Important Dates in Black History Month

Black History Month is both honored and celebrated across the world. It brings attention to overlooked accomplishments and encourages us to better our communities. Here are three reasons to set aside time to participate in Black History Month:  

1. Promotes Diversity- By celebrating Black History Month and diversity, we’re doing more than just recognizing Black achievements, we are retelling powerful stories in a way that shows how they impacted our lives.

2. Brings Us Together- By celebrating achievements by Black leaders and advocates, we learn from and take joy in the success of others. We see how those differences can unite us and build stronger communities.  

3. Introduces Historical Figures- Traditional education often overlooks the accomplishments of Black leaders and visionaries. To learn beyond standard textbook curriculums, we can use this month to learn more about other historical Black leaders that have impacted our lives.

By learning the importance of celebrating Black History Month, we are able to effectively plan learning events and story sharing seminars with the goal of becoming better citizens.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford declared February Black History Month. He encouraged everyone to honor accomplishments from the Black community. Since then every president has proclaimed February Black History Month. Today, countries all around the world have joined the celebration.

The Greensboro Four- February 1, 1960  

In 1954, the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education stopped school segregation. However, in many other places in the South, segregation continued. On February 1, 1960, The Greensboro Four set out to change that.  

These four African American men studied at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical College. They sat down at Woolworth's lunch counter, where only white people were allowed. Crowds of angry white men harassed these four men, who sat peacefully and returned day after day.  

By March, this movement spread to 55 cities in 13 states. The result was that many diners were fully desegregated by the summer of 1960. When Woolworth’s finally followed suit, the four Black employees who had never gotten to eat at the restaurant where they worked, were now the first ones served.  

Rosa Parks- December 1, 1955

Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on February 4, 1913. On December 1, 1955, she took action to capture national attention. This is an important event in Black history.

On that day, a white man boarded a bus in Montgomery. The bus driver instructed four Black people sitting in the first row to move to the back to make space for the white man. Three of them got up to move, but Rosa Parks did not.  

Police boarded the bus and took her into custody. This arrest led to the Supreme Court's decision to outlaw segregation on public transportation.

Bernard Harris- February 9, 1955  

In 1969, the Apollo 11 mission was televised, which inspired many people to become astronauts. One of those people was Bernard Harris, 13 years old, at the time.  

In 1990, Bernard was selected to be an astronaut, which meant his dreams were quickly coming true. He went to space in 1993, the first Black person to leave the earth's orbit. In February 1995, he became the first Black man to walk in space on his second mission.  

John Singleton- February 19, 1992  

From 1929, when the Academy Awards were presented, until 1992, the Oscars were dominated by white people. However, in 1992, John Singleton (director) was nominated as the first Black director for Boyz in the Hood.  

At that time, Black actors/actresses had been nominated and even won awards, but there were few opportunities for filmmakers/directors. This nomination changed things. Now, this February 19th, 1992 has become an important date in Black History Month for the film and creative industry.

Black History Month shines a light on the exceptional contributions of Black professionals in STEM and healthcare, highlighting the profound impact of their work. From groundbreaking medical research to innovative patient care, these individuals exemplify dedication and excellence.

Key Contributions:

• Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett's work on the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine underscores the vital role of Black scientists in public health advancements.
• Black Nurses in Leadership are at the forefront of initiatives that enhance patient care and advocate for health equity, embodying the critical intersection of nursing practice and healthcare innovation.

Why This Matters:

Recognizing the achievements of Black professionals in healthcare, including nurses, is essential for inspiring future generations and promoting diversity in the field. Their contributions not only advance medical science but also ensure more equitable health outcomes.

As we celebrate these achievements, let's also acknowledge the supportive role of organizations like Advantis Medical, which champions diversity within the healthcare workforce. Celebrating Black excellence in STEM and nursing helps pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in healthcare.

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Your gender, your beliefs, your preferences, your skin color, or your bigshot friend make no difference to us. Advantis Medical is a progressive and open-minded collective. If you’re smart, optimistic, and care about being awesome at what you do, come as you are!  

We love and welcome you to the travel nurse community with open arms! Let us help you find your dream travel nursing and allied health jobs.

Additionally, if you’re looking for healthcare staffing services that have no hiring biases, contact us.

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