February is Black History Month. For the February Junior Saints, students were invited to draw a picture and write about an African American who made history.
Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Jackie Robinson was born on Jan. 31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. He broke the 63-year-old color line in Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947. He was the first African American to win a batting title, to win Most Valuable Player, and to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His number, number 42, is retired by all MLB teams. He died on Oct. 24, 1972, at the age of 53. He made history and is one of the best African Americans to ever play the game of baseball.” – Artwork above and writing by Colt Keen, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills, Maryland
“Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman in Congress and the first to run for U.S. president. One of her quotes is, ‘You do not make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.’ She was nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador of Jamaica in 1993. She was unable to serve due to her health, but to this day her campaign colors yellow and purple are seen in today’s politicians’ campaigns.” – Artwork and writing by Mya Hartzer, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Ruby Bridges was a young girl who attended an all-white school. She was the first African American child to desegregate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. While entering the school on her first day, she had to be escorted by four guards. People threw rocks at her because they wanted to keep the school as it was. Ruby Bridges is an inspiration to all.” – Artwork and writing by Adalene Jones, sixth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“James Baldwin was a writer and civil rights activist who is best known for his semi-autobiographical novels and plays that center on race and politics. I chose him because even though not everybody knew of him, he still did great things. Some people are so focused on doing big things that they forget that little things go a long way; and that a lot can come from all of us doing little things. James Baldwin knew this and tried to tell people.” – Lucas Longmore, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Her goal was to encourage women and African Americans to reach their dreams. In February 1923, her plane stopped midair and crashed; although she was severely hurt with a broken leg, a few cracked ribs, and cuts on her face, she recovered from all her injuries. The crash did not stop her, and she kept on flying. She was a brave woman who encouraged people to follow their dreams.” – Artwork and writing by Shelby Sohl, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Barack Obama was the 44th president of the United States of America. He was the first African American president, and he made history. President Obama made some remarkable achievements during his time in office from 2009 to 2017. He ended the war in Iraq, increased benefits for veterans, made health care more affordable, and much more. In late 2009, President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for his ‘extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between people.’” – Artwork and writing by Daniel Sebring, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Jesse Owens was a track-and-field athlete who set a world record in the long jump at the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin. He won four gold medals at those Olympics in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, 4 x 100-meter relay, and the long jump. In 1976, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and later in 1990, Owens was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. After he retired, he engaged in boys’ guidance activities, and made goodwill visits to India and East Asia, among other things. He died in 1980.” –Artwork and writing by Aidan Beyer, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Frederick Douglass was an African American who had been enslaved, and he wrote a book called ‘The Narratives of the Life of Frederick Douglass’… Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in 1818 and escaped to freedom in 1838. His name at birth was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey, but he changed his name when he escaped to New York so he would not be found and captured. He rose to fame with his first book and worked with notable abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison and Gerrit Smith. Douglass died in 1895.” – Emily Wagner, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Rosa Parks reminds me of St. Veronica. Rosa Parks put herself in a dangerous place by staying in the front of the bus. She knew it was unfair to have to move. St. Veronica knew what Jesus had to go through was unfair, so she put herself in a dangerous place too. Both small acts did big things.” – Artwork and writing by Jenna Rowand, eighth grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
“Harriet Tubman helped others escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. She earned the reputation of the ‘Moses of her people’ because of her bravery and leadership. Harriet saved 70 people in approximately 13 trips. She died when she was 91 years old in 1913, in Auburn, New York because of pneumonia. She inspires me because of her determination and leadership for our country and for people’s rights.” – Dakota Hancock, seventh grade, Little Flower School, Great Mills
St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of Rosa Parks by Abigail Xavier, seventh grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. He inspired us to stop racism. Everyone of all skin colors knew he was a good man.” – Nathanya Kidane, sixth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of aviator Bessie Coleman by Lydia Palmore, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of Harriet Tubman and writing by Amelia James, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Frederick Douglass fought for the end of slavery and supported anti-slavery political parties. Douglass’ courage, intellect and oratory skills inspired many civil rights activists and women’s rights pioneers.” – Artwork and writing by Kenechukwu Anikwe, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Ruby Bridges became the first African American student to integrate an elementary school in the South.” – Artwork and writing by Naomi Nwoso, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for the freedom for Black people!” – Artwork and writing by Michael Shewaye, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“A well-known American abolitionist, Henry Box Brown fought for freedom of slaves. Today, he is still an African American icon. Fun fact: Henry got his middle name Box because he traveled all the way in a crate to freedom.” – Artwork and writing by Alexandre Theophile, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
“Madam C.J. Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist and political and social activist. Madam C.J. Walker is recorded as the first female self-made millionaire in America in the ‘Guinness Book of World Records’.” – Artwork and writing by London Mattox-Roach, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, Washington, D.C.
