Wilma Rudolph Wins Olympic Gold
March 22 in Black History: Trailblazers in Education, Politics, and Athletics
African Americans have made remarkable contributions to various fields throughout history. On March 22, we remember the accomplishments and events that have taken place in Black history. In this article, we will explore the milestones that occurred on this day, honoring the achievements of African Americans in education, politics, and sports.
Rebecca Lee Crumpler – March 22, 1831 – On March 22, 1831, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, a groundbreaking African American physician, was born. Crumpler was the first Black woman in the United States to earn a medical degree, which she received from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. After the Civil War, she worked in Virginia, providing medical care to freed slaves. Crumpler is celebrated for her trailblazing accomplishments and her dedication to serving her community.
Tuskegee Institute’s First Female Trustee – March 22, 1935 – On March 22, 1935, Mary McLeod Bethune became the first woman to serve as a trustee for the Tuskegee Institute, an institution founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881. Bethune was an influential educator, political leader, and civil rights activist. She founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls (now Bethune-Cookman University) in 1904 and played a significant role in shaping African American education.
Wilma Rudolph’s Olympic Accomplishments – March 22, 1960 (anniversary) Though Wilma Rudolph’s historic performance at the 1960 Summer Olympics took place from August 25 to September 11, we continue to celebrate her accomplishments on March 22. Rudolph, an African American track and field athlete, became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Her incredible achievements shattered gender and racial barriers, inspiring generations of Black athletes to excel in their chosen sports.
Conclusion:
March 22 in Black history is a day to celebrate the achievements of African Americans who have broken barriers in various fields. From Rebecca Lee Crumpler’s pioneering work in medicine to Mary McLeod Bethune’s contributions to education and Wilma Rudolph’s athletic accomplishments, these trailblazers have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.
Bibliography:
- Smith, J. M. (2018). Rebecca Lee Crumpler: Changing the Face of Medicine. Marshall Cavendish Benchmark.
- McCluskey, A. T., & Smith, E. M. (2001). Mary McLeod Bethune: Building a Better World. Indiana University Press.
- Krull, K. (2018). Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
- Washington, B. T. (1901). Up From Slavery. Doubleday & Co.
