Honoring African American Heritage!

During the month of February, we honor the celebration of Black History Month, a movement that has been taking place since 1976. We must keep in mind that while it is dedicated especially to acknowledge the achievements and struggles that this community has had, in reality it’s something that we should certainly keep in our thoughts every day of the year. 

This time of commemoration has inspired numerous events over the last century. Today, museums, college campuses, government agencies and communities across the country are coming together to recognize the contributions that people of African descent have made throughout the history of the United States and the world. Which, if we dig a little deeper into history, are countless. Today, it is defined as “both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black History is American History.”

Each month, a central theme is chosen for these weeks. The theme this year is: Health and Wellness. According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), “the 2022 theme considers the activities, rituals, and initiatives that Black communities have done to get well and stay well.” This theme recognizes the legacy of not only black doctors in Western medicine, but also other forms of knowledge” says ASALH. 

It is our responsibility as a community to give visibility to all the important topics related to Black History Month, that’s why here we leave you these facts about some of the most influential black people who had really made some important achievements:

• Valerie Thomas: American scientist and inventor. She developed the illusion transmitter, for which she received a patent in 1980. The illusion transmitter grew out of her experimentation with concave mirrors. Her invention transmits an optical illusion of a 3D image between concave mirrors that looks real on the receiving end. NASA continues to use her technology to this day and this amazing achievement preceded 3D movies.
• Madam C.J. Walker invented a line of African American hair products after suffering from a scalp ailment that resulted in her own hair loss. She promoted her products by traveling around the country giving lecture-demonstrations and eventually established Madame C.J. Walker Laboratories to manufacture cosmetics and train sales beauticians. Her business led her to be one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire
• Shirley Chisholm is best known for becoming the first Black congresswoman (1968), representing New York State in the U.S. House of Representatives for seven terms. She went on to run for the 1972 Democratic nomination for the presidency—becoming the first major-party African-American candidate to do so. Throughout her political career, Chisholm fought for education opportunities and social justice. 
• Michelle Obama is a lawyer and writer who was the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is the wife of the 44th U.S. president, Barack Obama. As first lady, Michelle focused her attention on social issues such as poverty, healthy living and education. Her 2018 memoir, Becoming, discusses the experiences that shaped her, from her childhood in Chicago to her years living in the White House. She was the first African American first lady.
• Dorothy Height was a leader in addressing the rights of both women and African Americans as the president of the National Council of Negro Women. In the 1990s, she drew young people into her cause in the war against drugs, illiteracy and unemployment. The numerous honors bestowed upon her include the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1994) and the Congressional Gold Medal (2004).

In conclusion, we as the Ardyss family must set an example to avoid any situation that could affect the members of this community that has given us so much and has contributed not only to the history of the United States and the world, but that every day they teach us resilience and strength. We want to continue learning about them, and are very proud to have so many in our team. Without them this would simply not be possible. 

Remember to educate yourself and continue to learn more about this incredible and important history.