Black Excellence: Singing and Coding During Slavery

Did you know that many of the songs that were sung by slaves during Slavery carried a deep message?  Where there is a will there is a way.  Black slaves were creative and found ways to survive.

Did You Know?

***Purpose***

 

1.     Songs Rooted in Slavery

Have you heard of the song Swing Low, Sweet Chariot?  This song signaled slaves to prepare for escape, with "Sweet Chariot" as a code for the Underground Railroad, which traveled south to bring slaves north to freedom.   Blackexcellence.com talks about this.  They further added that the song Go Down Moses talks about the Bible’s Old Testament events, (Exodus 8:1) stating Israel means African American slaves while Pharoah and Egypt mean the slave master.  The word “down” in the American slavery context means down the Mississippi river, a place where slaves had to struggle with awful conditions. I cannot imagine.

Focus on Jesus:

 2.    Wade in the Water

The song Wade in the Water has been sung during baptismal. This song also carries a code during slavery directing the slaves to avoid bloodhounds by masking their scent in bodies of water.  The lyrics were first co-published in 1901 in New Jubilee Songs as Sung by the Fisk Jubilee Singers by Frederick J. Work and his brother, John Wesley Work Jr., an educator at the Fist historically black college in Nashville, Tennessee, according to talkingblackinamerica.org. the also add that the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” sent slaves north to Canada by following the Big Dipper celestial body. 

3.    Steal Away

The song "Steal Away" served as a signal for people to gather and talk about plans for rebellion.   Nat Turner led a slave’s rebellion in Virginia, and he would sing this song according to solidaritylibrary.com.  They also added that Levi Coffin and his wife Catherine would allow slaves to hide in the walls of their home if people came looking for them.  Catherine would sew clothes and make food for the fugitives as well.

4.    Prohibited Reading and Writing

Did you know that slaves were prohibited from learning to read or write?  This is something that may be sometimes now taken for granted.  There were states that fought to hold on to slavery in the 1830’s and in 1831 Virginia declared that any meetings to teach free African Americans to read or write was illegal. The sad part of this is just because there was a law to that effect it did not make it morally right.  Even though slaves were thought of as property slaves were human beings.

5.    The Right to Learn to Read

In 1723 a group of enslaved African Americans petitioned the Bishop of London to ensure that their children could attend school and learn to read the Bible.   There was this fear by the slave owners that teaching enslaved people to read or instructing them in religion could lead them to become rebellious.  The irony is that not teaching them could still end in rebellion, because slaves had hopes and a yearning to learn and to thrive in this world. That is something that God had instilled in them.  You can find more information about this at daily.jstor.org

6.     Slaves For Sale 1501-1865

The United States often split enslave black families and sold them to other slave owners to members to plantations far away. This separation of African American families led to the loss of culture and enslaved people were often punished for crying, complaining, or fighting back.  Gatheringforjustice.org., Can you imagine being sold on a selling block?  Can you imagine seeing your husband or your child being sold to someone else right in front of your face?  I cannot imagine. They further added that blacks were not the only race that was affected. Mexicans and Mexican Americans from 1930s-1940s were exposed to raids in public places and workplaces and parents were deported while their American born children were left behind.  Does this kind of sound familiar today with the ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) deportations?  This happened in the 1930s-1940s but is it happening again today?  With the introduction of cellphones and camera technology are we seeing the deportations as they happen all over the United States?  

7.   Mailing Yourself to Freedom

Would you consider mailing yourself to freedom?   One man did just that.  Henry Box Brown fled Richmond, Virginia in 1949 via a custom-made dry goods box that was only big enough to hold his six-foot, 200-pound frame curled up into a fetal position.   History.com states that he arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, met by abolitionists awaiting his delivery, 27 harrowing hours later. His family members had been sold many times, and he felt he had nothing left.  I could not imagine feeling that type of desperation.  To witness something like that and to feel powerless to do nothing about it must have been devastating.  I still could not imagine.

