Achievements and Accomplishments of African Americans: Before and After the Civil Rights Movement

By Marian Olivia Heath Griffin

African Americans have played a definitive role in shaping the American traditions, economics, culture and beliefs. It is becoming increasingly clear that thousands of black Americans have added much much to the growth and development of our country.

Despite the persecutions and cruelty perpetrated on blacks over the years, records show that they have accomplished much and have overcome incredible hardships with very little to sustain them but their determination , courage and faith.

Of those African Americans not mentioned and remain anonymous, we set out to acknowledge and honor them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9781796094251

Marian Olivia Heath Griffin

Marian Olivia Heath Griffin lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her husband of fifty-eight years. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and College Administrator (retired) for thirty-six years, the last seven years as Director of International Student Affairs. After she retired from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she decided to utilize her degree in Mass Communication and Photography to tell her people’s stories and history. Griffin graduated from Delaware State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Psychology, a Master’s Degree program in Atlanta University School of Social Work, a Master’s Degree program at Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. She received her Master’s Degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Psychological Counseling and Social Work. She received a Master’s Degree in Educational Supervision and Mass Communication and Photography from Southern University. She did further study at Louisiana State University and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She studied Genealogy at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library in Baton Rouge. She has traveled over the fifty states of the U.S. and six of the seven continents. She has written eighteen books in two years, published them with XLIBRIS and compiled and published two photo books with MYCANVAS BY ALEXANDER. She is proud of her three children: Rev. Bertrand, II (Rev. Kotosha Seals Griffin), Karen G. Phenix, (Keith Phenix) and Dr. Michael (Tracie Haydel Griffin). She adores her eight grandchildren: Nia, Kiara, Christian-Paris, Michael, II. Amelia-Grai, Victoria, Olivia and Sophia – all Griffins and one god-child, Whitney White, one great grandchild – Keomi Phenix, one great- godchild, Amelia Pleasant and her brother, Warren, six great- nieces, Whitney Foucheaux, Amoree Sanders, and Danee Heath, Tikia and Lentia Brown, and great nephews: Bobbie, Jr., Enrique and Alberto Garcia, Tyler Heath, Lauren and Kee Kee Dennis, Arshawon Brown (recently deceased), Willie, Jermaine. Brown, Michael Martin and sons, and Devonte Walker.

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CONTENTS

Dedication

Author’s Notes

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART ONE

VALUE YOURSELF, KNOW YOURSELF

Chapter I Remember Who We Are

Chapter 2 Coretta Scott King Speaks

Chapter 3 I Heard The Voice Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Chapter 4 Rosa Parks: The Mother Of The Civil Rights Movement

Chapter 5 Barack Obama, 4⁴Th President Of The United States Of America

Chapter 6 Barack And Michelle Obama, American Leaders

Chapter 7 Marian Anderson, An Opera Sensational Icon

Chapter 8 Mary Mcleod Bethune, Advocate For Freedom And Education

Chapter 9 Roscoe Brown, Fighter, Pilot, Educator, Writer

Chapter 10 Ralph J. Bunche: Mediator, Peacekeeper, Civil Rights Leader

Chapter 11 Shirley Chisholm, First African Americian Congresswoman

Chapter 12 From Cassius Clay To Muhammad Ali

Chapter 13 Bill Cosby: Doctor Of Comedy

Chapter 14 Benjamin O. Davis, Army Pilot, Educator, First Black Four -Star General

