John,

This month, we celebrate the genius, the creativity, and the accomplishments of Black Americans over the last centuries — achievements that exist far outside the bounds of a single 28-day month.

Everyone knows our most prominent historical figures: Dr. Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, George W. Carver, Rosa Parks. But those names barely scratch the surface of the lasting impressions Black people have made on this country.

Black history is all around us, especially here in Philadelphia. Here are just a few of the lesser-known Black trailblazers from our city:

• Crystal Bird Fauset was the first Black woman elected to a state legislature in the nation, representing the 18th District of Philadelphia in 1938. She introduced legislation that addressed public health, low-income housing, and women’s workplace rights. Fauset eventually became a part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Black Cabinet."


• Caroline LeCount was a Philly-born educator who paved the way for activists by fighting to desegregate public transportation — a century before Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks.


• Alain Leroy Locke, born in Philadelphia in 1885, was the first Black Rhodes Scholar known as the 'Dean' of the Harlem Renaissance. Recognized alongside Renaissance figures such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, Locke was one of the greatest philosophers in American history.

While Philadelphia has long been a heart of Black excellence, make no mistake: Our stories touch every corner of the nation and the globe.

John, as we commemorate, let's also recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of dismantling systemic racism. I invite you to stay engaged in the racial and social justice movement and support local organizations like Philly We Rise and Black Lives Matter Philly.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the history we are making today is one of progress, equality, and justice for all. And I encourage you to continue exploring the rich and amazing history of Black Americans.

After all, every month is Black History Month.

Dwight

 

 

Dwight is an activist congressman, fighting for civil rights, economic opportunity, quality education, and safer neighborhoods. Block by block, he is working to revitalize neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. Chip in today to help power his campaign. DONATE

 

 

 

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