St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Isabelle Ridgeway, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown, Maryland
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated outstanding character. He was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He stood up for what he believed in, and he was a man of God. He also led the Civil Rights Movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. His leadership in the movement supported and initiated the desegregation of African Americans in the South and other parts of the United States of America. If it weren’t for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s determination and leadership, the movement might not have been as effective. He was an outstanding man.” – Zoey Crecelius, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“St. Josephine Bakhita is the patron saint of Sudan and of victims of human trafficking. In 2000, she was declared as a saint, the first Black woman to receive that honor in the present day. She was born in 1869 and died in 1947. She was canonized in 2000 at St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope John Paul II. Her feast day is Feb. 8.” – Allie Velasco, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Artwork of aviator Bessie Coleman by Olyvia Felix, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Louis Armstrong is known as a master jazz trumpeter, but he also had an iconic singing voice which had a huge influence on later artists. He turned every song he sang into a reflection of his own personality… As a young boy in New Orleans, he formed a vocal quartet with his friends and performed on the street for tips. Singing stuck with him from the beginning of his professional career. Although some would discourage him, he would keep making records under his name. Late in his career, he would show leadership by using his fame to speak out in support of school desegregation. However, he received much criticism for this. That would not stop him from one of the most important moments in his career, when he spoke in support of the Civil Rights Movement. In conclusion, he was a very talented singer and musician, and an inspiration.” – Elise McDonald, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Maya Angelou was a female poet and activist. One of her most famous poems is called ‘Phenomenal Woman.’ Two fun facts about Maya are that she spoke six different languages, and she also won three Grammy Awards. Maya Angelou has inspired many young girls and women, that they can do anything they want. They could be a doctor, lawyer, poet, activist, scientist, teacher and so much more!” – Brittnye Reynolds, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of astronaut Mae Jemison by Aurora Martin, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Actor Samuel L. Jackson was born in 1948 in Washington, D.C. He has been in more than 152 movies that have made $27 billion in box office sales. He got his start in acting at Morehouse College and the Negro Ensemble Company. He is a strong supporter of African American youth, and he has donated to many organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Black Economic Alliance, Spelman College, Morehouse College, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the United Negro College Fund and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He is inspiring to many.” – Vytali Hodges, fifth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Guion Bluford is the African American I chose for this, because he is very important, and I do not hear him talked about much. Guion Bluford was the first African American in space, on a mission in 1983. He did many important things on his mission and helped NASA become more inclusive and diverse. On his missions, he deployed an Indian communications weather satellite, performed biomedical experiments and tested the orbiter’s 50-foot robotic arm on his first mission. Before Bluford was an astronaut, he was an Air Force pilot and served in over 100 combat missions in Vietnam. Guion Bluford is a very important African American, and I hope to see him talked about more.” – Keanu Pascarella, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Major General Janeen Birckhead is my mom’s boss and serves as Maryland’s 31st Adjutant General. She is the only Black woman who leads a state military in the United States. Major General Birckhead is a commander and has been in the military since 1991. She has inspired others to follow their dreams and has a kind heart. She works in the Maryland National Guard. I chose her because her words and actions make me stand up and have respect (for others)…” – Artwork and writing by Taylor Dent, fourth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Harriet Tubman was born a slave. In 1849, she ran away to the North. The Underground Railroad helped her escape. Then she went back to help other people escape.” – Morgan Brewer, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown, Maryland
“Harriet Tubman freed slaves by using the Underground Railroad. She carried out God’s mission. Harriet Tubman inspires me to be a great leader!” – Isabella Welcome, third grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Mae C. Jemison was the first African American woman to go into space. I chose her because of her impact on diversity and inclusion. She was an advocate for many individuals and encouraged others to follow their dreams. Her legacy reminds us that there are countless opportunities to dream big and pursue greatness. Mae C. Jemison is a constant source of inspiration for people all over the world because of her incredible accomplishments and her support of diversity and creativity. She inspires me to work hard and make a difference in the world.” – Artwork and writing by Imanie Mayi, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills, Maryland
