Icons Made History on Global Stage

Many African-Americans left their hometowns, families and friends behind to explore the world. They wanted to escape the confines of racism and segregation in the United States. As a result, an entirely new African-American subculture sprouted up in Europe, Africa and other foreign countries. .

These black elites used their respective crafts to send  messages and become  advocates for change in a deeply segregated America.

James Baldwin, an accomplished novelist and essayist, contributed his insightful prose, which generated race-related conversations among blacks and whites alike.

Paul Robeson used his acting abilities and talents to spread the message of the voiceless African Americans who were watching his rise to success.

“Growing up, I’ve never learned about women like Josephine Baker,” says Stephanie Outing, a junior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“We always learn about black leaders like Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King in class,” Outing said. “It’s refreshing to learn about more than just what the textbook taught me.”

Najmah Tillard, a Howard University student, commented on Black History Month and its importance to the culture.

“Attending a historically black university has exposed me to a plethora of black intellectuals and historical figures,” Tillard said, “but as a people we have to always want to learn more about ourselves.”

Kai Hayden covers international issues for 101Magazine.net.