KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Working with and educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to help build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: www.ilrc.org/
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Working with and educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to help build a democratic society that values diversity and the rights of all people
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: www.ilrc.org/
Melvin Herbert King
October 20, 1928 - March 28, 2023
The most prominent activist and Black politician of Boston's 20th century, Mel King, a tireless organizer for decades, a natural leader, fought against apartheid and multiple wars, and in favor of affordable housing, good paying jobs and more. He himself was a witness and victim to a system marginalization, violence and prejudice.
"I’m not talking about that ‘melting pot’ kind of thing," King said in 1968. "I’m talking about integration at the seats of power and decision-making. Without that, the rest of what we talk about is a sham."
Ruth Batson, August 3, 1921-
October 28, 2003
Born in Boston to Jamaican immigrants, Ruth, an American civil rights activist and outspoken advocate of equal education spoke out about the desegregation of Boston Public Schools. In the early 1960s, she challenged the Boston School Committee, charging that Boston Public Schools were largely segregated. Ruth highlighted that schools with majority black student populations often had poor quality facilities when compared to the facilities at schools with majority white student enrollment.
More recently, Batson had directed the revitalized Museum of African American History in Beacon Hill, stepping down in 1990.
Her financial support for medical students at Boston University School of Medicine, the school, under the leadership of Dr. Aram Chobanian, established the Ruth Batson Scholarship in 1997. Since that time, the school has awarded more than US$500,000 in scholarships to 40 Boston University minority medical students, including four MD and PhD students. Each year, Batson visited the medical center to have lunch with the Batson Scholars, hear their life's stories and share her experiences, especially with the health care system in America
Uché Blackstock, physician
Born in Brooklyn to a household of physicians, she would attend Harvard Medical School. She is the founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, which has a primary mission to engage with healthcare and related organizations around bias and racism in healthcare with the goal of mobilizing for health equity and eradicating racialized health inequities.
Tamika Mallory born June 8, 1980
Tamika was taught about the issues and policies that she now works to reform by her activist parents. In 2017, she organized the Women’s March on Washington, the biggest demonstration in US history. Although, no longer apart of the Women’s March leadership, Tamika continues to advocate for justice and social reform in areas that particularly affect women and people of color.
Toni Morrison born February 18, 1931
August 5, 2019
Toni published her first book, the Bluest Eye, when she was 30.n She went on to write Sula, Beloved and even books for children. Her stories explore, gender, love, colorism, and community. Toni was the first African American woman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature and was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Angela Davis born,
January 26, 1944
Angela grew up in a racially charged area of Birmingham Alabama, nicknamed “Dynamite Hill. She was determined to help end racial violence and eventually joined the Black Panther Party. Her political ties led her to lose her position as a college professor and she eventually took UCLA to court to get her back. She since has devoted her career to education and advocacy.
Chadwick Boseman
November 29, 1976-
August 28, 2020
A graduate of Howard University, Chadwick shot to stardom when he played Jackie Robertson in 42 (2013) and King T’Challa in Black Panther (2018): the first major blockbuster with a predominantly Black cast and director. Chadwick tragically died from cancer at just 43. His kindness, his talent, and his choice to keep his illness private while he continued to work. His body of work will continue to impact generations of young Black people world-wide..
In honor of Valentine’s Day, a shout out to Tommy and Codie Elaine, “capturing Black love stories in all their glory, the good, the challenge, the beautiful, and the uncertainty."
Tommy + Codie Elaine Oliver, Black Love, docuseries
Within the Black community, the act of prevailing Black love is considered a revolutionary stance against a society hell-bent on seeking its erasure since the inception of slavery.
Codie and Tommy Oliver's docuseries Black Love debuted on Oprah Winfrey Network on August 29, 2017, and concluded its final season on July 23, 2022. The show received a tsunami of support from viewers thirsty for honest discussions about marriage and to lay witness to enduring images of successful Black relationships.
Mae Jemison born October 17, 1956
Mae attended Cornell Medical School and served in the Peace Corps medical officer in Liberia and Sierra Leone. She also worked on research projects including the development of Hepatitis-B vaccine. When she returned to the US, she studied engineering and applied to NASA. She was selected for the astronaut program in 1987 and became the first Black woman to travel in space.
