Forgotten Faces of Black History

Jaiden Ritter, a student-athlete on the Maryland track & field teams, is the Diversity and Inclusion Liaison for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). She writes a compelling story on some of the many forgotten faces of Black History as umterps.com continues its celebration of Black History Month.

Nearly a century ago, Carter G. Woodson, historian and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, set out to create a designated time each year to promote and seriously educate people about Black history and culture. This idea turned into what we now know today as Black History Month.

When I think of Woodson's goal, I see it as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, stories, and history of people who look like me. Today, I'm excited not only to commemorate Black history throughout the month of February, but also to reflect on the transformative contributions that Black people have made to American history, society, and culture in order to make our country (and the rest of the world) what it is today. 

When I reflect on the Black history, I was taught in grade school, it began with slavery and concluded with the civil rights movement. I believe this is contrary to Woodson’s vision. Unfortunately, the vast majority of people in America have this shallow understanding of Black history and the part we’ve played in society. Black people have made far more contributions than what we are credited for, and I believe now is the time to acknowledge our countless contributions.

For example, did you know that had it not been for the contributions of an enslaved man named Onesimus, we wouldn’t have vaccines today to protect us from diseases such as smallpox and even COVID-19? 

Onesimus was brought to Boston from Libya in the early 1700s. At the time, Boston was facing a deadly smallpox epidemic which infected more than half of the city’s population. Onesimus introduced the technique of inoculation to his master at the time, who then told a doctor in the city about the practice and convinced him to begin experimenting with the technique.

Inoculation was a technique that Onesimus learned and practiced when he lived in his home country, Libya. His contribution was vital to begin the first smallpox inoculations in Boston, and later developments of what would eventually become the vaccines we have today. 

Despite all this, Onesimus is often overlooked, and many people do not know his story. As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to remember that Onesimus has played a large role in giving us the opportunity to fight back against this disease.

Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman, is regarded as a forerunner in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States. On June 28, 1969, Johnson was one of the first people to resist police as they harassed and berated guests at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village neighborhood. 

This incident would then lead to the legendary Stonewall Riots, which are widely regarded as the impetus for the United States' Gay Rights Movement. Johnson also co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with friend and fellow activist Sylvia Rivera. STAR was one of the first organizations in the U.S. committed to assisting homeless LGBTQIA+ youth.

Today, GPS technology is used worldwide! This would not be possible without the contributions of a black woman. Dr. Gladys West, a US Navy mathematician, was designated project manager of a project that would lead to the invention of GPS technology in 1978. The goal of the project was to create an experimental ocean surveillance satellite that would offer real-time data on oceanographic conditions. 

The calculations from Dr. West allowed for the creation of a satellite that could determine the exact shape of the earth as well as accurate computations of any location on it. This paved the way for the development of what is now the GPS system.

Typically, people will hyperfixate on Black life and a few key Black historical icons only during the month of February, however, twenty-eight days is simply not enough time to learn about the history and accomplishments made by an entire group of people. I think we need to start remembering that Black history is richer than what we are led to believe, and at the end of the day it is a part of American history (not something entirely separate). It’s time for a new paradigm to be put into place that better acknowledges Black life beyond just this one month and represents our place in history. 

With that in mind, please continue to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month in February, keeping in mind Woodson's initial goal of promoting Black history and culture, but also think about how you can extend the celebration past February and into the months ahead.