Read all About These Black History Month Icons!

• Jimmy's Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin by MICHELLE MEADOWS. Before he became a legendary writer, James “Jimmy” Baldwin was a young boy from Harlem, New York, who loved stories. He found joy in the rhythm of music, family, and books. When he discovered the written word, he discovered true power. Writing gave him a voice. And that voice opened the world to Jimmy, where he used his voice fearlessly.
• Rooting for Plants: The Unstoppable Charles S. Parker, Black Botanist and Collector by JANICE N. HARRINGTON. In 1882, Black botanist and mycologist Charles S. Parker sprouted up in the lush, green Pacific Northwest. From the beginning, Charles’s passion was plants, and he when he was drafted to fight in World War I, Charles experienced prejudice against Black soldiers and witnessed the massive ecological devastation that war caused. Those experiences made him even more determined to follow his dreams of having a career making things grow, not destroying them.
• Ida B. Wells Marches for the Vote by DINAH JOHNSON. Ida B. Wells grew up during a time when women did not have the right to vote. But Ida aspired for equality; she had learned from her parents to forge a life through hope and bravery, so she worked tirelessly to fight for an America that was fair to everyone regardless of race and gender. Her courageous activism made her one of the most influential civil rights leaders in American history. Here is Ida’s story with a specific spotlight on her fearless role in the Women’s March of 1913.