It's that time of year again.
Simple question…. do you know who Frederick McKinley Jones was without Googling the name?
Probably not. Frederick McKinley Jones was an inventor who made major improvements to the refrigeration systems in trucks, that allowed them to haul meat and frozen foods long distances.
Without his nearly two dozen patents, you would not be able to shop at grocery stores today for perishable goods.
He was also a veteran, having served in World War 1 as a mechanic.
Why do I bring this up? Because he is one of hundreds of important black figures in American history, having been born to a white father and a black mother in a time in which it was not legal for them to be together.
His achievements and inventions are still, to this very day, impacting your every day life. And if you are being totally honest with yourself, you likely had zero idea who he was before reading this post.
And THAT is why February is Black History Month. Hundreds of black Americans helped build today's country, and their stories aren't taught in schools. You've never heard of most of them.
Do yourself a favor today, and Google “Important black figures in American history” and learn the stories of Hiram Revels (absolutely fascinating), or Thurgood Marshall Jr., or Collette Colvin, or Jane Bolin… amazing people who accomplished amazing things when the society they lived in had actual laws telling them they were not allowed.
And happy Black History Month.
