MOMENT IN TIME

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Nobel Peace Prize:

In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to achieve equal rights for Black Americans. He was awarded the prestigious honor for his dynamic leadership of the Civil Rights movement and steadfast commitment to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action.

TRAILBLAZER

With 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history. Biles withdrew from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns and took a two-year break from gymnastics to focus on herself. In 2023, Biles returned to gymnastics and won five medals at the World Championships. Her triumphant return was further solidified at the 2024 Paris Olympics where she won three gold medals. Biles was named the Sports Illustrated 2024 Sportsperson of the Year for her comeback and her advocacy for mental health in sports. Watch the Netflix series: Simone Biles Rising to learn more about her rise and comeback.

DID YOU KNOW?

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “African Americans and Labor”, as chosen by The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It aims to focus on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds – free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of Black people. Work is at the very center of much of Black history and culture according to the ASALH and this year’s theme sets out to highlight and celebrate the potent impact of this work.

FOR A CAUSE

Melanie Marie, a Black owned jewelry line, understands the importance of giving back. With its Gems & Jewels program, it gives girls ages 10 to 18 an opportunity to pursue their dreams through a mentorship and arts education program. Their jewelry, known for modern and chic designs, are beloved.  Beyonce has supported and collaborated with the line repeatedly. Check out www.melaniemarie.com to learn more about this brand.