 8. Generations to come

It is important that we never forget what our ancestors have gone through.  It is important to pass on what we know to our children and their children even though there are those that want to erase it and create a new different narrative. Although I have never picked cotton, my father did and he let me know that.   It is important with this new government that we do not go backwards but go forward.  The adage that “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer” must be taken seriously.  How many veterans do we have that are homeless?  How many homeless people do we see on our streets of America?

Think about it. 

 

 

Source:

25 Black Gospel Songs That Have Their Roots in Slavery

Black History’s Influence on Modern Music-Slavey & Early Coded Resistance Songs

Underground Railroad

How Literacy Became a Powerful Weapon in the Fight to End Slavery

When Enslaved Virginians Demanded the Right to Read 

History of Family Separation

Enslaved Couples Faced Wrenching Separations, or Even Choosing Family Over Freedom

 

Guest Blogging:

Guest bloggers welcome.  Would you like to guest blog at

               anointedtoday.blogspot.com?

Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

  Visit My Store at

 

Anointedtoday/ Redbubble

 

More From this Author. . .    Just Click the Link Below

7 Intriguing Creators to be Mentioned During Black History

 Great Tips About Your Hippocampus

 7 Reasons to Eat the Rainbow

 

 

 

 

 

Why Your Nerves are Important

Did you know that your nerves are your body’s communication network?  They carry messages between your brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body.

 

Did You Know:

***Purpose***

1.     Two-Parts to the Nervous System

The Nervous System consists of two parts the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.  The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord; both are well protected from external influences.   It gets nutrients from cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.  This is talked about at verywellhealth.com.  They further added that the Peripheral Nervous System is everything connected to the Central Nervous System.  They are nerves that regulate our bodies; they are the body’s version of a thermostat, a clock, and a smoke alarm that work in the background to keep us on track and healthy.

2.     How Nerves Work

The brain is the center of the nervous system like the microprocessor in a computer.  Howstuffworks.com talks about this.  They also added that the cranial nerves connect your sense organs (eyes, ear, nose, mouth) to your brain, the central nerves connect areas within the brain and spinal cord, the peripheral nerves connect the spinal cord with your limbs, and the autonomic nerves connect the brain and spinal cord with your organs (heart, stomach, intestines, blood vessels, etc.)

3.    Diseases Associated with the Nervous System

Diseases associated with the nervous system include neuropathy (damage to the nerves such as pain, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, and loss of sensation).   It may include Multiple Sclerosis (An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system ranging from mild numbness and tingling to severe paralysis or loss of vision).  It may also include Parkinson’s Disease (when there is a shortage of dopamine involved in muscle control and may include symptoms of tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and changes in speech and writing).  Treesforhealth.org., talks about this. 

4.    Your Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for the “fight or flight” response.  The parasympathetic nervous system promotes “rest and digest” functions, helping the body conserved and restore energy during calm periods.  This is talked about at biologyinsights.com.

5.     Vagus Nerve

Have you heard of the Vagus nerve?  Your left and right vagal nerves contain 75% of your parasympathetic nervous system’s nerve fiber that sends information between your brain, heart, and digestive system.  My.clevelandclinic.org., talks about this.   They further added that the vagal nerves play important roles in your body that affect digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, the immune system, mood, mucus and saliva production, skin and muscle sensations, speech, taste, and urine output.  Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearful and wonderfully made.  This scripture is so true.  Even though our flesh does not last forever, we are beautifully made.

I remember when one of my children was born. Even though I was awake during her delivery.   the nurses later told me later that she had dry skin and her skin was really scaley later.   They put Nivea cream on her skin  and the next time that I saw my baby her skin was beautiful.  I had not seen the scaling that they told me about. 

