Black women being sheros

During Black History Month I always learned about men making changes and helping black people, but this year I wanted to acknowledge the women who made our lives better. I begin with Shirley Chisholm. She participated in mainstream politics she tried to make all communities better. She became a Congresswoman in 1969, making her the first black woman to be elected to Congress. On January 25, 1972 Shirley became the first major party black candidate for the President of the United States. On January 1, 2005 Shirley Chisholm died but she left a legacy behind that we see today in Barack Obama becoming the first Black president of the United States.

The second African-American leader I want to write about is Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges was born September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi. Her parents moved to New Orleans when she was four years old. The historic decision by the Supreme Court, Brown v Board of Education had already passed the year Ruby was born. It said that in education separate was not equal and that black and white children could go to school together. Ruby then was chosen to take a test so she could get a better education—at an all-white school. After passing the admissions test, Ruby became the first child in New Orleans to integrate the public schools. It was very scary for her because of all the racism. She had to school with police walking her and secrurity being posted around her. There was only one willing adult to teach her. Her name was Barbara Henry and Ruby said that she was the most loving teacher she had. She would always help Ruby with her struggles being the only black kid in the school.

The third person I am writing about is Assata Shakur. Her birth name was JoAnne Chesimard and she was born on July 16, 1947. She was a member of the New York chapter of the Black Panther Party. She became a Black Panther because of all the poverty and unfair treatment from police that black people recived. The Panthers made free breakfast for children and provided medical help for people who needed it. On May 2, 1973 Assata was driving down the New Jersey Turnpike when she got pulled over by the police and was arrested. Her friend Zayd Shakur was killed. Assata was also shot two times and was convicted of killing a cop, even though there was no evidince. She was framed. After 6 years and 6 months she decided to escape from prison. She is now living in Cuba were she is protected by the government and where no one can hurt her.

Even though they led different lives, all of these women teach me the same things: to have hope, to be courageous and to stand our ground and not let anyone push you away.

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