“Diana Ross really inspired me because she’s been nominated for Grammy Awards 12 times, got an Oscar nomination, and even worked as a producer. She was the main singer in The Supremes, who were the biggest deal in Motown during the 1960s and one of the most popular groups ever. Not just that, but Diana Ross has inspired and empowered so many musicians, artists, famous people and kids with big dreams, like me!” – Layla Samms, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
Artwork of Muhammad Ali, by Angel Garcia, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I chose Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as my inspiration because of his incredible courage. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in, even though he knew it could get him into serious trouble. Martin Luther King fought against the unfair treatment of African Americans and other people of color. He didn’t stay silent about the inequality and injustice happening around him. Instead, he spoke loudly and clearly, demanding change for the better. What really amazes me about him is how he did this with peaceful protests and powerful words, not violence. This taught me the power of using my voice for good. Because of his efforts, the world I live in today is different. Now I can be friends with anyone, regardless of their skin color. Before Martin Luther King, some laws kept people of other races apart in schools and public places. But he helped change all that. His bravery and actions have shown me that one person can make a huge difference. And that’s why Martin Luther King has had such a significant impact on me.” – Bianca Hernandez, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Whitney Houston was an American singer and actress, born in Newark, New Jersey in 1963. She is an inspiration to all young women of all races. She was the first woman to hit #1 on the Billboard 200, and the first artist in the singing industry to have seven continuous #1 hits. Whitney Houston was an amazing singer whose songs will forever echo in our hearts. She holds so much respect and love from those who knew and didn’t know her. She went down in history as one of the best singers of all time, and I admire that. It is heartbreaking to know that she died so young and at the peak of her singing career. I believe that Whitney Houston is someone worth admiring even if she isn’t here with us, because of how many people she helped and influenced with her music. May she rest in peace.” – Artwork and writing by Destinee Bengangacha, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
Drawing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Elizabeth Sebastian, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Rosa Parks was some brave woman who refused to give up her seat to a white man. And I’m a woman myself, and I appreciate what she has done. I admire Rosa Parks for actually having the guts to stand up and do what was right.” – Maya Hipolito, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Ruby Bridges was the first African American to go to an all-white school.” – Artwork and writing by Lynne Gonzales, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock & Roll,’ inspires me in so many ways. She is one of the most famous African American singers and songwriters. Some of her most popular songs can remind people from all around the world that they are not alone in all of their problems and struggles. Tina Turner inspires me and many other people. Her wise lyrics show the challenges of daily life and the empowerment of women and African American culture.” – Hayleigh Estrella, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Ida B. Wells was a woman who definitely made history. She was a journalist and an educator. She led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She also fought for women.” – Artwork and writing by Kayi Chau, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Phillis Wheatley was the first Black woman recognized as a poet in the United States. She continues to inspire by her words and how she never failed to speak up.” – Artwork and writing by Madison Pleta, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Best known as ‘the first lady of song,’ Ella Fitzgerald was the most popular female jazz singer in the United States for more than half a century. Her influence on music, specifically jazz, will forever stay. Her voice is incredible. It is made up of an iconic vocal range and ageless singing. Fitzgerald’s beautiful voice resulted in her winning 13 Grammy awards, as well as selling over 40 million albums. She worked with many jazz greats spanning from Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra. She performed and sold out many of the top venues across the world. The audience of Ella Fitzgerald is diverse, but all share a common love for her.” – Artwork and writing by Nicaeya Florentino, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“The reason I chose Malcolm X is because he gave speeches that contributed to the development of black nationalist ideology and the black power movement and helped to popularize the values of autonomy and independence among African Americans in the 1960s and ‘70s.” – Artwork and writing by Evelyn Marcial, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Malcolm X was the nation’s most visible proponent of Black nationalism and unity.” – Cortland Brown, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Leah Jeffries inspires me. She is an actress who played Annabeth on the TV show ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians.’ She is so kind, and she doesn't listen to people who send her hate.” – Artwork and writing by Katherine Contreras, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Jesse Owens was the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympic Games, at Berlin in 1936. He also showed Hitler at those Olympic Games what African Americans can do… James Cleveland Owens was born in Oakville, Alabama in 1913, and he died of lung cancer in Tucson, Arizona in 1980 when he was 66. In 1984, a street in Berlin was named after him. In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.” – Artwork and writing by Eleanor Finnegan, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Harriet Tubman helped the enslaved to gain their freedom. She escorted an estimated 300 people (through the Underground Railroad) to the North where they could live freely… She will be remembered in all our hearts.” – Artwork and writing by Isabella DeLucca Escarra, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Bessie Coleman was born in 1892 in Atlanta, Texas. She was the first African American woman to fly a plane. She had 12 siblings. When she was around 23, her brother went to fight in World War I and teased her because she could not fly. She was not accepted into any flight schools in the United States, so she learned French and applied to a French school where she learned to fly. In 1922, she made her first public flight where she did tricks in the air.” – Artwork and writing by Creighton Taylor, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“In 1956, Lila Fenwick became the first African American woman to graduate from Harvard Law School. She was born in 1932 and died in 2020 at the age of 87… After graduating, she had a career in private practice and at the United Nations. She said, ‘I knew I was going to be a lawyer when I was a little girl.’ Lila Fenwick helped demolish obstacles for generations of those who would come after her.” – Artwork and writing by Caileigh Schmid, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks was a photographer, author, composer, poet and film director. He was prominent in issues of civil rights and poverty and in glamour photography. Gordon was one of the first African American filmmakers to direct films in Hollywood. He made films about struggling African Americans and about the experience of slaves.” – Elena Gruss, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“George Washington Carver was an African American inventor who made a lot of new things with peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans. He was born into slavery but was taught by the Carver family, who were against it. They raised him like their own with his brother James. George loved learning and plants at a young age. He was in school for a long time and ended up teaching at a university. There, he established an agricultural school. He invented many things and contributed a lot to agriculture.” – Artwork and writing by Daphne Kaczowka, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“In 1951, Dr. Mildred Jefferson was the first Black woman to graduate from Harvard Medical School. She became a surgeon and was also a pro-life activist and speaker and was the founder of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. I admire Dr. Jefferson because of how smart and brave she was to go through medical school at a time when not many African Americans could. I also aspire to be a doctor one day. I also like that she spoke out for the pro-life cause. She died in 2010.” – Artwork and writing by Emily Beavers, eighth grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“‘Don’t let anyone rob you of…your creativity…Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.’ That’s what Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to go to space, once said while on the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Dr. Jemison conducted experiments on motion sickness and weightlessness. After leaving NASA in 1993, she founded the Jemison Group, a firm dedicated to consulting design issues of engineering and science projects.” – Artwork and writing by Tania Rivera, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Lewis Howard Latimer was an African American who was born in 1848 to enslaved parents. He faced much racial discrimination. In 1864, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Latimer learned mechanical drawing and became an inventor and patent expert. In the 1870s, he worked with Alexander Graham Bell to invent the telephone, and later he helped develop the light bulb with Thomas Edison. Latimer also designed an early air-conditioning unit. He was awarded patents for his own seven inventions. He died in 1928 at the age of 80 in New York. He was a pioneer in the field of technology and made important contributions to modern life.” – Julia Toumi, sixth grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
“Natasha Watley is the first Black woman to play softball in the Olympics for Team USA. She is a two-time Olympic medalist, winning gold in 2004 and silver in 2008. The 2008 games in Beijing were supposed to be the last softball and baseball ones. The decision inspired her and many other members of the U.S. Olympic team to help grow the sport around the world. She traveled to South Africa, Guatemala and Cuba to host clinics for other enthusiastic players who hadn’t gotten training like it before. Natasha Watley helped spread softball even further to many other countries. Now, softball will be in the 2028 Olympics. I hope you’re all ready!” – Artwork and writing by Ashley Ruddy, seventh grade, St. Elizabeth Catholic School, Rockville