Chapter 15 John Lewis, Early Young Civil Rights Leader

Chapter 16 Barbara Jordan, Great Lawyer, Great Politician

Chapter 17 Roy Wilkins, Civil Rights Activist And Journalist

PART TWO

African American High Achievers On

The Tv Screen In America

Chapter 18 Maya Angelou, Voice Of A Generation

Chapter 19 Oprah Winfrey, World Leader, Humanitarian

Chapter 20 Ernest Gaines, A Gifted Storyteller

Chapter 21 Gladys Knight: Super Star

Chapter 22 Aretha Franklin, Queen Of Soul

Chapter 23 Henry Louis Gates, Jr., World Renown Geologist

Chapter 24 Whoopi Goldberg, World Renown Tv And Movie Star

Chapter 25 Coach James Dru Joyce, Ii: The Real Deal

Chapter 26 Tyler Perry, New Filmmaker In America

Chapter 27 Raven- Symone, Reality From A Dream

Chapter 28 Wilma Rudolph, World Olympic Sprinter

Chapter 29 Serena Willians, Tennis Super Star

Chapter 30 Lonnie G. Bunch, III, America’s Historian

Chapter 31 Condoleezza Rice, Most Influential Woman In Government

Chapter 32 Michael Strahan, The Motivator

Chapter 33 Dorothy Vaughn, Mathematician And Human Computer

PART THREE

Unsong Heroes Who Are Giants In America’s Communities

Chapter 34 Ministries In The Black Community

Chapter 35 Mildred Bowie, An Olympian For Christ

Chapter 36 Tiffany Foxworth, Champion And Trailblazer For Justice

Chapter 37 Dr. Jonathan Jerard Roberts, Md, Extraordinary Physican

Chapter 38 Edna L. Hickman, Crusader For Christ

Chapter 39 Urina Felicia Holt, Veterans Affairs Director

Chapter 40 Dr. Saundra Yancy Mcguire, Professor Extraordinaire

Chapter 41 Melba Moye, Committed Educator

Chapter 42 Martin Anthony Nock, A Difference Maker In Educational Development

Chapter 43 Karen Griffin Phenix, A Crusader And Advocate For Children

Chapter 44 Deidra William Vincent, Just A Bottle Of Water

Chapter 45 Leslie P. Norris III: Look At Your Hands

Chapter 46 Bertrand Griffin, II: See The Rainforest

Chapter 47 Kotosha Seals Griffin, An Effective Cross-Racial Ministry

Chapter 48 Michael Griffin, Break Daylight Llc.

Chapter 49 Joseph Burton Heath Jr, A Surgical Nurse

Conclusion

Bibliography

Reference Books

My Personal References

Magizines Ad Periodicals

DEDICATION

T HIS BOOK IS dedicated to the many African American exemplary, staunch, strong people who dared to make a difference in this world. Let me say to these people: Take pride in your pain, your heartache, your dedication, your commitment, and your faith. You are winning the victory.

God sees your achievements and accomplishments from generation unto generation. Each era, we have a new generation whose accomplishments will brighten the world. I believe in our new generation and those beyond.

Many of us will only be rewarded in heaven for all we do, but that will be enough.

AUTHOR’S NOTES

O VER THE PAST year, I have particularly focused and will continue to spend considerable time and resources in identifying the great potentials and achievements of African Americans in our country.

God is always looking for leaders to lead his people. He sought Moses in the TENT OF MEETINGS.

Moses always set up a tent where he met God. He turned his back so as to not look at God. This was forbidden.

"Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away. (Exodus 33: 7, NIV.)

This is where Moses talked to God.

What would you have me do, Lord? asked Moses.

"When God told Moses what He wanted Moses to do, Moses wouldn’t listen.

Who will you send with me? Moses asked.

Moses was always questioning God, so unsure of himself. We all ask questions. We get answers. We get reassurance from our Creator.

We still may not want to do what God asks us to do.

In this day and age, we live in an increasingly fragmented and fragile society whereby communication, commitment and faith are difficult to find.

Today is a new day, a new year, a new decade. Today, we are experiencing January 1, 2020. Yesterday is gone, a part of history. We will forever be grateful to God for our daily bread.

I woke up to find our first grandson, Christian-Paris Griffin, standing near my bed.

Granny, wake up. It’s New Years’ day. How are you doing?

I’m fine, Christian. What are you doing up so early?

This grandchild always comes early to our home to spend every holiday with his grandpa Bert and me. So, I am used to his habits and his antics. He sleeps late when he is out of college.

Let me turn on your TV, Granny. We are almost at war with Iran in the Middle East. We turned on the television to hear: The Iranian General, Qassen Soleimani, second in command in Iran had been killed by the U.S. Pentagon upon orders of President Donald J. Trump. All American citizens are ordered to leave Bagdad, Iraq immediately." (MSNBC.)