6.    Vagus Nerve Exercises

Are there exercises for the Vagus Nerve?   Yes there is. Vagus nerve exercises include deep diaphragmatic breathing, cold-water face immersion, humming and singing, 4-7-8 breathing, OM chanting, orienting to safety, side eye movement, gentle massage, moderate exercise, safe place guided meditation, Yoga, and controlled laughter, according to thriveworks.com.  I enjoy daily deep breathing and laughter.    I discovered I love comedy pictures and movies because of the laughter that they give.  I also discovered I like sci-fy pictures but noted that I become excited when watching them and this probably affects my breathing as well.   Lately, I've made a conscious effort to be more mindful about what influences my spirit.  I don't understand why people enjoy horror pictures, but that's what makes everyone unique.

7.    Reset Your Dog’s Vagus Nerve

Could your dog’s Vagus Nerve need resetting?  Yes it could.  Did you know signs your dog’s vagus nerve needs to be reset may include, excessive barking or whining, hypervigilance or reactivity, pacing or inability to settle, digestive issues, overgrooming or licking, or difficulty recovering after excitement or stress.  Luckdogbehavior.com talks about this.  They further added that you can reset your dog’s vagus nerve by deep, rhythmic breathing (Your!), massage and touch, licking or chewing mats, and sniff walks and scent games.

I wish I knew about this earlier.  One of my children had 2 small dogs that barked all the time at any and everything.   I remember I sat with them while my daughter went off.   They barked and wined and ran back and forth to me and the window as if to say, “Where is she?   Go get her.”   Despite my efforts to calm them, they were unresponsive.   She now has very large dogs and they are nothing like the smaller dogs, but they are excellent watch dogs.   Their bark is nothing to take for granted.   They are also very protective of her. 

8.   Signs of Vagus Nerve Damage

Signs of Vagus Nerve Damage might include, gastroparesis, irregular heartbeat, gastrointestinal issues, chronic inflammation, mood disorders, or respiratory problems.   This is talked about at Vagus.net.   They further added that treatment options might include medications, physical therapy, surgical interventions, nerve stimulation, and lifestyle modifications.  I believe lifestyle changes and modifications that can be applied are crucial for anyone with medical problems.   So often one’s lifestyle may not be looked at unless there is an event that bolsters you to take a good look at how you have been living.  Do you have nerve problems?  How do you deal with your nerve problems?

 

Source:

What You Need to Know About the Nervous System

 How Nerves Work

Mastering the Nervous System: Importance, Functions, and Associated Diseases

The Nervous System in Your Daily Life: An IRL Look

Vagus Nerve

Resetting Your Dog’s Vagus Nerve:  A Natural Path to Calmness

 12 science-backed vagus nerve exercises for anxiety relief

Guest Blogging:

Guest bloggers welcome.  Would you like to guest blog at

               anointedtoday.blogspot.com?

Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

  Visit My Store at

 

Anointedtoday/ Redbubble 

 

More From This Author. . .     Just Click the Link Below. . .

Fascinating Black History Inventers

Great Tips About Your Hippocampus

How to Keep Your Memory Sharp

 

Jesus

Remember to Focus on Jesus

 Beautiful People

 

More From this Author. . .     Just Click the Link Below. . .

Why Black History is Important

 

How to Hydrate During the Winter

 

7 Intriguing Creators to be Mentioned During Black History Month

 

Dangers of Nano plastics in Bottled Water

Did you know there are potential invisible particles in bottled water? They are small enough to enter your cells and cause inflammation and other long-term health problems.

 

Prayer does work

***Purpose***

 

1.     Flint, Michigan

Flint, Michigan residents found lead poisoning in their tap water in 2014.  Many died as a result.  There were various health issues ranging from skin to internal injuries. Bottled water was the next alternative. 

Now in January 2024 a study done showed that nanoplastics shed into the water from the plastic bottles.  It had been known that this existed, but until this new technology they were unable to analyze it.  Cnn.com reported this.  They further added that it poses most danger to infants and young children and that it interrupts cellular processes and deposits endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenoels, phthalates, flame retardants, per-and polyfluorinated substances, or PFAS, and heavy metals.