St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“U.S. Army Colonel Paris D. Davis truly has the spirit of a hero, so much so that on June 18, 1965, he led a nighttime raid on Viet Cong’s regional headquarters during the Vietnam War. He courageously and heroically never left anyone behind, risking his own life for his men. Paris’s actions went above and beyond the call of duty, earning what he so deserved, the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration awarded for bravery and valor in action. He was awarded the medal on March 3, 2023, by President Joe Biden. Paris’s legacy doesn’t just end there. He earned his master’s degree and PhD, created his own newspaper, Metro Herald for 30 years, and was one of the first African American Special Forces Officers and one of only four military service members to have been awarded the Soldier’s Medal and Medal of Honor.” – Artwork and writing by Zoe Cuadra, eighth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton, Maryland
“Rebecca Lee Crumpler was born in 1831 in Delaware. Even at a young age, Rebecca expressed interest in medical work. She often treated ill neighbors, which likely influenced her decision to pursue medicine. Rebecca Lee Crumpler continued on to attend a medical college. She was often discriminated against for both her gender and race. Women were seen as ‘too soft,’ and African Americans were mistreated regardless of gender. Despite her hardships and obstacles, she continued to persevere and eventually earned a degree in 1864, making her the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. After college, she used her medical experience to treat others, no matter if they were in a position to pay her. In 1895 at the age of 64, Dr. Crumpler died. Her determination to pursue medicine was incredible. She certainly inspired other women and African Americans to become nurses and doctors.” – Artwork and writing by Emely Vasquez, eighth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton, Maryland
“Frederick Douglass was born as a slave around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. During his time as a slave in his childhood, Douglass was restricted from learning things such as reading and writing, but this didn’t stop him from still learning. This new knowledge made him oppose slavery, which led to him eventually escaping in just two attempts. After he became free, he settled down and had a family consisting of a wife and five children. Throughout the rest of his life, he would continue to be an abolitionist who wrote books and made speeches against slavery. Frederick Douglass died in 1895, leaving a lasting legacy and influence on the world.” – Artwork and writing by Charles Bactad, eighth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the United States during the 20th century. Jackie was born in Cairo, Georgia in 1919, then he moved to Pasadena, California, with his mother, Mallie, in 1920. He played five sports at John Muir High School, and he played baseball, basketball and football at UCLA. When Jackie Robinson was in the Army, he made a good friend, a boxer named Joe Louis. He died on Oct. 24, 1972. He was known as a fierce, determined believer in social action and a self-controlled person.” – Isabel Rivera, eighth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Ethel Waters, a renowned African American actress, gained fame after singing in a local nightclub. She joined a vaudeville troupe and became a sensation after singing ‘St. Louis Blues’. She became the first African American woman to integrate Broadway, earning a starring role in Irving Berlin’s Broadway musical. Waters became one of the highest-paid actresses on Broadway. Her Broadway success led her to a successful career in film and television. Ethel Waters became the second African American to be nominated for an Academy Award. She was also the first African American to star in her own television show, and the first African American woman to be nominated for a primetime Emmy.” – Artwork and writing by Elliott Stoneburg, eighth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Michelle Obama was the first African American woman to be the first lady. She was first lady for two terms. She was very smart as a kid; she skipped second grade. She is a lawyer, and she is a writer. She has two children, Malia Ann Obama and Sasha Obama.” – Artwork and writing by Madison Moore, fifth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is very well known for his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in 1963. He is also famous for his contribution to the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Martin dedicated his life to stopping segregation.” – Artwork and writing by Brooklynn Preston, fifth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“When Ruby Bridges was two, her mom and dad moved their family to New Orleans, Louisiana. Ruby Bridges was born in 1954. In November 1960 when she was six, Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to attend an all-white public school.” – Artwork and writing by Katie Preston, third grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
Drawing of Rosa Parks by Jazmine Rangel, third grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
“Once Rosa Parks was getting on the bus after a hard day of work, and she got on the first seat she could see. She sat down beside a white person. The bus driver told her to go in the back of the bus. She said she didn’t want to. They went back and forth. The bus driver called the cops. Everybody on the bus didn’t say a word. And since she didn’t sit in the back, she was arrested…” – Carter Miller, fifth grade, St. John the Evangelist School, Clinton
Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“Nowadays, we can’t even imagine a world where people cannot follow their dreams. Thanks to Bessie Coleman, we don’t have to. Being the first African American woman to get a pilot’s license makes her one of many trailblazers who are the reason for so much acceptance all around the world. I admire Bessie Coleman because once she was inspired, she never gave up. She teaches us that we should follow our dreams, no matter where they might take us.” – Artwork and writing by Mary Grover, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings, Maryland
“Edward Kennedy ‘Duke’ Ellington was an African American man who was one of the greatest jazz artists of all time. The street I live on, Ellington Drive, is named after him. He was born in 1899 and died in 1974. He played piano and wrote music. He was born in Washington, D.C., and one of his first band names was the Washingtonians. His band played for white and black people, which was rare for that time in America. I listened to one of Duke Ellington’s songs called ‘In A Sentimental Mood’ which he performed with John Coltrane, who is also a famous African American musician. I felt very calm and peaceful when I was listening to it.” – Jet Nguyen-Anderson, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I chose Michelle Obama because she is very independent and strong! She is very nice, and I admire her. I picked her because she changed the world by showing that women can do anything. She has two beautiful and smart daughters that she raised with her husband, Barack Obama. Their names are Malia Obama and Sasha Obama. They are both like their mother, wise and beautiful. Her husband has been a president before, too! He was very good at it, and we all loved him. Michelle Obama was the first lady until someone else was president. While she was first lady she was a role model. She was an advocate for healthy families and service members. She supported higher education as an international advocate for girls education. She is amazing!” – Artwork and writing by Morgan Lemieux, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“Venerable Augustus Tolton was the first recognized African American Catholic priest. He was born a slave, but his family escaped to Illinois. He heard God calling him to be a priest, even though there was a lot of racism. He did not get into any American seminaries because of his race. He finally got into one in Rome. He got sent back to Illinois after studying and was a priest at St. Boniface Church. At his first Mass, thousands of people showed up. In 1897, ‘Good Father Gus’ collapsed from the heat and died at age 43. He had been sick but didn’t tell anyone. He is buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois. He is on the road to becoming a saint and was declared as a Servant of God in 2012 and Venerable in 2019.” – Michael Demanski, fifth grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
“I chose Rosa Parks because she was brave. She stood up for African American people. She could have gotten hurt, but she still did not give up her seat on the bus. She changed history forever and now all people can sit wherever they want on a bus.” – Artwork and writing by Stewart Heller, fourth Grade, Cardinal Hickey Academy, Owings
St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“Ruby Bridges was the first black person in a white school!” – Artwork and writing by Claire Moesle, third grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“Claudette Colvin was a civil rights activist and refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus.” – Skylar Douglas, fourth grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“I chose Saint Perpetua and Saint Felicity because they are always together and that shows how much they love each other as sisters.” – Artwork and writing by Kimora Hill, fifth grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“I selected Jesse Owens because of his speed and because he broke Olympic records. I participated in St. Ambrose’s track and field team, so I know how hard it is.” – Mason Perry, fifth grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“I chose Bayard Rustin because he was an important but hidden figure in the Civil Rights Movement.” – Sanaiya Smith, sixth grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
“I picked Rosa Parks because she fought for the rights of Black people.” – Artwork and writing by Skylar Thomas, fourth grade, St. Ambrose School, Cheverly
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Drawing of Frederick Douglass by Elli Hummer, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“A lot of African Americans have changed our world’s history. Harriet Tubman grew up as a slave on a plantation. When she eventually escaped, she had to fear for her life as she was being hunted down by slave catchers. Harriet, despite fearing getting caught, risked her life, time and time again, to free slaves. Her bravery helped her as she conducted on the Underground Railroad to lead escaped slaves to the North. Harriet Tubman also spoke out against slavery. She continues to inspire people to this day.” – Camryn Stark, eighth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“The person I picked who changed history is Shirley Chisholm. She was the first-ever African American woman in Congress. She also got a nomination for president by two political parties. Shirley Chisholm served seven terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, and she was known to be very inspirational. At first, she actually was a teacher and later went into public office. In 1949, she married a private investigator and moved to New York. She died in 2005, and she was 80 years old.” – Artwork and writing by Charlotte Adams, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I admire Michelle Obama because she was the first lady of the United States, and