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    Making History: Black Excellence Edition

    Making History: Black Excellence Edition
    Carlos M. Vazquez II; OCJCS

    There are so many people who have and are making history that haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve. This new series of articles will highlight the heroes of today, yesterday, and the future. In honor of Black History Month, here are just a few people who have impacted our society.

    Amanda Gorman is a 25-year-old woman who made history as the youngest inaugural poet in the U.S. She started writing in early childhood which grew into a passion. Amanda graduated from Harvard University with a degree in sociology in 2020. Amanda Gorman uses poetry and literature to convey important societal messages that inspire people to acknowledge what they hear. One of her most famous poems is “ The Hill We Climb” which was spoken at the inauguration. 

    Audre Lorde is also a poet but used her writings to share her experiences not only as a Black lesbian but also suffering from cancer. She used her struggles and tragedies and turned them into beautiful pieces of art. Audre used her talents to make political statements in hopes of shedding some light on the varying injustices she had to endure. 

    Angela Davis is a political activist and professor who travels across the U.S., educating students at multiple universities. After a wrongful arrest and conviction, Anglea focused her energy on advocating for prisoner rights founding the Critical Resistance organization.  Angela Davis is recognized internationally for her work and constant achievements in the justice system. 

    James Baldwin is an author and playwright who grew up in the prime time of the Civil Rights Movement. He was raised in the streets of Harlem New York City where he struggled to live in poverty and horrible housing conditions. James often wrote with an unfettered pen about highly controversial topics that would often stop his climb to success, most of the time getting rejected by poll workers. Regardless that never deterred him from writing what he wanted however he wanted. James Baldwin’s work and ideas are now used in multiple modern authors that we read today such as Maya Angelou and Tony Morisson. 

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    About the Writer
    Jordan Otabil
    Jordan Otabil, Website Staff
    Jordan is a very outgoing and warm person! She is a junior and this is her second year in Journalism. She is a part of the HOPE Squad, is Secretary of Student Government, and loves to help others. She enjoys participating in Colorguard and in her free time she loves to sleep.  Jordan enjoys writing food reviews as well as book reviews. Her favorite mantra is “Be in the Moment”

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