Black History Month is one of the many opportunities for talking to kids about the significant contributions and achievements of Black Americans. The Dorktales Storytime Podcast has featured stories of Black trailblazers from different time periods in American history. These women and men faced societal barriers and racial injustice, but through their own talents, determination, bravery and resilience, they left us a legacy of extraordinary accomplishments that changed our world for the better.
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Bessie Stringfield
Bessie Stringfield, the trailblazing motorcyclist, roared through the societal barriers of the 1930s, becoming the first Black woman to ride solo across the United States. She loved riding a motorcycle so much that in 1930, she opened a paper map, flipped a penny on it and rode her motorcycle to wherever it landed. She took eight cross-country journeys on the rough, bumpy open roads from state to state. Her spirit of adventure could get very dangerous because many places were not welcoming to Black people, especially a Black woman who was by herself.
During World War II, she was a civilian motorcycle dispatch rider carrying messages, documents and orders between military units. After the war, she moved to Florida and became known as the “Motorcycle Queen of Miami.” Her story is not just one of adventure and daring feats; it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of pursuing one’s passion against all odds.
Lewis Latimer
Lewis Latimer, born in 1848, was a remarkable American inventor and artist. Early in his life, he served in the Union Navy during the Civil War. Later, he became a skilled patent draftsman, drawing detailed images for important inventions. His significant contributions include working with Alexander Graham Bell on the telephone patent and improving Thomas Edison’s light bulb, making it more durable and affordable for everyone.
Mr. Latimer’s impact extended beyond inventions. He played a crucial role in explaining and promoting Edison’s light bulb, co-founding the Edison Pioneers to preserve Edison’s legacy. Despite facing challenges due to his race, Mr. Latimer’s talents and innovations left a lasting mark, making him an important figure in history who brightened the world through his achievements.
Nichelle Nichols
Nichelle Nichols, born in 1932, was a groundbreaking actor, singer, and dancer, best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek series. Before Star Trek, she had a successful career in dance, singing for jazz bands and performing in the film and stage versions of Porgy and Bess.
In Star Trek, Ms. Nichols portrayed Lieutenant Uhura, breaking new ground as one of the first Black women in a starring role in a major TV series. After the first season, she planned to leave for Broadway, but Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. convinced her to stay. He saw her role as vital for the Civil Rights Movement, breaking stereotypes of Black characters on TV.
Ms. Nichols’ impact extended beyond acting; she became a NASA ambassador, advocating for diversity in space exploration. Her efforts influenced astronauts like Dr. Sally Ride, Mae Jemison and Colonel Guion Bluford, and she inspired many to pursue careers in space science. Nichelle Nichols used her art to inspire interest in science and space exploration, leaving behind a galactic legacy.
Dr. Patricia Bath
Dr. Patricia Bath, born in 1942, was a pioneering figure in medicine. From a young age, she excelled in science, winning a scholarship at 16 for cancer research. Her discoveries, including a groundbreaking mathematical equation, garnered widespread recognition. After graduating from Howard University in 1968, Dr. Bath focused on ophthalmology and addressed disparities in eye care through the community ophthalmology system.
In 1981, she patented the Laserphaco Probe, revolutionizing cataract treatment with laser technology. Dr. Bath’s invention restored sight to those blind for decades. Beyond her medical achievements, she co-founded the Student National Medical Association and achieved numerous firsts in her career. Dr. Patricia Bath’s groundbreaking contributions to medicine and her humanitarian efforts have left an enduring legacy.
Lucille Bishop Smith
Lucille Bishop Smith was a Black American culinary entrepreneur, educator, inventor and corporate founder who revolutionized home cooking. She was recruited to develop a domestic service training program for professors and instructors at Prairie View A&M College. Later in her career, she’s responsible for the first college-level culinary arts program to help students interested in training to be a part of the food and baking industries.
Ms. Bishop Smith innovated convenience cooking with her “Lucille’s All Purpose Hot Roll Mix.” Home cooks could use the mix to make a variety of recipes for their families, without having to start from scratch. Her cookbook was so popular it was reprinted over five times and readers’ favorite recipes included hush puppies, spoon bread, and hominy casserole. Today, her cookbook is treasured by those fortunate to have one in their possession. Her special “recipe card box” version is considered a collector’s item.
