by Anne on January 15, 2010
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights advocate
Jan. 15, 1929-Apr. 4, 1968
Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Jump at the Sun, 2001)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words live on. His most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” stirs hearts today. The youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. King, Jr., a gifted African-American political leader, minister and peacemaker is honored by a U.S. Federal holiday on his birthday.
Check out The Seattle Times for a photo gallery, timeline, quotes, and a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a great American hero.
by Anne on September 8, 2009
Ruby Bridges, civil rights advocate
Sept. 8, 1954-
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George C. Ford (Scholastic, 2004) paperback
Court-ordered desegregation made six-year old African American Ruby Bridges’ walk into an all-white New Orleans school possible. Thank you, Ruby Bridges!
To learn more about Ruby’s remarkable story, visit the Ruby Bridges Foundation.
Malcolm X, civil rights advocate
May 19, 1925-Feb. 21, 1965
Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Leonard Jenkins (HarperCollins, 2000)
Malcolm X did not have an easy childhood and was assassinated at the age of 40. In an account of his life, readers will gain insights into this controversial and influential leader.
The Offical Web Site of Malcolm X contains a biography, chronology, achievements, photos, and fast facts about this civil rights activist.
Septima P. Clark, civil rights advocate
May 3, 1898-Dec. 15, 1987
Women of Hope: African Americans Who Made a Difference by Joyce Hansen (Scholastic, 1998)
A teacher, Clark fought for equality in civil rights movement. Injustices done to her with regards to her lost job were repaid.
Read about Clark on the African American Registry site.
by Anne on February 4, 2009
Rosa Parks, civil rights advocate
Feb. 4, 1913-Oct. 24, 2005
Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Holt, 2005)
The story of the seamstress and African-American civil rights leader who refused to give up her sit on the bus is told in this compelling picture book biography of a true heroine.
The Rosa & Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development offers a biography and timeline of Mrs. Parks.
