New York, NY -- This month we paid tribute to Civil rights “first lady” the late Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as she was laid to rest in Atlanta, Ga., where she was remembered for her determination to keep her husband's non-violent quest for equality alive after his 1968 assassination.
As we take time out to reflect on Mrs. King’s work as an activist and civil rights leader, let us not forget all those who worked alongside the Kings, those who were forerunners and torchbearers, in the struggle for justice and equality in America.
February is nationally recognized as Black History Month in America. While many will reflect on the accomplishments of African Americans, and rightfully so, let us not forget the vast contributions Caribbean nationals have made to the success and continued growth of America, socially, culturally and economically. Caribbean nationals have historically played important roles in the fight for emancipation and liberation of Blacks in America.
Pioneers like Marcus Garvey, Edward Blyden, Claude McKay, George Padmore were among the first Caribbean nationals who were recognized for their contributions in the African American's struggle for racial equality.
The late U.S. Representative Shirley Chisholm; federal Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first black woman appointed to the federal Judiciary; activists Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure), Roy Innis, Malcolm X, Louis Farrakhan; world renowned actor Sidney Poitier; civil rights activist and singer Harry Belafonte; Franklin Thomas, former head of the Ford Foundation; Earl Greaves, philanthropist, businessman and publisher of Black Enterprise; and most recently Colin Powell the first black U.S. Secretary of State, have all contributed significantly to America on behalf of Blacks.
So, as we reflect and ponder the contributions of African Americans, let us also include the Caribbean contribution.
