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Inspiring Role Models of Black History Month for Kids

banner reads, "Role Models of Black History Month for Kids!"

February is Black History Month! A time to recognize and honor the contributions of African Americans throughout our Nation’s history. Join us in celebrating, as we spotlight several inspiring role models of Black History Month for kids!

Inspiring Historical Figures of Black History Month for Kids

Black History Month offers a great opportunity to teach children about some amazing historical figures whose courage, innovation, and unwavering determination have helped change the world in positive ways. The legacies of people like Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks are inspiring reminders of the profound impact one person can have in shaping a better society for us all. 

While the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history could never fit into one blog post, we hope this list encourages further learning of the countless inspiring figures of Black History Month!

Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in the United States in 1914.

Source: By Scurlock Studio (Washington, D.C.) (photographers). – Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History: Archives Center. P.O. Box 37012 [1], Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons 

Madam C. J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove)
December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919

Madam C. J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire in the United States1. She started building her wealth in 1905 by creating a line of beauty and haircare products specifically for Black women, called “Madam C J Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower.”

As an incredibly successful entrepreneur, she also prioritized philanthropy, donating to causes like education and civil rights organizations.

Madam Walker’s inspiring journey to becoming a self-made business tycoon is a testament to her hard work, ingenuity, and innovation.

Frederick "Fritz" Pollard, the first African American head coach in the National Football League (NFL) in 1921, and one of the first of 2 Black athletes to play professional football in the league.

Source: By Unknown author – Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons 

Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard 
January 27, 1894 – May 11, 1986 

In 1921, Frederick “Fritz” Pollard became the first African American head coach in the National Football League (NFL)2. As a player, he was also one of the first two Black athletes to play professional football in the league.  

In 1954, he became the first African American elected to the National College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2005 Fritz Pollard received a long-overdue induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

His legacy continues through the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the equality of job opportunities in the NFL.

Jane Bolin, the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School in 1931, and the first Black woman to be appointed as a judge in the United States in 1939.

Source: Employee of the Office of War Information, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jane Matilda Bolin 
April 11, 1908 – January 8, 2007 

The first time Jane Matilda Bolin made history was in 1931, as the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School. The second time Jane Bolin made history was in 1939 becoming the first Black woman to be appointed as a judge in the United States3.  

Judge Bolin dedicated her 40-year judicial career to improving the lives of underserved children and families, using her position to advocate for equitable rights and access to education.

Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play on a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in 1947, and the first Black vice president of a Fortune 500 company in 1957.

Source: Photo by Bob Sandberg, Look photographer Restoration by Adam Cuerden, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jack “Jackie” Roosevelt Robinson 
January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972 

When he joined the Dodgers in 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play on a Major League Baseball (MLB) team4. That’s not all though! In 1957, Robinson continued to break barriers, becoming the first Black vice president of a Fortune 500 company, Chock full o’Nuts coffee. 

After his passing, the Jackie Robinson Foundation was established in his honor. Today, the foundation upholds Robinson’s legacy by providing scholarships, job placement, and leadership training opportunities to students across the Nation.

Six year old Ruby Bridges, being escorted by three US Marshals to school in New Orleans in 1960, becoming the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in the Southern United States.

Ruby Bridges being escorted by U.S. Marshals at William Frantz Elementary School, New Orleans, in 1960. Source: Uncredited DOJ photographer, restored by Adam Cuerden (a relatively minor restoration), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Ruby Nell Bridges Hall 
Born on September 8, 1954 

Ruby Bridges became a revolutionary symbol of the civil rights movement at just six years old. In 1960, Ruby became the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans5. Amid significant opposition, including angry protests, Ruby’s bravery helped abolish school segregation in the Southern United States.  

Today, Ruby Bridges remains a powerful advocate for equality through the Ruby Bridges Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young minds and promoting equality in education.

Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space, serving as a mission specialist aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.

Source: By NASA – NASA Image and Video Library (file), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Dr. Mae Carol Jemison 
Born on October 17, 1956 

In 1992, Dr. Mae C. Jemison made history as the first Black woman to travel into space, serving as a mission specialist aboard NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour6.    

Today, Dr. Jemison is a strong advocate for increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. She also established the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, a non-profit organization focused on providing educational opportunities to children.

Amanda S. C. Gorman, American poet, activist, model, and the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate.

By Library of Congress, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68674384 

Amanda S. C. Gorman 
Born on March 7, 1998 

Amanda Gorman was named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017 for her exceptional talent as a poet and her ability to inspire and engage audiences through her words7.  The National Youth Poet Laureate Program recognizes young artists, authors, and poets who demonstrate outstanding talent, leadership, and a commitment to civic engagement. 

In 2021, Amanda Gorman made history yet again as the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl, delivering her stirring poem “Chorus of the Captains.” 

As a cum laude graduate of Harvard University and an award-winning writer, Amanda Gorman is a powerful voice for her generation, whose work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower people for years to come.

Celebrate Community at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County! 

At the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, we believe in the power of learning through play to empower young minds and bring people together! Through our interactive exhibits and daily educational programs, we strive to provide an inclusive space for families to come together, forge friendships, and grow as a community. 

We invite you to visit us and experience all the wonders of learning through play at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County! During the month of February, make sure to stop by our Family Resource Center to check out our collection of kid’s books celebrating Black History Month!


References

  1. First self-made millionairess. (2018, December 4). Guinness World Records. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/first-self-made-millionairess
  2. In memoriam – Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation. (2024, February 21). Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation. https://www.fritzpollard.org/about-us/history/in-memoriam/
  3. Historical profile: Jane Matilda Bolin ’31. (2024, January 15). Yale Law School. https://law.yale.edu/yls-today/news/historical-profile-jane-matilda-bolin-3
  4. Jackie Robinson | The Jackie Robinson Museum. (2024, October 31). The Jackie Robinson Museum. https://www.jackierobinsonmuseum.org/about/jackie-robinson
  5. Ruby Bridges. (2021, February 23). Biography. https://www.biography.com/activists/ruby-bridges
  6. Former astronaut Mae C. Jemison – NASA. (n.d.). NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/former-astronaut-mae-c-jemison/
  7. Wikipedia contributors. (2025, January 20). Amanda Gorman. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Gorman 

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