Now Flint was poisoned by lead in the water then only to find out later poisoned by the alternative at the time which was bottled water.

 2.    Genesis 3:17-19 

“Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it.  All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field.  In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Praying daily is a must, because prayer changes things I believe. 

3.      Grocery Tip

Have you gone to the grocery store to purchase a few items only to discover you had trouble finding the aisle that they were on? Did you know that you can look into your Kroger app and find the grocery aisle then just add it on your grocery list?   This makes shopping so much easier and faster.  See video below:

 

4.     The size of Nanoplastics

Do you know the size of a nanoplastic? Nanoplastic is 1 micrometre or smaller in size equal to 0.001 mm.  Even though the size is small exposure to these types of plastics have been linked to fertility, hormonal, metabolic and neurological problems.  This is according to simplyplasticfree.com.

5.    Microplastic or Nanoplastic What’s the Difference? Healthline.com talks about the differences. 

I was not aware that there was a difference.  According to healthline.com micro- denotes a size of one millionth, and a “nano” denotes a size of one billionth.  Nano plastics are smaller.  According to a study done in 2021 research found that microplastics and nanoplastics may impact the immune, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and hepatic (liver-related) systems.  They further added that once they are in your system they can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, alter gene functioning, and alter levels of neurotransmitters and subsequent behavioral changes.

6.    How Many Nanoplastics in Bottled Water?

Do you know how many nanoplactics are in plastic bottled water?  A study published in January 2024 found that a liter of bottled water can contain as many as 240,000 tiny plastic fragments.  That number is 10 to 100 times more than previous estimates.  This is talked about at uclahealth.org.

7.    Should you worry About Nanoplastics?

Did you know that most nanoplastics are going to be found not only in water but in food as well?   This is according to health.clevelandclinic.org.  They further added that the risk of dehydration is greater than any negative effects of nanoplastics. They also suggest handling receipts with care because it is important to wash your hands after handling receipts because nanoplastics are on them. 

8.    What Can You Do About Water Bottle Pollution?

There are several things that you can do about water bottle pollution.  You can use a water filter, carry a reusable water bottle made from stainless steel, or glass, advocate and educate awareness, support refill stations, and make sure to recycle.

9.   The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Even with all the dangers that are presented in water, it is still important to stay hydrated. Did you know that water plays a critical role in regulating body temperature, supporting vital organ function, and maintaining electrolyte balance?  Proper hydration helps to flush out toxins from the body, promotes healthy skin, and keeps joints lubricated, reducing the risk of injury.  This is talked about at theheartfoundation.org.  They further added that water constitutes about 60 percent of your body weight and is vital for the proper functioning of every cell, tissue, and organ.  That is over 50% of your body weight.   Did you know that?  I also have observed that after taking a shower besides feeling refreshed, I feel relaxed as well as feeling really good.  So there are many benefits to taking showers.

10. Why Drink More Water as You Age?

Do you know why you need to drink more water when you are older?   You need to drink more water because old people feel less thirsty, kidney function declines with age, health conditions disrupt the body’s fluid balance, older adults have lower muscle mass and less water stored in the body, mobility challenges, and medications can increase fluid loss.   This is talked about at uclahealth.org. Do you identify with any of the above?  I do know of those that are on 12-20 medications daily, so I believe that is a challenge for them.  I recall in the past not drinking much water, but rather drinking pops and juices.  I soon realized water is essential for my well-being.  Once I started drinking more water I could feel the difference in my body.  My body felt so much better. Let’s face it, even though our spirit will live on forever, our bodies are not like a (lean-green machine).   Our bodies will eventually fail.   That is why it is important to take care of our (temple) bodies the best that we can for as long as we can. 

Will you share this article with someone else?

 

 

Source:

Bottled water packed with nanoplastics, study finds | CNN

 What Is Nanoplastic? - Simply Plastic Free

Can Microplastic Exposure Harm Kidney Health?

What’s the Difference Between Microplastics and Nanoplastics?

 Should You Be Worried About Nanoplastics?

