African American Heroes

I have chosen African American's as my heroes group. Throughout the years African American heroes have been making it easier for the next generation of their race to live in this environment. Each African American hero has paved a path for the next person in line. Each one stepped up and stood up for themselves and who they represent and by each one doing that they created a new beginning for other people. They all have been a hero in a different ways but in the end they all helped out the African American community. 

Even though I am not African American I believe that they have had many great heroes to stand up for their race and not let people step all over them because of the color of their skin. 

Martin Luther King Jr.

"I Have a Dream" was a public speech by Martin Luther king Jr. The point of the speech was his desire to have African Americans and whites to be equal. The speech was often viewed as one of the greatest and memorable speeches from the 20th century. By Martin Luther King presenting that speech to the public he educated and inspired many people. He helped African American's and white's become more equal. 
I have a dream speech

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was an African American woman who lived in Montgomery, Alabama. Each day going home from work Rosa would take the bus home. One day as the bus became crowded the bus driver ordered Rosa to give up her seat for a white passenger. The buses in Montgomery buses were segregated. The seats in the front of the bus were reserved for “whites only”. African American’s had to sit in the back of the bus. However, if the bus were filled, an African American would have to give up their seat to a white passenger. That day Rosa decided she wasn’t going to move and was sick and tired of being humiliated and she refused to give up her seat. Because of Rosa parks African American's where able to be more equal to whites. 

Hiram Revels

Hiram Revels was the first African American senator. Even though other senators didn't like the idea of him becoming a senator and tried to make up excuses on why he couldn't become one he still stayed strong, held his head high and succeeded. He made many big differences in the community.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0930432.html

Hattie McDaniel

This clip is a part of the movie Gone With the Wild which Hattie McDaniel stared in and she won her first academy award from her performance as "Mammy." She showed many other African American's that they also can pursue their dream in being an actor/actress and they can make it to the top even if they aren't white. Below is a video of Hattie accepting her academy award which definitely made many African American's proud to see a black woman winning an Academy award. It was a big breakthrough in the African American culture and was the start of a new beginning. 

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad was the first african american boxer, and a three time heavyweight champion. 
To date, Muhammad remains the only man to have ever won the linear heavyweight championship three times. He described his fighting style as "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee". As being an African American athlete and the first black boxer, it is a very big accomplishment and it shows a lot of dedication and strength to be able to do what you believe in. Even though Muhammad Ali was African American he was able to make it to the top and be one of the best.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali

Oprah Winfrey

"My philosophy is that not only are you responsible for your life, but doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment."

Oprah Winfrey was the first african american TV show host. As well she was the first African American women to reach billionaire status. Till today Oprah has her talk show and she is influencing so many people and is a hero to many young African American girls. She has made a difference in many ways by helping out girls in need and has opened doors for many women behind her. 

http://www.infoplease.com/ipea/A0154983.html

Bill Cosby

"Civilization had too many rules for me, so I did my best to rewrite them."

Bill Cosby was the first African American actor to star in a dramatic series on television. Being the first African American actor to star in a series of television is a really outstanding thing. Once you have unlocked a door, you have left it open for the one's coming in behind you. Bill unlocked many doors and helped get African American's the change to pursue what they love.
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/people/A0813691.html

Conclusion

African American's had to fight to get teated equally and each hero above helped pave the path and make it easier for the next African American to live in this society. Being the first actress to win an award, first senator or athlete, really made a huge impact on other African American's that felt as if they would never be able to pursue what they loved. Without these heros, African American's may still be sitting at the back of the bus and go to separate schools. Who would be the first to show that it is okay to be something no matter what your race. All of these heroes posted above and many more helped make it easier for others to be able to fit in and be accepted for who you are and not what you look like on the outside.  Each one helped open a new door and if the front door closed in front of them they would go through the back. A new beginning was created and each individual African American could feel as if they belonged.