I told Christian-Paris, We didn’t see this coming. This is a direct threat to our country and our allies in the Middle East and other foreign nations. This greatly escalates and intensifies tensions in the Middle Eastern states and will affect their economy and our economy. As we were speaking, the stock market went down. Iran vows Harsh Revenge after the killing of their top General.

Someone on TV said, We are waking up to a more dangerous universe in our New Year.

PREFACE

O UR COUNTRY HAS been at war before, but this one is predicted to be much different. There is so much more technology and innovative weapons today than in World War I and World War II.

I thought I was to have a nice peaceful New Years’ day after the daily news of our president, Donald J. Trump being impeached by the House of Congress two or three weeks ago.

Ironically, we can move right into the purpose of this book, Christian, because we have so many African American brave soldiers who are over in the Middle East and are being deployed there as we speak, I said.

I want you to know, Christian-Paris, that there are so many courageous African Americans who have accomplished so much. Their achievements and bravery and dedication have made a great impact upon the world.

This is not a comprehensive survey of the achievements and accomplishments of black people. This is only a start. It will take volumes to detail all the achievements and accomplishments of African Americans.

Suffice it to say, there is no correlation between race and ability.

Ben Richardson, states in his book, GREAT AMERICAN NEGROES, There is a difference in kind, though not in quality between the cultural expression of one race of people or another. The heritage of the American Negro, with his African ancestry and his history of oppression, endurance, and accomplishments, has produced significant differences in temperament, artistic expression and culture in America.

These differences are valuable ingredients in our natural lives and our nation. But they are an integral part of American life which makes for a better, richer life.

Not all figures have attained or achieved the stature of Marian Anderson, a great opera singer or Dr. George Washington Carver, a scientist of special rank. Both would have been important figures because of their noted accomplishments. (p. v.)

There is a rich tradition of African Americans whose lives have impacted so many others and have gone unnoticed. Moreover, there was such a thing as timing when the genius of blacks has been expressed. However, so many other blacks have been overlooked for their talents and skills. These are our unsung heroes.

God had given each of us a talent. Over the years, many persons have focused on these gifts and made them their own.

"I didn’t need to prove myself. I just needed to accept what God willed for me to do. He knows what you were put on earth for, even if you are marginalized by others and are not recognized.

OVERLOOKED ACHIEVEMENTS OF A WAR HERO, MILTON L. OLIVE, III

Ironically, one of the greatest eighteen -year-old heroes of our time were Milton L. Olive, III, I told Christian-Paris.

He was born to Clara Lee Olive and Milton L Olive, Jr. in Chicago on November 7, 1946. His mother died shortly after delivering him. The doctors thought that this fragile, underweight baby would follow his mother in a day or two.

Remarkably, this baby overcame his early fragility, battling health problems for several years. Feeling overwhelmed, his father sent Milton to his grandparent’s farm in Lexington, Mississippi. By all accounts, he was well provided for and cared for. He attended school through his senior year in Mississippi, visiting his father regularly.

When Civil Rights leaders launched the Mississippi Summer Project in June, 1964, Seventeen-year-old Olive joined the movement, doing his part in assisting with the voter registration and educational initiatives, where his educational and professional options were limited.

Fearing retaliation from the white establishment, Olive’s grandparents insisted that he return to his father in Chicago. Olive subsequently attempted to return to Mississippi and the Civil Rights struggle that raged there. Once again, his grandparents intervened to send him back to Chicago.

Determined to do something of value, Olive enlisted in the Army on his 18th birthday and went on to complete Airborne School.

He wrote a letter home to his father: You said I was crazy for joining up. Well, I’ve done you one better. I am now an official United States Army Paratrooper.

As a member of the 173rd Airborne, Olive was assigned to the first major U.S. combat unit to enter into the Vietnam conflict. Within his first month in Vietnam, he received a Purple Heart after becoming grazed in a firefight. He kept both his injury and his award a secret from his family because he didn’t want to worry them.

Olive, by all accounts, a thoughtful, hardworking and respectful soldier, earned the nickname ‘Preacher’ because he spent much time reading his Bible.