The Impacts of Plastic Water Bottles on Pollution & Your Wallet - Spring Well Water Filtration Systems

The Importance of Water

Hydration and older adults: Why water matters more as you age

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/hydration-and-older-adults-why-water-matters-more-you-age

 

 

Guest Blogging:

Guest bloggers welcome.  Would you like to guest blog at

               anointedtoday.blogspot.com?

Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

  Visit My Store at

 

Anointedtoday/ Redbubble

 

More From this Author. . .    Just Click on the Link Below. . . .

Fascinating Black History Inventors You Must Know 

Touch Since the Pandemic

 Why Do Some Want to Erase History?

 

 

 

 

Sunlight Helps Your Body

Did you know that the sun is a beautiful gift from God that plays an important role in our health and well-being?

 

Did You Know?

***Purpose***

1.     A Few Statistics

Did you know that 50-60% of nursing homes and hospitalized patients are deficient in vitamin D?  Also 47% of African American infants, and 56% of Caucasian infants are deficient as well.   This is according to Healthline.com. they further added that low vitamin D levels have been linked to osteoporosis, Cancer, Depression, muscle weakness, and death.

2.     Best Time to Get Vitamin D

Is there a best time to get Vitamin D from the Sun?   There isn't a universal solution.  It is recommended to get 10-15 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen each week but use sunscreen if you stay out longer.  This is talked about at parade.com.  Limit sun exposure to avoid harmful ultraviolet rays.   I recall when I was employed attending a cultural workshop.  One of the individuals shared that she was French-Canadian and she would burn very quickly in the sun whereas her husband who was Caucasian did not.

I had never considered the importance of the sun for vitamin D.  I've never liked being in the sun.    Knowing its value, I welcome sunlight.    Michigan often goes days without sunlight.  

3.    What About Vitamin Supplements?

You may have a Vitamin D deficiency due to insufficient sun exposure.    What then?  You might consider Vitamin D supplements depending on the advice of your doctor.  Did you know that there are vegetarian Vitamin D and non-Vegetarian Vitamin D?  What is the difference?  According to collagensei.com Vegetarian Vitamin D are plant-Based whereas the traditional D3 are animal derived from lanolin or fish oil.

4.   The Importance of Vitamin D

Why is vitamin D so important to your body?  Vitamin Dis important for healthy bones, nerve function support, helps to fight off disease, regulates your moods, reduces the risk of some chronic diseases, better weight management, and improve fatigue. Verywellhealth.com talks about this.

5.   How is Your Circadian Rhythm?

Do you know how your circadian Rhythm is?   What is Circadian Rhythm?

Your circadian rhythm is the name given to your body’s internal clock  and the pattern is what your body follows based on a 24-hour day.   Your body sets your circadian rhythm naturally, guided by your brain.  Myclevelandclinic.org., talks about this and gives an example of when light enters your eye, cells send a message to your brain that it can stop producing melatonin (the hormone that helps you sleep.

 6.   Circadian Rhythm and Sunlight

Why is sunlight critical to your Circadian Rhythm? Have you heard of jet lag?  Jet lag may occur after long flights across zones which your body has a difficult time adjusting to time zones because your body is not accustomed to it.  According to sunglightinstitute.org, it disrupts your body's metabolism.  They further add that sunlight can and should be the trigger that resets the circadian clock daily. Additionally, it may contribute to the prevention of serious illnesses.

Strangely enough when the yearly daylight time change is done my body still wants to stay at the same time.  It takes awhile to adjust to that change. It usually takes several days for me.  Think about that.  How long does it take for your body to adjust?

7.    Indoor Plants

I have observed that times when we have our shades slightly turned down some of my plants will start growing and reaching in between the shades to find the sunlight.  When I rotate a plant, its leaves quickly adjust to face the sunlight.   Plants know the importance of sunlight.   That was a good lesson for me to learn.