John Boyega born March 1992
John began his acting career by playing a leopard in a school play. After study theater and acting in London, he exploded on to the big screen as Finn in three Star Wars movies. As well as acting John runs his own production company. He is a supporter of BLM movement and is a vocal and active advocate for the advancement of Black people across the globe.
Gladys Mae West born October 27, 1930
Gladys was born in rural Virginia in the 1030’s so had to work especially hard to get away from her agricultural roots. She was her high school’s valedictorian and had a talent for math and science in college. Gladys was hired by the US Navel Weapons Laboratory and there she created some of her most important calculations, including mathematical mode of earth’s shape that paved the way for modern GPS.
Spike Lee born March 20, 1957
World renowned director, Spike, realized his passion for film while attending Morehouse College. After his mother passed away, Spike spent his time watching movies and finding out which styles he liked best. His first feature film came out in 1989 and he has successfully pushed the boundaries ever since. Do the Right Thing, (1989), Malcom X (1992), BlackKKKlansman (2018). He is the youngest person to ever received an Honorary Academy Award.
Zanele Muholi
born July 19, 1972
Zanele is a photography pioneer who tells the story of the life in S. Africa through the lens of Black queer and trans people’s experiences. Through their art, Zanele has been able to reach millions of people world-wide.
Faith Ringgold
born October 8, 1930
Faith is one of the most respected artist of her generation. Some of her most well-known works are soft sculptures and masks inspired by African art. She experiments with quilting, painting and she has gone on to write and illustrate award winning books..
Jean-Michel Basquiat born Dec 22, 1960 died Aug 12, 1988.
He immersed himself in the New York City graffiti scene in the 1970’s. Influenced by street art, he combined drawing and painting with to make political statements. He became friends with fellow artist Any Warhol and the pair created art together in the 1980’s. Jean passed away when he was just 27, but his influence continues to today.
Ankia Noni Rose born September 6, 1972. Anika began performing in school plays in high school and studied theater at Florida A&M University. She played Lorrell Robinson in the Academy Award-winning Dream Girgls (2006) and has had a successful musical career, including winning her award-winning performance in Caroline of Change. She is best known for voicing the first ever African American Disney princess: Tiana in The Princess and the Frog (2009).
Kara Walker
born Nov 26, 1969
An artist from time of childhood, she inherited her father’s talent and passion for storytelling. She told stories through her works of art. Her famous mural of silhouettes cut from black paper at the Drawing Centre in New York City. From there, she explored all sorts of artistic mediums including paint and film. She is one of the most respected artistic voice on race and racism
We rejoice positive, inspirational people who embody love and healing. We need them now more than ever.
The daily, constant navigation of micro-aggressions, racial hate, bigotry and fear, takes a toll on the BIPOC mind, body and soul. 4 Corners Yoga Wellness understands the value and importance of creating safe space(s) to slow-down, embrace self and wellbeing in our community. For the month of February, we are celebrating our past and present BIPOC brothers and sisters who constantly work to shine a light and dismantle systems of hate.
James Baldwin born
August 2,1924-
December 1,1987
James, born in Harlem, New York City, was one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. A novelist and playwriter, his work focused on race, sexuality and the lived Black American experience. In 1948, penniless, James moved to Paris to distance himself from the pain of bigotry and hatred that he faced in his home country.
Five years later, he published his first novel, “Go Tell It on the Mountain,”
Did you know….
1. He was a preacher in his teens.
2. His mentor was American Harlem Renaissance painter Beauford Delaney.
3. He published reviews before he published fiction.
4. He preferred to write longhand.
5. He abandoned America after his best friend died of suicide.
6. He played a part in getting Maya Angelou’s first novel published.
7. He worked as a film critic.
8. He wrote a screenplay about Malcom X.
Celebrating Black Americans Everyday!
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“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
– No Name in the Street
2024 Black History Month
Celebrating Black Americans Past + Present
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
– No Name in the Street