Honoring Black History 2022-Another Great 28

Black History Month is one of my favorite months. I’m honored to be a part of such a prestigious group of people. It’s my pleasure to share my annual list honoring some of the best.

1. Marcus Cooper- because of my brother, Marcus, the Dayton’s streets are cleared of trash and snow. Marcus is a city worker and I credit him for teaching, loving, and taking care of me, as only a big brother can.
2. Marci Straughter-a good friend of mine who was the first person with a disability to be appointed to the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She’s opening doors for other women like me to walk through.
3. Ja’Marr Chase-I’m a huge Bengal’s fan and because of Ja’Marr’s athletic abilities as a wide receiver, the Bengals are going to the Super Bowl, after thirty something years. Who Dey!
4. Iula Carter-my cousin, Iula, who recently passed at age 94 holds a registered patent on the “Portable Potty Chair”. She’s also a published author who motivates me to keep reaching for my dreams.
5. Bessie Blount-invented the feeding tube. If this invention hadn’t come forth, many people would have died, especially during Covid.
6. Mary McDonald-Mayor of Trotwood, Ohio, which is a sub-community of Dayton. I recognize Mayor McDonald for the work she has done to build back up the city of Trotwood, especially after the tornados of 2019. She is also on the board for Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley.
7. Wille O’Ree-the first black player in the National Hockey League. O’Ree played most of his career blinded in one eye after getting injured in a game. He never told anyone he was blind in one eye and continued to have a great career in the NHL. Wille’s determination and love for the game proved he could do anything.
8. Maurine Kingori-an amazing Five Rivers’ dentist who pulled my tooth and performed various other dental services. Dental care is an issue in the disability community. Although I was afraid, Dr. Kingori calmed my nerves assuring I would be ok.
9. Sheryl Underwood-a talk-show host from The Talk who has a great sense of humor and makes me laugh daily. Cheryl has a sister with a disability who she speaks of often and it reminds me of how important the sibling connection is.
10. Zayne Harshaw-an amazing Ohio guitarist who has autism. His ability to make his guitar speak amazes all. He’s truly a legend at his craft.
11. Michael L. Wright-Dayton, Ohio attorney who represents many civil cases to ensure all receive justice.
12. Snoop Dog-an amazing rapper who is known for serving his community. Snoop founded the Snoop Youth Football League for under privilege kids. Snoop will also be performing in this year’s Super Bowl Half Time Show and I can’t wait to get my groove on!
13. Kenneth Latham- Policy Analyst for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council who also facilitated the Outreach Committee. As I sat on the committee for eight years, Ken always reminded all to never forget about the underserved and disability population. Thanks for imbedding that in my mind and a huge thanks for your work. Rest In Power.
14. Ayanna Pressley-first black woman to be elected to congress from Massachusetts. Ayanna reminds me that there’s always going to be one who does something first to make a great impact. So, it might as well be you.
15. Jeffrey Mims-newly elected 2022 Dayton, Ohio Mayor. Looking forward to his work in building up the community.
16. Jane Bolin-became the first black female judge in the country in 1939.
17. Claudette Colvin-at age 15, in Montgomery Alabama, was the first to refuse to give up her seat on a bus to a white woman in 1955. Claudette reminds everyone to stand up for their rights.
18. Bubba Wallace-second black driver to win in NASCAR’s top series
19. Madam C. Walker-a self-made entrepreneur creating a line of hair and cosmetics products for black women. Thanks Madam Walker for making me look good.
20. Deja Young-an amazing Paralympian sprinter. Motivates me to keep moving.
21. James Wormley-first black hotel owner of the Wormley hotel in Washington, DC, which opened in 1869. I love visiting hotels and look forward to someday visiting this historical one.
22. Andre Rush-White House chef who served four administrations.
23. Charles Drew-an American surgeon who developed a large-scale blood bank.
24. Usher-R&B singer, dancer, and businessman who has a Las Vegas residency. I look forward to seeing him next year for my 50^th birthday!
25. Willis “Bing” Davis-a well-known African American artist who resides in Dayton, Ohio.
26. Kobe Bryant-an American professional basketball player. He spent his 20-year career with the LA Lakers. Gone to soon.
27. Maya Angelou-American poet and civil right activist. She wrote several autobiographies, essays, and poems. Maya inspires me to complete my own autobiography in the upcoming year! Stay tune!
28. Megan Thee Stallion-American Grammy Award Winner rapper who just received her Bachelor of Science degree in health administration from Texas Southern University. Megan proves, no matter what, you’re never to busy to continue your education.

Feel free to add to the list and continue to celebrate Black History all year.