Black History Month takes place every February and is a time when we should recognize and appreciate the achievements and contributions that African Americans have made in American history. No matter the color of your skin, appreciating the notable people that have made their indelible mark on our country is something we should all do because what they’ve done is made history for all of us. We’re all in this together so let’s stand together and applaud the following 5 people for the things they’ve done to be honored for Black History Month.

1. Martin Luther King Jr.

We’ll start with Martin Luther King Jr. because he was the driving force behind the Civil Rights Movement in America in the 1950s and 1960s. Known for his known violent protests to the horrible treatment of black people, he was famously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and was the reason that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banished discrimination against not just African Americans but also women. He had a dream to make our country a better and equal place. Without his influence, our country might be a very different place right now.

2. Jane Bolin

Jane Bolin was a black woman that conquered many firsts. In 1932, she became the first black woman in the United States to become a judge. She was also the first black woman to earn a law degree which she received from Yale. She was the first black woman that passed the bar exam in New York State, and she was also the first to become part of the law department of the city. For a black woman of many firsts, she also ended segregation in child placement facilities and brought about positive changes in racial integration in centers for delinquent boys. She’s not only an inspiration for black women, but every woman everywhere.

3. W.E.B. Du Bois

His intelligence was beyond measure, enabling him to earn a PhD from Harvard. He spent his life working to help the process of human rights for African American people in a time when bigotry was rampant. He also was a founding member for the NAACP before it got its name.

4. Barack Obama

The 44^th President of the United States, Barack Obama was the first African American president to serve our country. Prior to that, he was on the US Senate for Illinois. His contributions to the country are often dismissed by critics, but he always did everything with class and his wife Michelle was also devoted to make positive humanitarian changes in the country.

5. Eartha Kitt

As one of the first black mega stars to ever make it, Eartha Kitt was born on a plantation. She had a rough start to life on the cotton plantation but made her way to New York where she reached for the stars. She made a lasting impression as Helen of Troy in Dr. Faustus and is most remembered for playing Catwoman in the TV version of Batman. Perhaps you knew all this, but what is lesser known is that she was an avid activist and speaker for many causes, including her stance on the Vietnam War which caused her to be blacklisted, but it didn’t cause her to waver any on her stance.

Whether you’re African American or not, take Black History Month to reflect on the changes that these 5 people have made as well as all the changes that others have made in effort to support African Americans. Then look within and see what positive changes you can make for the greater good of our country too. It all started with one person, and it can start with you!