometimes brutal obstacles to excel in classrooms, universities, laboratories, corporations, and political institutions (we’re looking at you Barack, Michelle, Kamala, and so many more!).
In fact, there are countless examples of Black Americans who have innovated, inspired, persevered, and succeeded in every industry — despite generations of oppression.
Here, we are featuring the progressive, impressive work of just a few incredible Black Americans. Their achievements were not without profound struggle. It’s important to acknowledge and honor their hardships along with their magnificent, indelible mark on this country and its people.
May they forever be remembered, highlighted, and celebrated.
Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005) Ms. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black woman to seek the Democratic party’s nomination for President of the United States. In Congress, she advocated for more money and programs to help low-income and working-class Americans. A former educator herself, Ms. Chisholm fought tirelessly for federal assistance for education, funding for oversight of child care centers, and for the rights of refugees.
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020), Dorothy Vaughan (1910–2008), and Mary W. Jackson (1921–2005) Have you seen the movie Hidden Figures? Based on actual events, it’s about three brilliant Black women who overcame racism and gender discrimination at NASA, and were pivotal in sending an American astronaut to space in 1962. These elite mathematicians broke down stereotypes and barriers to make history in the aerospace industry, thanks to their knowledge, resilience, and grace under immense pressure.
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. (1912–2002) Despite experiencing racism at West Point and being rejected from the Army Air Corps (the early version of the Air Force) because of the color of his skin, Mr. Davis was part of the first graduating class of the Tuskegee Airmen. He was a champion for equal rights for soldiers. And Mr. Davis’s career and overall leadership were integral in helping the Air Force integrate the armed forces.
John Lewis (1940–2020) John Lewis spent his life, and his career, getting into what he called “good trouble.” Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Lewis peacefully protested discrimination, fought for equality, and risked his life (more than once!) for freedom and justice. He was an organizer, one of the original 13 Freedom Riders, and led 600 people marching for equal voting rights on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Mr. Lewis was a lifetime civil rights advocate, a career congressman, and an inspiration to many.
What do these and so many other Black Americans who overcame adversity to become such historical icons have in common? They pushed forward with strength, courage, and peace. They believed in themselves and their dreams.
Believing in yourself and your dreams takes confidence. Self-respect. And self-love.
Self-love is hard work (and so important)
Valentine’s Day is on its way, and this year, we want to encourage you and your kids to focus on the love you can build in yourself and each other. How?
Parents and caregivers, you can build self-love in your kids in simple ways every day. Here are nine ideas to help you show them they matter every day:
Give them your undivided attention
Help them learn new things
Praise their efforts
Notice what’s going well and compliment it
Show your love and appreciation for them
Challenge their negative comments about themselves
Practice positive self-talk in front of them
Encourage them to see their differences as strengths
Celebrate small wins
When kids learn the importance of loving themselves, they also learn patience, tolerance, and kindness. They build confidence — and are often the same kids who become allies and advocates for others who need a positive voice in their life.
You can use these ideas to help self-love grow in your own body and mind, too! Doing so will both empower you to model self-love and help your child to build it within themselves.