Black History Month: 10 Individuals Who Influenced Education

Purpose is ingrained in the human psyche, and using your life to impact the world around you for the better provides a sense of accomplishment. Each person is unique in their skill sets, life experiences, passions, and knowledge. No one quite sees the world the same way as another person. Yet, these differences provide the groundwork for influencing the world.

Black History Month is a time set aside to honor those who have made strides in their local, national, and even global communities. Many African American leaders have been prominent figures and trailblazers in the world of education.

As you read about these inspiring individuals, may you find a flame growing in your own heart as you discover ways to educate, champion, and change the world right within your circle of influence.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. worked to champion education for all in an effort to end poverty and inequality, especially among the African American community. He also focused some of his efforts on fighting against tracking, which was a method of assigning black students to lower-level classes and intentionally limiting their opportunities for growth. His voice became mainstream early on, and his advocacy helped pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which banned racial discrimination in public schools. While Black History Month is celebrated in February, a day in January is dedicated to honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and his efforts to transform society.

2. Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges is a prominent figure in Black History Month as the first black child to go to an all-white school in the South. Against all odds and continual discrimination toward her and her family, she did not miss a day of school. Embarking on this journey required U.S. Marshals for her safety. Her first-grade classroom consisted of just Ruby and her teacher because parents didn’t want their children engaging with an African American student. Despite the backlash and unjust treatment, Ruby supported the school later in life by advocating for the art program and ensuring the school stayed open after Hurricane Katrina. More recently, her foundation has worked to write children’s books to educate people and help end racism.

3. Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a thought leader of her time with a love for writing and learning, and she imparted these passions to her students in the classroom at Wake Forest Academy. She often championed students to stand out and not be a fence sitter. It was important to Maya to take a stand, defend a topic, and search for the truth, and she modeled this behavior in hopes that her students would follow suit. She is often recognized during Black History Month for her writing. Maya wrote over 30 works of fiction and poetry, one of the most popular being I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

4. Booker T. Washington

Booker T Washington played a unique role in advocating for education. He is honored during Black History Month largely due to his leadership in industrial education. He wanted to help black students see the value of pursuing a trade career and the benefit these skills can bring to society. While he did not grow up with a formal education, later on in life he studied at Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute and showed those who observed his life that anything is possible.

5. Rita Pierson

Rita Pierson is a well-known educator who gave the TED talk on how “Every Child Needs a Champion.” This speech was geared toward encouraging teachers and students alike to discover the beauty when a teacher notices the strengths of a student and champions them toward success. Modeling this behavior herself, Rita led workshops on how to equip African American boys with proper education.

6. Charlotte Grimke

Charlotte Grimke became the first African American teacher to work with freed black slaves after the Civil War and had the privilege of working with the Treasury Department to help recruit black educators. Her efforts showed students they were valued and had a right to learn and grow, and she equipped other educators to make sure the work didn’t end.

7. Fanny Coppin

Fanny Coppin, formerly a slave, went on to become the first black principal. She added an industrial curriculum to the school she oversaw so that young women could learn the trade of mechanical work. Her passion for equality and educational opportunities did not go unnoticed by those around her, and she was vocal in these dreams. She even wrote to Frederick Douglas about her desire to see her peers thriving in education and being treated with dignity and respect.

8. Inez Prosser

Inez Prosser showed a vested interest in caring for the mental health of black students, while studying the effects on those who were part of segregated versus non-segregated schools. This research made her an important figure who is recognized during Black History Month. Her tenacity proved worthwhile as she went on to earn her PhD in Psychology and became the first African American woman to do so.

9. Charles Houston

Charles Houston wasn’t afraid to speak up and impart his knowledge to others. He was a dean at Howard University Law School, and his expertise helped to establish a legal framework for the monumental Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit. Charles was involved in a majority of civil rights cases in the Supreme Court from the 1930s to 1954, and he was confidently nicknamed “the man who killed Jim Crowe.”

10. Mary Bethune

Mary Bethune taught and founded Bethune-Cookman College, which helped set important educational standards for black students. She also became the highest ranking African American woman in government under the presidential term of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who gave her the position as director of the Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration.

Black History Month shows us that despite skepticism, disadvantages, and ridicule, leaving a mark on the world and improving society is possible. Each of these individuals impacted the world first by observing, listening, and learning—then speaking up. This framework continues to provide opportunities to engage with culture and current conversations so that passion can lead to confidence in educating others. And when confidence grows, you can use your voice to inspire others to leave their mark.

Written by Laura Conaway