Black History: Facts and People | HISTORY.com - HISTORY

Black History

February is dedicated as Black History Month, honoring the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout U.S. history, including the civil rights movement and their artistic, cultural and political achievements.

Anthony Martini tells a story of how his son doesn't see skin color in a prejudiced way; and says that the election of President Obama confirms that MLK's vision of the future is starting to come true.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. That same night, Robert F. Kennedy delivered the devastating news of King’s death to a group of African American supporters at a campaign rally. This is audio and video from that event.

Notable people, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Deepak Chopra, Carmen de Lavallade, Michael Strahan, Bernice King, and Sunny Hostin, talk about the impact Martin Luther King, Jr. had on their lives and what they see from their own "mountaintops."

Bree Newsome discusses the impact that everyday citizens like Lynda Blackmon Lowrey had on the civil rights movement in honor of Black History Month.

Diane Nash discusses how her mentor Ella Baker inspired her own work as a civil rights activist in honor of Black History Month.

Diane Nash and Bree Newsome discuss past and present forms of civil rights activism in honor of Black History Month.