Black History month is an important month in the U.S because it highlights African Americans who have made a positive change throughout history and have helped us begin to enjoy the lives we do today. Here are a few of the African American men and women who left strong legacies.

Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919): Born Sarah Breedlove, Walker created hair products and became the first American woman millionaire. Walker also opened up a factory and a beauty school in Pittsburgh. She was big on philanthropy and giving back to the community. Walker died on May 25, 1919 at age 51. She left her legacy of being the first female self-made millionaire and a great pioneer for all.

George Washington Carver (1864-1943): Carver was an agricultural researcher and educator. Carver aimed at educating farmers to use available resources to replace expensive commodities. He taught how to use native clays for paints, increasing soil fertility without commercial fertilizers, and growing other crops along with cotton. Carver even developed multiple uses for crops like cow peas, sweet potatoes, and, most famously, peanuts.

Dr. Shirley Jackson (1946-present): Dr. Jackson in a theoretical physicist and black inventor. She became the first African-American woman to get a Ph.D at M.I.T. Her scientific research allowed the inventions of the portable fax, touch tone telephone, solar cells, fiber optic cables, and caller I.D along with call waiting.

Garrett Morgan (1877-1963): Morgan was an inventor and a businessman. Morgan wanted to improve traffic safety so he invented the traffic light. He also invented the gas mask that is used to rescue people. His legacy is embedded in the safety of today’s society.