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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | FEBRUARY 2018 43 BLACK WOMEN PIONEERS OF AMERICA Throughout history, black women have been at the forefront of major issues: the Civil Rights movement, racism, sexism, and voting rights. Their names are national and they have national titles but we really don't know much about them or their achievements. Look at Rosa Parks — in December 1943, Parks joined the Montgomery chapter of the NAACP, was elected secretary and became active in the plight of Black Americans and the Civil Rights Movement. The United States Congress called her "The First Lady of Civil Rights" and "The Mother of the Freedom Movement." Most people were taught only that she was unwilling to give up her seat on a bus to a white person because she was tired. What many didn't know was that she was an activist. Her refusal on Dec. 1, 1955, caused a national movement resulting in black people refusing to continue to ride on restricted, segregated buses. This led Parks to become the strength behind a national movement towards equality. Another woman of distinction is Fannie Lou Hamer. She became a voting rights and civil rights activist. She was one of many advocates who were ruthlessly beaten and jailed during their efforts to register voters. She coined the phrase, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." She also helped organize the Mississippi Freedom Summer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and she became the Vice Chairman of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi are the co- founders of "Black Lives Matter," an activist movement against institutionalized racism and bigotry. They started this movement in 2013 when George Zimmerman, a self-proclaimed vigilante, was acquitted for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, a young black man. These three women are in their 30s and represent a growing number of up-and-coming black women leaders. There are many more black women in history today who have successfully changed and continue to challenge the dark side of American culture; Shirley Chisolm, Coretta Scott King, Nikki Giovanni, Gwendolyn Brooks, Maya Angelo, Septima Poinsette Clark, Daisy Bates, Claudette Colvin, Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Dorothy Height, Maxine Waters and Michelle Obama. They have one thing in common; they continue to speak out against systemic discrimination, racism and sexism in the United States. Whenever we see or hear their names, we should honor their accomplishments and their pursuit for justice. SAVE THE DATE: The AACC will be hosting a Black History Program during their next meeting on Feb. 5 at 6 pm. For more information please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769-4354 or Roxie Elliott at (951) 769-2517. ~ Regina Thomas African American Cultural Club

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