Her great-grandchildren are keeping her legacy alive through “Lucille’s,” their own restaurant named in her honor. It pays tribute to her culinary excellence and features some of her most famous recipes.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
In the Dorktales Storytime podcast episode, “Groundbreaking Music Makers,” you’ll meet Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She was a singer and guitarist from the 1930s and 40s who is known as the Godmother of Rock and Roll. She was the first recording star of gospel music, and her technique was revolutionary, as she was among the first recording artists to use heavy distortion on her electric guitar–an effect you can put on your guitar to make it sound gritty or fuzzy. Ms. Tharpe wrote about religious and non-religious themes, which was another groundbreaking moment for the artform.
As a Black American, Ms. Tharpe experienced the effects of racial segregation and as a female guitarist, she faced many obstacles in the male dominated music industry. Her talent and determination broke through those barriers as her music grew to the top of the charts. Her most famous song, “Strange Things Happening Everyday,” was the first gospel song to make it onto the Rhythm and Blues (R&B) top 10 charts. Many artists were inspired by Sister Rosetta Tharpe and she finally received the recognition she deserved when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jerry Lawson
Jerry Lawson was a self-taught electronic engineer who created “Channel F,” the first video game console with interchangeable games. It was a revolutionary invention and a game changer for the video game industry. He was one of the only Black engineers to work in Silicon Valley at the time. He paved the way for others to come after him, and various honors and awards were created in his name. They open the doors to educate and train more Black and Indigenous Game Developers. This has been vitally important for an industry that still suffers from unequal representation. In December 2022, he was honored as a Google Doodle on what would have been his 82nd birthday.
The Six Triple Eight
Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams became the first Black woman to command the 6888th battalion in World War II. Known as the “Six Triple Eight,” she and 855 Black female soldiers were assigned to take up a lost cause – sending 17 million warehoused letters and packages to the soldiers who were longing to hear from their loved ones.
There was a lot of pressure for the Six Triple Eight to succeed and they were faced with racism throughout their service. Many who opposed their inclusion in the army looked at this mission as a test of their capabilities. They also treated it as a test of whether or not Black individuals, especially women, should be allowed to serve.
Though challenged with troops constantly on the move, thousands of common names, and missing addresses, the dedicated Six Triple Eight achieved their mission and delivered the impossible in record time!
When they returned home from the war in 1946, there was no recognition of their accomplishments or a “thank you for your service.” It took until 2019 for the Army to award the 6888th the Meritorious Unit Commendation and Congress is taking steps to finally honor their remarkable service with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Today, The National Archives for Black Women’s History, the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Library of Congress are preserving the legacy and heroism of the Six Triple Eight.
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver is someone you probably learned about in school, but you may not know the entire story of his life—from being enslaved to experiencing segregation and then becoming one of America’s most respected agricultural scientists, botanists and inventors.
His research was never just about science, but about the impact that it might have on people’s lives—particularly the African American people of the South and areas that relied on agriculture to survive. At the time, cotton was king but it destroyed the land after one harvest. He taught many farmers how to grow other crops to enrich the soil and create hundreds of products.
Did you know that he is credited with discovering over 300 uses for the peanut? Or that he studied many species of fungi—two of which were named after him? Or that he was admired by Henry Ford and Thomas Edison—both who wanted to hire him to work for their companies? These are but a few of the extraordinary facts about his life.
What’s even more admirable, is that he used his celebrity to speak on racial injustice and the importance of racial harmony. He worked towards a future where no one is turned away from getting an education or work based on their race. And he certainly left a legacy for all young scientists and farmers who have following in his footsteps.
Note: This episode includes discussions about slavery and systemic racism. Find links to resources for talking about these topics on the episode web page.
Wilma Rudolph
As a child, Wilma Rudolph suffered from bouts of polio and scarlet fever, and needed to wear a brace on her left leg. Her illnesses were so severe, that she was told by doctors she would never walk again. But her family believed that she would—Her mother took her for special medical treatments and her family members helped massage her leg daily. Through their support and her determination, she was able to walk by the age of 12.