I also have observed that my mood is so much better when there is sunlight. When traveling in our car to Atlanta or Florida I have observed especially during the winter months how bright and sunny the skis are in Atlanta and Florida.   Then when traveling back to Michigan I see how dismal and dark the sky looks.

I recall flying to Las Vegas for a convention.  My nose started dripping as soon as the plane entered Ohio, which I hadn't expected.   My sinuses were flaring.  While I was in Las Vegas I had no problems with my sinuses.

8.  Sunlight vs. Artificial Lighting

What do you need to know?  Sunlight is nature’s best reset button in that during the morning low blue light gradually rises telling the brain it is time to wake up, midday strong blue and full-spectrum light peak, boosts energy, evening blue light diminishes, red and infrared dominates preparing the body for rest and sleep, night darkness triggers melatonin and other hormones, supporting repair and sleep.  Naturimedica.com also states that you should use artificial light wisely, limit screen time because artificial light can cause sleep disorders, chronic diseases, and immune dysfunctions. The key is to find balance.  My balance may not be the same for you as everyone is different.

9. Sunlight and Your Blood Pressure

Can sunlight lower your blood pressure?  One team found that getting sunlight may help lower blood pressure.  Not getting enough sunlight may also be a risk factor for hypertension.   Another study found that when sunlight touches your skin, a compound called nitric oxide is released into the blood vessels.  This process can help bring blood pressure down and may ultimately lower the risks of heart attack and stroke. 

Think about it.   How much sunlight are you getting daily?

 

 

Source:

How to Safely Get Vitamin D From The Sun

Best Time To Get Vitamin D from the Sun, Dermatologist Says - Parade

Vegan Vitamin D3 vs D3: Which is Right for You?

What Happens to Your Body When You Take Vitamin D Regularly

Circadian Rhythm: What It Is, How It Works & What Affects It

» Circadian Rhythms and the Critical importance of Sunlight. How to get back in Sync! » Sunlight Institute

Artificial light vs sunlight: the hidden impact on your health

What Happens to Your Body When You Get Sunlight Every Day

 

 

Guest Blogging:

Guest bloggers welcome.  Would you like to guest blog at

               anointedtoday.blogspot.com?

Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

  Visit My Store at

 

Anointedtoday/ Redbubble

 

 

More From this Author. ..     Just Click on the Link Below. . . .

How to Hydrate During the Winter

Do You Know the Benefits of Touch?

Why Do Some Want to Erase Our History?

 

 

 

 

 

Why Black History Is Important

Black History matters because through trials and triumphs faith carries us forward, reminding us that God is a keeper of promises and a restorer of hope.

Did You Know?

***Purpose***

 

1.     Why Black History Matters

Black History Matters because it reminds us of history rooted not only in struggle but also in strength, innovation, and perseverance.  Politicians seek to erase, rewrite, or dilute the truth of Black history.  Blacks will amplify our stories and refuse to let our history be rewritten, diluted, or discarded.  This is talked about at diversityinblack.com.

2.     Carter G. Woodson

Do you know who Carter G. Woodson is?   He is the founder of Black History Month.  In 1926 Carter took over the celebration of what he called “Negro History Week” and began observing it every February to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.  According to Nationalgeographic.com this week was not just devoted to historical accomplishments, but celebrated current Black artistry in music, literature, and art.

 3.   Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

I was blessed several years ago to visit the Charles H. Wright Museum, 315 W. Warren Ave., Detroit, Michigan. I am also blessed to say that I am a proud member of it.  This museum has so much black heritage.  Some of it’s past speakers include Nina Compton, Keith Knight, and Imani Perry.   This year in 2026 marks the museum's 60^th Anniversary.  This is talked about at thewright.org. This museum is a living testament to the resilience, creativity, and brilliance of a community whose contributions have shaped our world.  It safeguards more than 30,000 artifacts and archival materials, from African masks to civil rights documents to labor movement records, all telling powerful stories of struggle, triumph, and hope.