I think that was a great accomplishment, and I want to be like that when I’m older. One of the causes she pushed, making lunches healthier, was good for kids even though they might not like it.” – Sadie Grey, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Barack Obama made American history when he was elected president of the United States in 2008 as the first African American to hold the office. President Obama is hard working and can be admired by the two terms he served as president. He faced many challenges during his presidential term, including wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, terrorism, and an economic downfall. In 2009, Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize. I admire Barack Obama for his strong family values. He grew up with divorced parents in a mixed racial home, which could have made him bitter. However, this shaped him to become an empathetic man and think about how others feel and act. As a result, he has a strong family with two successful daughters and continues to help those in need.” – Tyler Wingenter, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Drawing of Rosa Parks by Milan Smith, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Ruby Bridges was the first African American to attend a white school. The school was called William Frantz School in New Orleans, and at first, Ruby was the only black child in the building. She had her own classroom and teacher, because the other kids did not want to learn with her. There were protests outside the school, and many parents took their children to different schools. Ruby was brave and always worked her hardest, even though she needed protection at the time. After a while, the protests calmed down, and Ruby was able to go to school without armed bodyguards. She later graduated from high school and worked as a travel agent. In 2001, Ruby Bridges was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal. In 2014, a statue of Ruby Bridges was placed in front of William Frantz School. Ruby got to see the statue and even met her old teacher from kindergarten. Ruby Bridges was an amazing student who made things better for all African American students.” – Weston Milligan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of abolitionist Frederick Douglass by Eldana Tilahun, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Misty Copeland was born in 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri. Copeland became the first African American female principal ballet dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. She grew up with a single mom and has three older siblings and two younger half-siblings. Misty and her family moved to San Pedro, California. Her first time dancing was on the drill team at her middle school. The coach noticed she had potential to be a dancer. She went to many classes. In 1998 when she was 15, she won first place in the ballet part of the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards. Copeland has won many competitions and is an amazing ballet dancer. Though she has faced challenges with her race throughout her career, she has stayed strong.” – Artwork and writing by Sofia Faucher, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Oprah Winfrey has lived the American dream and overcame challenges in her childhood. Oprah grew up very poor and with many hardships. When she was in high school, she started reading the news, and then in college she became the first black news anchor at her station. Her empathy, curiosity and enthusiasm reached people, and she soon had her own show. The Oprah Winfrey Show became a worldwide phenomenon. Her show focused on issues that affected people’s lives. Oprah’s success helped her to become the first black female billionaire and the first black woman to own her own production company. She has used her wealth to give to charity, focusing on youth education. Oprah is one of the most influential women in the world, and she has made history.” – Artwork and writing by Charlotte Grossfeld, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Harriet Tubman was an amazing person who fought for her people. Tubman was born in Maryland as a slave in 1822. When she escaped slavery, she became an Underground Railroad conductor and helped free more than 70 people. In the Civil War, she was a nurse and sometime a spy going behind enemy lines. One time, when she was on a raid in South Carolina, during the raid over 700 slaves were freed. Tubman also founded a home for the elderly where she would later die. Harriet Tubman was a great person!” – Jack Jacobs, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Rosa Parks is one of my idols. She didn’t step down when people told her to, she fought back. She was brave and confident… Rosa Parks was brave when she refused to give up her bus seat and fought back, because no one should be treated differently because of their color.” – Artwork and writing by Evie Dobbins, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Ray Lewis was a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL and earlier was a star player at the University of Miami. Ray Lewis is the only player in NFL history with at least 40 career sacks and 30 career interceptions, and he won two Super Bowls with the Ravens.” – Charlie Kline, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of aviator Bessie Coleman by Enoch Turock, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Ronald Acuña Jr. has accomplished a lot in his baseball career to date, from winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his first season to being selected as an all-star in the following season while also winning the Silver Slugger Award. Acuña Jr. is widely considered as one of the