Black History Month is the annual monthlong celebration in February that marks the achievements of the African American community and recognizes their central role in U.S. history. During the final session for the GMLC Class of 2020, we heard from Katie Moon from the Missouri History Museum as she shared snippets of the Woman’s Suffrage Exhibit. During that discussion, we talked about many of the St. Louis area African American women who shaped our history beyond the right to vote. We thought you might enjoy the slide show of her presentation. Unfortunately you cannot hear the in-depth discussions, but you will be better informed. If your schedule allows, the exhibit is still on display throughout March.

If you are looking for additional inspiration, you might pick up A Song of Faith and Hope, The Life of Frankie Muse Freeman. Growing up in the Jim Crow-era South, Frankie Freeman learned lessons about discrimination. She walked places instead of taking the segregated streetcar. Her initiative and drive took her to Howard law school to the Missouri bar to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and her indefatigable efforts helped to advance the causes of school desegregation, fair housing, and voting rights. She has been both a Missouri and a national treasure. This memoir tells the story of Frankie’s life and career. There were high points including her national presidency of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. There were low points as well. Through it all, she continued the fight for what she believed in; she kept her faith – and carried on. As we all must.

Greater Missouri joins the U.S., Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK to commemorate Black history.