In high school she started training and competing in amateur races with the Tennessee State track and field team, and at the age of 16, she went to the 1956 Olympics and won her first medal—a bronze in the 4×100 relay. Four years later, in 1960, she won three gold medals and broke three world records. She became the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field in the same year. From then on, she was dubbed “the fastest woman in the world.”
But Wilma Rudolph accomplished something even more precious than gold medals.
In 1960, it was at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Black women and men were beginning the first, powerful wave of fights for equal rights and justice across the country. Ms. Rudolph was one of the most visible Black women and athletes in America after her performance in the Olympics. She used that platform to inspire other athletes, stand up for integrated events where all people were safely welcome, and make a difference for both civil and women’s rights.
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong had a difficult childhood and grew up in a dangerous neighborhood. He started working when he was very young and that is how he came to afford his first cornet. He kicked off his career on Mississippi river boats and was eventually mentored by Joe “King” Oliver, the top cornetist in New Orleans. He joined King Oliver’s orchestra in 1922 and, after 3 years, struck out on his own to become one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time.
Mr. Armstrong broke down barriers during a time when there were even more significant obstacles for African American people due to Jim Crow laws. He was the first Black American to write an autobiography, get cast in a major motion picture, and host a nationally sponsored radio show. He also famously spoke out about the Little Rock Nine, an incident where Black American students were prevented from attending school.
Most of his life was about a deep passion for music and using it to bring people together. Louis Armstrong built a music legacy and a legacy beyond music.
Bessie Coleman and Mae Jemison
In Dorktales Storytime Podcast’s episode on “Brave Aviators,” you meet two women at critical points in aviation history—Bessie Coleman, an early adopter who took to the skies, and Mae Jemison who soared into the stars.
Bessie Coleman, also known as “Queen Bess” and “Brave Bessie,” paved the way for future generations to follow their flight dreams. Born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas, she was the first Black woman and the first Native American to hold a pilot’s license.
She lived in a time before commercial flight, so she performed stunts in order to earn a living as an aviator. She became famous and admired for her daring tricks and expert piloting skills.
Bessie Coleman used her fame for good throughout her career. She was committed to promoting the field of aviation and combating racism. She spoke to audiences across the country about the pursuit of aviation for Black communities. And, she absolutely refused to participate in aviation events that prohibited the attendance of Black individuals.
Fast forward to the late 20th century and you’ll learn that Mae Jemison also had to endure racism to move forward in her career as a doctor and astronaut. Today, she continues to persevere against the unfair limits that society places on her, because of her race and gender.
Out of over 2,000 applicants, Ms. Jemison was one of 15 people chosen to join the crew of NASA’s space shuttle Endeavor which blasted off September 12, 1992. Ms. Jemison brought a photo of Bessie Coleman with her on the shuttle where she was designated as a Science Mission Specialist, a new astronaut role being tested by NASA to focus on scientific experiments.
Ms. Jemison does important work outside of NASA as well: serving as a doctor before her time as an astronaut, creating an international space camp for young students, starting a non-profit organization, and spearheading important cosmic research to this day.
Norma Merrick Sklarek
In the Dorktales Storytime Podcast’s episode on “Innovative Architects,” you’ll meet Norma Merrick Sklarek, a Black woman who had an architectural career filled with firsts! She was the first Black student, and one of only two women in her class, to graduate with a degree in architecture at Columbia University. She then became the first Black woman to pass the license exam in New York and California, officially beginning her career as an architect.
She faced gender and racial discrimination from the start, both at college and in her career. But she never gave up.
Ms. Sklarek applied to work at 19 different offices and was turned down for work before she got her first job in New York. She spent years unrecognized for her significant contributions to client projects, but her strong work ethic, advanced technical skills, and personal resolve, led to her rising to the top of her field. She broke even more barriers when she became the first Black woman to co-own an architectural firm with two other women.
Ms. Sklarek was part of many significant projects, but she is most recognized for designing two buildings—the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Japan and the Terminal One station at the Los Angeles International Airport.
A cherished mentor, Ms. Sklarek gave her time to younger aspiring architects and she frequently taught at architecture schools throughout her long career. Her legacy is still bringing opportunities to future generations: Howard University offers a scholarship in her name and Columbia University recently established a Norma Merrick Sklarek fund intended to “promote diversity, inclusion, and equity by breaking down barriers to access for graduate study.”
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