best young stars in baseball, and he is also one of the most inspirational and kindest players in the game. In the 2023 season, he was the National League’s Most Valuable Player. His farthest home run went over 470 feet!” – Wesley Hurt, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Michael Jordan is known as M.J. Many consider him as the greatest basketball player of all time. He went to college at the University of North Carolina. Later, he played on the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards in the NBA. He has his own shoe called the Air Jordans. He was a strong athlete who put a lot of time into being such a great basketball player. He is also well known for being in the movie Space Jam.” – Connor Kearns, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Claudette Colvin was a young woman who wouldn’t give up her seat on a bus to a white woman. She explained how the white lady was not elderly and how the bus driver said: ‘Get out of your seat., And she responded, ‘I could not move, because history had me glued to the seat.’ We may not remember her as well as Rosa Parks because of her age. She was only 15 and not married. The community knew Rosa Parks more than Claudette. Claudette Colvin taught us to be brave and to make sure we are all equal.” – Artwork and writing by Noelle Shorb, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda, Maryland
“Ruby Bridges made history by being the first Black girl to attend an all-white school in the South. The reason Ruby Bridges stands out to me is because she went to school like all of us but faced extra challenges. Sometimes, we don’t want to go to school. But Ruby went to school even when people were trying to kill her. Ruby stands out because she worked hard for justice and did what she wanted regardless of what other people thought she should do.” – Coco Chiu, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
Artwork and writing by Daniel Delaney, sixth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
Drawing of painter Kara Walker by Samantha Aguilar, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf, Maryland
Drawing of painter Jacob Lawrence by Paul Fet, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf, Maryland
Drawing of painter Amy Sherald by Genevieve Rodriguez, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf, Maryland
Drawing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Gerald Savoy, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf, Maryland
Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown
“Father Augustus Tolton was the first recognized African American priest. He was born a slave and his father died in the Civil War. Then, with the help of some Union soldiers his family crossed the Mississippi and could smell freedom in the air. Tolton’s mother encouraged him to go to school, so he did. At his school he was bullied for being Black. His pastor, Father Peter McGirr, inspired him to become a priest. No college would allow him until St. Francis College admitted him. He then went to Rome to begin studying for the priesthood. After six years he was ordained a priest. Next he was sent back to America and had his first Mass in New York City at St. Benedict the Moor Church. Then he went back to his hometown of Quincy, Illinois. He became such a popular preacher that some white people came to his Masses just to hear him preach. Father Tolton moved to Chicago where he raised enough money to build most of a church. Pope Francis advanced his cause for sainthood elevating him to the title of ‘Venerable’ in 2019.” – Logan Raley, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown, Maryland
“I chose to write about Rosa Parks because she is a big deal in history. Rosa Parks is an important American because she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man. She did this because she was tired of putting white people first. Friends made signs that said stay off buses. People did this for about a year. On Nov. 13, 1956 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that segregation on the buses, like segregation at schools, was illegal. Rosa Parks was a very strong and brave woman. She changed history.” – Reid Curry, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown, Maryland
“Dr. Patricia E. Bath is most known for her discovery and inventing a new device and technique for cataract surgery known as laserphaco. She lived from 1942-2019. While most kids went to high school for four years, she only went for three years. Dr. Bath was the first African American woman to receive a medical patent in the United States. Three words I would use to describe Dr. Patricia E. Bath are strong, smart and determined. A lesson we can learn from Dr. Patricia E. Bath is not to listen to the people that say you can’t do something or push you around, just follow your dreams and keep going.” – Sully Allan, fifth grade, Father Andrew White, S.J. School, Leonardtown, Maryland
Topic for March Junior Saints
In March, we will celebrate Easter. For the March Junior Saints, students are invited to draw a picture of something that happened to Jesus during Holy Week or Easter, and write about what Easter means to them. The drawings and writings should be emailed to ZimmermannM@adw.org by Wednesday March 6, 2024 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard’s editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
Due to time constraints involved with reviewing the volume of submitted work, it is requested that schools or parish religious education programs limit their entries to 10 drawings and 10 writings from their students. The best formats to send are jpegs for artwork and word documents or pdfs for writing, if possible. Please no long essays. Thank you!
