28 Plus 1 Amazing People Celebrate Black History Month

Welcome to my annual list for Black History Month.  Help me celebrate these twenty-nine amazing people who I admire for stepping out and changing the world!

1. Victor Pate Jr.-My nephew who’s co-owner of Fortitude Dayton, a person-centered company. As a person with a disability, it makes me proud that he’s providing a service to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
2. Sherri Shepherd-American actress, comedian, author, broadcaster, podcaster, and television host. Sherri’s talk show provides me with much laughter daily!
3. Geno Mingo-Former professional football player who was the first African American to play the position as, placekicker. Thanks for showing the world that there’s no limit to the position a person can play.
4. Hakeem Jefferies-US Congressman representing New York’s 8^th congressional district. Elected first African American to hold position as House Minority Leader. He has opened the door for others to follow.
5. Johnnie Lacy-Black rights disability activist who played an integral part in the independent living movement. It’s because of Johnnie I’m able to live independently and be a proud homeowner!
6. Missy (Misdemeanor) Elliott-An American rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. Missy, thanks for making my body move when hearing your songs even when it doesn’t want too.
7. Quinta Brunson-Writer, producer, actress, comedian who was the first to be nominated three times in the comedy category at the 74^th Primetime Emmy’s. Her sitcom Abbott Elementary is one of my faves!
8. Willis Blackshear Jr.-State Representative for Ohio 38^th House District. Thanks for assisting in making Dayton, Ohio a better place to live.
9. Lloyd Austin III-Secretary of Defense & retired United States Army Four Star General. Thanks for helping keep the country safe.
10. Monae Dawson-A wonderful friend & Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley employee. Monae’s vibe will light up a room making everyone happy in her path.
11. Vernon Jackson-Cincinnati barber who cuts hair for people with disabilities’. Thanks for your empathy in providing a well-needed service for people with disabilities.
12. Nate Burleson-A Canadian-born American television host, football commentator, and former football player- Nate gets the morning started by his reporting the news and breaking down the game of football.
13. Maia Chaka-First black woman hired by NFL as an on-field official. Maia is a prime example that girls/women can do anything.
14. Musa Motha-First person to receive a group golden buzzer in Britian’s Got Talent. Musa inspires me to keep dancing.
15. Lauren “Lolo” Spenser-Disability lifestyle influencer, model, actress, content creator, public speaker, independent spirit award-nominated actress. Lauren motivates me to keep “Making Things Happen.”
16. Angel Reese-American college basketball player. Led LSU to its first national championship. Thanks for showing the world girls/women can ball.
17. Kandi Burruss-American actress, singer, songwriter, businesswoman, producer, dancer, and television personality. Thanks for being an integral part of one of the shows I love, RHOA! It’s one of my guilty pleasures!
18. Mike Epps-American stand-up comedian and actor. Mike provides great laughter for me throughout the day.
19. T.D. Jakes-An American non-denominational Christian preacher. Thanks for providing the good news to the world!
20. Robert Shuemak-An Ohio advocate and my friend. Robert shows the world how assistive technology can help people with disabilities as an Ohio Tech Ambassador.
21. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor-American singer, actress, and American Idol’s third season winner. I thoroughly enjoy her performance in the remake of the movie/musical The Color Purple.
22. Alice H. Parker-American inventor recognized for filed patent for the gas furnace. It is a great comfort to have a machine that keeps me warm during frigid days.
23. Marie Van Brittan Brown-An American nurse and innovator who invented a home video security system along with her husband, Albert Brown. Thanks for creating a contraption to keep homes safe.
24. Misael Morgan-First black female daytime Emmy winner. You keep me guessing in your portrayal of Amanda Sinclair in my favorite soap opera, The Young & The Restless.
25. Usher Raymond IV-American singer, songwriter, and dancer. One of my favorite artists that I will be jamming out to during his halftime performance at Super Bowl 2024!
26. Jericka Duncan-American national TV news correspondent for CBS in New York. Thanks for giving great news reports and for being a fashionista.
27. Derrick Forward-American social activist and the 34^th president of the Dayton Unit of NAACP. Derick assures social justice is upheld!
28. CoCo Gauff-American professional tennis player who won the US Open in 2023. Thanks for showing the world that black girls are great at all sports including tennis.
29. Jean Jeter-One of my favorite cousins who was affectionately know as cousin “Toots”. She was a great cousin and positive influence. I miss you dearly. Rest in peace.