The Black History Month in the United States is in its last week. February 2024 theme is "Existing Outside the Lines - The Colors of Resistance: African American and the Arts." During the month, Americans have been taking time to remember and reflect as the country is reminded of the discrimination Blacks have endured and the continuous struggle against the remnants of slavery, segregation, and racial legacy.
The Black History Month is also a time to focus on understanding the question and dynamics of race in American society today and to remember the people who made sacrifices in building the foundation and helping attain some achievements for Blacks in America. Below are the some key pioneers and most influential historic Blacks and African Americans who made such sacrifices or led the historic actions for civil rights, racial equality, and justice for Blacks in America.
Life
Rwanda: Former Rwandan Prime Minister Faustin Twagiramungu Has Died, at 78 years old
Sources in Brussels, Belgium told AfroAmerica Network that Faustin Twagiramugu, a former Prime Minister of Rwanda who was a refugee in Belgium, has passed away. According to the sources, he died from short illness.
Faustin Twagiramungu was born in Cyangugu, Rwanda on August 14, 1945. He is well known as the son-in-law of the former Rwandan President Grégoire Kayibanda and Rwandan political leader. Grégoire Kayibanda was a Rwandan politician and revolutionary who was the first elected President of Rwanda from 1962 to 1973. An ethnic Hutu, Grégoire Kayibanda was a pioneer of the Rwandan Revolution and led Rwanda's struggle for independence from Belgium, replacing the Tutsi monarchy with a republican form of government.
USA: Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Dies, at 96.
Rosalynn Carter, Former US President Jimmy Carter's wife, has died. She was 96 years old. According to the Carter Center, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died peacefully surrounded by her family.
USA: Harry Belafonte, Icon Black Musician, Actor, and Civil Rights Activist, Passes Away, at 96
Harry Belafonte, a legendary Black musician, actor and civil rights activist has passed away in New York City, NY on April 25, 2023. He was 96 years old.
Harry Belafonte's achievements have contributed to set a foundation for Black actors and musicians, since the 1950s. In 1954, he won a Tony Award for his performance in John Murray Anderson's "Almanac". In 1959, he became the first Black performer to win an Emmy for the TV special "Tonight with Harry Belafonte." Harry Belafonte will likely be remembered as a civil rights activist and a humanitarian. Working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he helped organize the 1963 March on Washington and supported protesters and activists financially, morrally and in other many ways. He also demonstrated against apartheid in South Africa.