4.   Who Was the First Black Woman to Serve in the Military?

Do you know who the first Black Woman was to serve in the Military? Harriet Tubman was one of the first Black women to serve in the military for the Union Army during the Civil War which lasted from 1861 to 1865. This is talked about at today.com.  They further added that Harriet worked as a nurse, scout, spy and soldier.    Sounds like she was a (jack of all trade).  They also talked about Thurgood Marshall.  He was the first Black American appointed to the Supreme Court on August 30,1967 and he served for 24 years before retiring in 1991.   I am so proud.

5.   Vaccinations

Did you know that an enslaved person by the name of Onesimus, brought to the Massachusetts colony, told church minister Cotton Mather about the way inoculations were practiced in Africa for centuries to prevent people from getting sick.  This is according to red.com.   They further added that Dr. Zabdiel Boylston inoculated more than 240 people, despite a large opposition to the practice.

6.   Mary Jackson

Who was Mary Jackson?  Mary Jackson was a mathematician and aerospace engineer and a pioneering figure at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).   Explorewithoteria.com talks about this.   They further added that Mary was one of the people responsible for the advancements in the space race, and in 2019, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

This reminds me of the movie “Hidden Figures.”  Her life was displayed in this movie.   Can you imagine this?   Because of segregation she would need to leave the building and go about a block to the bathroom designated for Blacks only.   Often returning to work late. I could not imagine having to work under those conditions.   Her boss said enough is enough and had a bathroom designated in their building for her.  After all she was a valuable member of the (NASA) team.  

7.  Virtual Black History Tour

Have you ever heard of a Virtual Black History Tour? Withconfetti.com talks about this. The tour guide will take you on a virtual field trip exploring the streets and back alleys of U Street or Pennsylvania Ave.  You will see a vast collection of neighborhood snapshots and learn about events, landmarks, and sights that encompass the history of Washington, D.C.’s African American community.  This planned event must be booked and there is a charge for the experience.

 

  So many heroes you probably did not know about.  Let’s talk about

8.   Bessie Coleman. 

Who was she? Bessie was the first Black American woman to hold a pilot’s license.  Keep in mind that this was during a time when black people were prohibited from voting, using public facilities, and riding railway cars with white people.  Stacer.com talks about this.   Now after many rejections from aviation schools in the United States She was accepted at the Caudron Brothers School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France, in 1921.  This is sad that she needed to go to another country to be accepted.   But I am glad and proud that she did.

9.  Distorting the Past

Are there those that want to distort the past?  Yes there are. Hajar Yazdiha at hgs.harvard.edu states, “Distorting the past is a powerful political tool for creating an alternative social reality that justifies everything from re-segregation to genocide.”  She further adds that distorting the past ensures we do not learn the histories of everyday people of all stripes, coming together, organizing, struggling, and resisting.  Instead, we remain helpless and scared, atomized and pitted against one another.  Black history is vital not only for understanding the past that led us here, but it is vital because it affords us the vision and will for a collective path forward.

Source:

Reclaiming Our Story: Why Black History Matters Now More Than Ever | Diversity in Black Media

How the U.S. began celebrating Black History Month | National Geographic

 The Wright Conversations | The Wright

15 Black History Facts Kids and Adults Should Know

25 Black History Month Facts You May Not Know in 2026 & Beyond

10 Fun Facts About Black History You Probably Didn’t Know | Explore With Oteria

Black History Virtual Tours | Black History in D.C. | Confetti 🎉

19 Black Historical Figures You Probably Didn't Learn About in Class | Stacker

Black History Month: The Importance of Learning Black History | Harvard Kennedy School

 

Guest Blogging:

Guest bloggers welcome.  Would you like to guest blog at

               anointedtoday.blogspot.com?

Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

 

  Visit My Store at

 

Anointedtoday/ Redbubble

 

More From this Author.  ..    Just Click the Link Below. . .

Fascinating Black History Inventors You Must Know

 7 Intriguing Creators to Be Mentioned During Black History

 AI: Now and the Future