Reflections on Past History
This article will highlight some of the facts of achievements of African and African Americans in this country and in other parts of the world. The emphasis on the space program today must remind us of the Black men and women who have contributed to it is important to remember. Victor Glover became the first astronaut to arrive at the space station for a long stay. This is certainly a great achievement. But it should remind us of the astronauts before him who have made history.
Dr. Mae C. Jemison was the first Black woman to go into space. In 1992, she spent time aboard the space shuttle Endeavor orbiting the earth. Dr. Jemison was also a physician and a chemical engineer, teacher, and researcher. She spent time in Africa serving those in need. Guion Bluford, Ronald McNair, and Fred Gregory were the first three Black males to travel into space. Charles Bolden, and Bernard Harris also spent time in space.
The character played by Nichelle Nichols in the popular series Star Trek was admired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King was a great fan of Star Trek. When Nichelle Nichols was about to give up her part on the show, Dr. King encouraged her to remain. He told her that she was role model for young Black youth by her appearance at the controls in the Star Ship Enterprise. It was groundbreaking for an African America female to be in this series. She starred in the role of Nyota Uhura. She also volunteered her time to promote NASA’s program to recruit more women and other minorities into the space program. Here is an interesting side note: In the 1968, episode Captain James T. Kirk and Uhura engaged in a passionate kiss seen around the world. It was one of the first interracial kisses in television history!
Photos listed in order of the article
Archbishop Wilton Gregory became the first African American Cardinal in the history of the Catholic church. He was born and raised in Chicago. He served as Archbishop in Washington, D.C. prior to being appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis. This should remind us that there have been 3 Black Popes in the Catholic church. They included the following. Pope Victor I was the 14th Pope from 189 to 199 A.D. He was born in Africa and served during the reign of the Black Roman Emperor Septimus Severus. He ordered that Latin be the common language of the church. He also ordered all churches to celebrate Easter on the same Sunday after 14 days after the Equinox.
Pope Militiades was the 32nd Pope of the Catholic church. He was born in Africa. He led the church to the final victory over the Roman Empire. He also put an end to the persecution of the Christians. Pope Militiades built what was called the Latern Basilica which would become the principle church of Rome and the residency of every Pope for over 1,000 years. He was Pope for 4 years, 7 months, and 8 days. Pope St. Gelasius was the 49th Pope of Rome from 492-496 A.D. He was born of African parents. He served 4 years, 8 months, and 18 days. He delivered the city of Rome from famine. He was the best writer in Rome. His most influential accomplishment was the idea of separation of church and state. He was responsible for having the lands seized by the Romans returned to the people who were poor. Pope Militiades divided the revenues of the church into fourths with ¼ going to the poor.
These are just a few of the recent Black achievements that are reminders of past history. African Americans have made outstanding contributions in so many areas. We must share this history with our youth.