Black History Month honors the contributions black men and women have made throughout generations. However, for countless individuals, their hard work and dedication to positively impact this world will remain unknown. While the need for such a remembrance may be debatable, their actions are both remarkable and memorable.
On Tues., Feb. 28, President Barack Obama invited six individuals to the White House to honor just a few unsung heroes who have committed their lives to service. View video footage from their visit above and details about each hero below.
Theodore Peters, one of the first African Americans to enter the U.S. Marines and train at Montford Point, NC, after the corps desegregation and a community leader in his South Side Chicago neighborhood.
Gladys Reid, a Cleveland, OH, volunteer who feeds the hungry twice a week and volunteers at local hospitals, often caring for patients who are 20 years her junior.
Velma Lois Jones, the first black classroom teacher elected to serve as president of the Tennessee Education Association and a local leader in the areas of civil rights, politics, community service, and education.
Columbus Preston Holmes, a former class valedictorian, World War II veteran, postmaster, sports commissioner, Selective Service board member, community leader, and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mound Bayou, MS, since joining the church 84 years ago.
James “Alley Pat” Patrick, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, radio and television broadcaster, and Atlanta bail bondsman who came to the aid of many jailed activists during the Civil Rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Marguirette Levere, a church missionary, volunteer, adviser, and role model to her rural Maryland community — roles she filled while tending to daughter Barbara, who has cerebral palsy and has been severely disabled since her birth 77 years ago. Remarkably, Marguirette doesn’t wear glasses or take any medicines at the age of 106.
This is a wonderful idea! Congrats to the well-deserved honorees.
“While the need for such a remembrance may be debatable…”
Why would you say that? There is no debate in the fact that we in 2012 “stand on the shoulders of giants” and that we owe alot to our strong black elders.
We need to remember and thank our elders, ancestors and predecessors everyday because without them, where would we be?
I commend President Obama for highlighting their contributions to our communities in particular and to our country in general. I’m glad they were given an opportunity to shine!
That is in reference to the people, including Morgan Freeman and other black individuals, who have questioned the relevance of setting aside a month to commemorate the many achievements of African-Americans in today’s society. It was in no way meant to lessen their contributions or suggest we ignore their “remarkable and memorable” actions.
You should have clarified that in the article then.
Wonderful!
OUTSTANDING , WE HAVE TO GIVE THANKS TO THESE HERO’S , AND NOT LIVE FOR YOUNG FOOL’S THAT IS DESTROYING BLACK VALUES , WITH MESSAGE’S,,,,,,,THAT SHOW’S GO AFTER EASY MONEY AND FAME , AND KILL THE HOPE FOR GENERATION X AND THE FUTURE BEYONDED ….TO WORK HARD AND NOT SELL THEIR SOULS FOR MONEY .
To Babygate88: I was under the impression that Concrete Loop’s readers would remember the site’s continued efforts and commitment to highlighting black achievement and that we would never intend to downplay such things. My mistake; you know what they say about assuming…
Anyone who READS knows that you were referring to the contentions that have arisen about Black History Month in recent years. BabyGate needs to pick up a couple more books before he / she gets an attitude. SMH!
Theodore Peters is my grandfather, didn’t expect to this honor on concrete loop. We are really proud of him and his service, thank you for posting this for the world to see.