Celebrating Black History | 2018

One of the most important responsibilities as leaders is recognizing when it is appropriate to celebrate our accomplishments in addition to our differences. Now, more than ever, we must embrace the beauty of our diversity and truly appreciate these influential black Americans. We must learn to celebrate the contributions of black people, for a day, for a week, for a month, and for always.

Below are links to learn more about some of the men and women pictured, some of whom have been a part of our history for many years, while others are creating history in the here and now. Enjoy, and may celebration bring you one step closer to your leadership goals, and more power to you.

1. Robert Abbott

2. Alvin Ailey

3. Muhammad Ali

4. Richard Allen

5. Maya Angelou

6. Ella Baker

7. James Baldwin

8. Jean-Michel Basquiat

9. Mary McLeod Bethune

10. Shirley Chisholm

11. Benjamin O. Davis Sr.

12. Frederick Douglass

13. Dr. Charles Drew

14. W.E.B. Du Bois

15. Duke Ellington

16. Aretha Franklin

17. Jimi Hendrix

18. Zora Neale Hurston

19. Jesse Jackson

20. Michael Jackson

21. Jay Z

22. Katherine Johnson

23. Quincy Jones

24. Michael Jordan

25. Martin Luther King Jr.

26. Henrietta Lacks

27. Malcolm X

28. Thurgood Marshall

29. Toni Morrison

30. Barack Obama

31. Jesse Owens

32. Gordon Parks

33. Sidney Poitier

34. Richard Pryor

35. Jackie Robinson

36. Sojourner Truth

37. Harriet Tubman

38. Madam C.J. Walker

39. Booker T. Washington

40. Ida B. Wells

41. Serena Williams

42. August Wilson

43. Oprah Winfrey

44. Stevie Wonder