Black History Month: February 2021 To recall and celebrate the positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week beginning on Feb. 12, 1926. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month.
TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT ON BEYONCE
Beyonce is arguably the biggest star in the world. The singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, entrepreneur an producer producer has been entertaining the world since 1998 — when Destiny's Child released their self-titled debut album. After releasing three more albums with the group, Beyonce went solo and released her multi-platinum debut album Dangerously In Love — which garnered five Grammys. Beyonce has since released five successful albums and won 17 Grammys. In addition to her successful albums, Bey has released several perfume lines, her House of Dereon clothing line, started her own production company, and starred in and produced several movies. In late 2013, the superstar released her fifth studio album Beyonce — and it was the fastest-selling album distributed in iTunes history, selling more than 80,000 copies in three hours and a million copies within the week. As of 2021, Beyonce's net worth is estimated at $500 million.
TRIVIA
Beyonce was born Beyonce Giselle Knowles on September 4. 1981 in Houston, Texas Beyonce is the first female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with her first five studio albums. Her last album Beyonce sold 3 million copies worldwide. In 2001, she became the first African-American woman to ever win the ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year Award. Married Jay Z on April 4, 2008 Gave birth to Blue Ivy Carter on January 7, 2012 Her name came from her mother's maiden name. First female artist to reach number one position on both singles and albums chart simultaneously in the United States and the United Kingdom First started singing in the church choir at St. John's Church in downtown Houston, Texas. Has been a lifelong member of (and contributor to) the church. Suffered a miscarriage before giving birth to Blue Ivy One of her favorite songs is “Lovefool” by the Cardigans. Beyonce made her acting debut in the 2001 MTV's Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Famously announced that she was expecting her first child at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards Is reportedly the highest paid black musician of all time, bringing home $200 million on her 2013-2014 Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Beyonce's influences include Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, Cher, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Sade, Aaliyah, Donna Summer, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, Anita Baker and Rachelle Ferrell. Beyonce opened the Beyonce Cosmetology Center in March 2010 in New York City Beyonce has starred in 8 films
PERSONAL QUOTES
On women being financially independent: “I truly believe that women should be financially independent from their men. And let's face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They define what's sexy. And men define what's feminine. It's ridiculous.” On perfection: “If everything was perfect, you would never learn and you would never grow.” On stepping out of her comfort zone: “I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That's how I've gotten to where I am.” On her relationship with God: “Whenever I'm confused about something, I ask God to reveal the answers to my questions, and he does.”
SOUND
Beyonce on dedicating her art to show the beauty of black people: “One of the main purposes of my art for many years has been dedicated to showing the beauty of Black people to the world, our history, our profundity and the value of Black lives. I’ve tried my best to pull down the veil of appeasement to those who may feel uncomfortable with our excellence.”
Beyoncé on her secret to success:
“I'm often asked whats your secret to success. The shorter answer? Put in that work! Yes, I’ve been blessed to win 24 Grammy, but I’ve lost 46 times…Don’t feel entitled to win. . . . Surrender to the cards you’re dealt. . . . Losing can be the best motivator to get you even bigger wins so never compare yourself to anyone else.”
TODAY IN BLACK HISTORY:
In 1894, Congress repealed the Enforcement Act, which made it easier for some states to disenfranchise African-American voters. In 1925, Marcus Garvey entered federal prison in Atlanta. Students staged a strike at Fisk University to protest the policies of the white administration. In 1944, Harry S. McAlphin became the first African-American to be accredited to attend a White House press conference. In 1968, Officers killed three students during demonstration on the campus of South Carolina State in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Students were protesting segregation at an Orangeburg bowling alley. In 1978, Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight boxing championship. Ali regained the title on September 15th and became the only person to win the title three times. In 1986, Oprah Winfrey became the first African-American woman to host a nationally syndicated talk show. In 1986, Figure skater Debi Thomas became the first African-American to win the Women's Singles of the U.S. National Figure Skating Championship competition. She was a pre-med student at Stanford University. In 2008, the estranged father, Dean Barrow, of incarcerated rapper Shyne is elected the first black prime minister of Belize.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH QUESTION OF THE DAY:
African-American political scientist Ralph Bunche won the 1950 Nobel Prize for which achievement?
A) He mediated the Arab-Israeli truce in 1948. B) He worked to integrate the U.S. armed forces during World War II. C) He organized relief efforts to help victims of famines in eastern Africa.
The answer is A: He mediated the Arab-Israeli trice in 1948. Bunche was the first African-American to be awarded a Nobel prize.
(Source: infoplease.com)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT OF THE DAY:
Politician, educator and Brooklyn native Shirley Chisholm survived three assassination attempts during her campaign for the 1972 Democratic nomination to the U.S. presidency.
(Source: Biography)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: BOB JOHNSON
Bob Johnson, born Robert L. Johnson is the founder of Black Entertainment Television. Johnson launched BET in 1980. In 1991, BET became the first black controlled company listed on The New York Stock Exchange. The network now reaches more than 85 million homes and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.
In 2001, Bob Johnson and his partners sold BET to Viacom for a reported $3 billion– a move that made him become the first African American billionaire and the first black person to be listed on any Forbes world's richest list. He remained the chief executive of BET until 2005.
Beyonce on her secret to success: :
Beyonce says she has dedicated her art to showing the beauty of black people :