Today's History Makers: U.S. Representative Walter Fauntroy

As we've shared Black History Makers this February, here's a review about how Black History Month began.

Before there was the Black History Month we celebrate today, there was Negro History Week, created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Although I've heard various beliefs of why February was selected, the truth is it was because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and that of Frederick Douglas on February 14.  Black History Month started in 1970 and is now recognized in the United States, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

This Week's History Maker: U.S. Representative Walter Edward Fauntroy, Jr.

Walter Edward Fauntroy, Jr. was born in Washington, D.C. on February 6, 1933. He is a Pastor, Civil Rights Activist and Politician.  Fauntroy's political aspirations were realized in his home town as he was the Washington, D.C. delegate to the United States House of Representatives from 1971 - 1991. Fauntroy was also a candidate for the 1972 and 1976 Democratic presidential nominations as the favorite son.  He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He graduated with honors from Virginia Union University in 1955 and earned a B.Div. from Yale Divinity School in 1958. Fauntroy was friends with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was an active member of the S.C.L.C. (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). Fauntroy also helped coordinate the 1963 March on Washington. Today at the age of 93, Walter Edward Fauntroy, Jr. is the last remaining survivor of the 13 co-founders of the Congressional Black Caucus.

For more information on Walter Edward Fauntroy, Jr. find books at your local library.

Today's History Makers: Judge Janet Jackson

Black History happens everywhere, including in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. This week's History Maker is Judge Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson has had a life filled with FIRST. She was the FIRST born to a big, beautiful family in Randolph,Virginia; the oldest of six children. Janet excelled in school and would become the FIRST to integrate Randolph Henry High School in Virginia. While visiting family in Ohio, between her Junior and Senior year of High School, Janet visited the campus of Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. She applied and after graduating from high school, Janet was accepted to Wittenberg;  graduating with a B.A. degree. Janet would continue her education, getting a J.D. degree from the National Law Center at George Washington University.

Her career has included serving as a Franklin County Municipal Court Judge for nearly 10 years, making her the FIRST Black female judge in Franklin County history.  She would eventually serve six years as the Columbus, Ohio City Attorney, which made her the FIRST woman in Columbus to hold that position. It was also the FIRST for a Black person in Columbus.

Janet has a long list of community service and accomplishments. She spent 14 years as President and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, which is one of the largest United Way organizations in the country. And in true history making fashion, Janet was the FIRST woman and the FIRST Black person to lead that organization too. 

Throughout her life, Janet has received numerous honors and awards including: Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Columbus, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Columbus Education Association and Woman of the Year by the Niagara Foundation. She was inducted in the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and the City of Columbus Hall of Fame.

Judge Janet Jackson is not slowing down. She continues to serve on various boards and commissions. And I'm sure we can look forward to many more FIRST to come.

Today's History Makers: Reverend Jesse Jackson

Black History IS American History, including stories of our own families. My husband, our daughters and I often talk about family history. Are you passing down stories about your family? It's good to share with our next generation so that history will never be lost. 

Today's History Makers: Reverend Jesse Jackson

My first job after graduating from college was working at CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, Georgia. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from media professionals as I built my communication career. And another perk of working at CNN was meeting entertainers, politicians and the various movers and shakers. You never knew who would be entering the television studio. One day to my surprise, Reverend Jesse Jackson was being interviewed. When I had the opportunity to meet him you can see by the smile on my face how thrilled I was! Reverend Jackson was so respected as one of the Civil Rights Warriors. Following the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in 1968, some had labeled Reverend Jackson as the next leader of the Movement. Although Reverend Jackson continued to support causes that were initiated by Rev. King, he also formed his own organization in 1971 called Operation P.U.S.H. - People United to Save Humanity. Throughout his life Reverend Jackson had a stellar career. He traveled the world speaking on behalf of the poor and disenfranchised, ran for President of the United States and even hosted Saturday Night Life. Today at at the age of 84, Reverend Jackson is still a respected figure encouraging the next generation of leaders.

You can find books about Reverend Jesse Jackson at your local library.

Next week I'll have another story on Today's History Makers.

Today's History Makers: Judge Greg Mathis

Happy Black History Month! Although February is identified as the official "Month" set aside to acknowledge Black History, I personally feel Black History is American History and should be celebrated everyday. Sometimes, when we hear the word History, our minds may think that means stories and people way back when; times of our grandparents and beyond. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Think how in 2013 when activists and friends Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi started #BlackLivesMatter and that movement began! History happens everyday. Throughout my life I have been blessed to meet amazing people.  During this month I will share stories to prove that the 21st century is full of history makers.

History Maker: Greg Mathis

Greg Mathis was born on April 5, 1960 in Detroit, Michigan. After his parents divorced, Greg was raised by his mom Alice Lee Mathis, in the drug and crime infested projects of Detroit. In his youth, Greg  unfortunately succumb to the streets, arrested several times, labeled as a juvenile delinquent. He did not graduate from high school. While incarcerated a judge offered him a second chance: get your GED or stay in Jail. We know which path he chose that turned his life around and made him the respected person he is today. He became the youngest judge in Michigan's history and the longest-running African American male television judge. 

While I was a freelance reporter, I was asked to interview Judge Greg Mathis. What a joy to meet him. I'll admit, I was awe struck, since I watched him daily on his reality court TV show, Judge Mathis. He was very kind and it was pleasure to get the opportunity to interview him.

You can find books about Judge Greg Mathis at your local library.

Next week I'll have another story on Today's History Makers.