From his earliest days, Olive had difficult experiences. He had some rocks thrown in his path. Determined to make something of himself, he accepted the difficult times as opportunities for him to grow. He was very mature for his age and unselfish as well. He put others ahead of himself and believed in the power of positive thinking.

While patrolling the contentious War Zone D, a 60-square mile area that soldiers called the Iron Triangle, Olive consistently positioned himself in the front of his platoon, leaving himself exposed to enemy fire as they encountered various bands of Viet Cong. Battles of this nature were all too common, and the platoon often found themselves pinned down in the face of enemy aggression.

Olive’s final patrol occurred on October 22, 1965. He, his platoon commander, and three other comrades were pursuing a band of Viet Cong through dense jungle vegetation. Suddenly, one Viet Cong pivoted and threw a live hand grenade into the midst of the platoon.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Olive rushed forward, snatched up the grenade, yelling, ‘I got it’ and tucked it into his torso as if it were a football. He ran several steps away and fell directly on the grenade, absorbing its full blast and sparing the rest of his platoon from certain injuries or death. His commander would later describe him as showing the most incredible display of selfless bravery he had ever witnessed.

Olive became a legend among his fellow soldiers that day, living on through the exceptional courage and valor of this final deed.

On April 26, 1966, Olive received a posthumous Medal of Honor in a solemn White House ceremony. Lyndon B. Johnson himself presented the Medal to Olive’s father with a special citation.

As the first black Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War, Milton L. Olive, III will forever be enshrined in the annals of history.

His legacy also lives on in the Civic Arena, as officials in his hometown of Chicago named a park, a Junior College and a portion of the McCormick Place Convention Center in his honor. "

A United States stamp celebrating the life of MILTON L. OLIVE, III was first issued on May 25, 2015. (UNITED STATES BLACK AMERICAN COMMEMORATIVE STAMP – para.)

This young 18-year-old man was honored for his valor, dedication and commitment. Few people are aware of his story outside of his hometown.

Many of our African Americans have not been recognized for their great achievements, let alone have their names been put in a book before. Therefore, little is known about them.

Some of them I have met and journeyed with, others I do not know personally but have felt their spirit and their worth.

Many African American Armed Service persons have shown valor and bravery in serving our country but little is known about them. Many of these men bolstered the ranks of George Washington’s army, as Americans waged their War of Independence against the British.

In fact, a 47-year old slave, Chrispus Attucks earned a place in revolutionary history by leading colonial forces during the Boston Massacre in 1770. He was the first man to die in that war.

I have walked near the brick that Attucks’ name is on in the Boston Common, I told my grandson.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

There have been many achievements and accomplishments of our African American people, though often not recognized. Moreover, we may perform at a high level but it doesn’t seem to matter. We are proud of our high productivity and involvement, but it comes with such a high price.

The achievements and accomplishments of our first Black president, Barack Obama, came at a high price but he achieved it. It is very possible that his mother didn’t know that she was teaching her son how to be a successful president under the most difficult times, but she did. She taught him to read his own language and other languages at a very early age, in spite of himself.

The 2008 Obama campaign is best analogized to the Northridge California earthquake of 1994. Some earthquakes send flutters only through the hearts of seismologist, according to Kate Kenski and her colleagues, in her book, THE OBAMA VICTORY, (seismologists -a person who deals with earthquakes, the science of and detection and records the direction of and the mechanical properties of the earth, RIVERSIDE WEBSTER’S II NEW COLLEGE DICTONIARY.)

On the many issues: economy, recession, health care, infrastructure, voting rights and the process of persuasion by Obama worked to reassure the electorate that he was ready to handle these issues. An earthquake occurred. (p.7.)

Michelle Robinson Obama describes in her book, BECOMING, "Barack and I walked out of the White House for the last time on January 20, 2017, accompanied Donald and Melania Trump to the inauguration ceremony. They had all gone to the state floor to say good-bye to the White House permanent staff.

The staff presented the Obama family with two United States flags – the one that had flown the first day of Barack’s presidency and the one that had flown on his last day in office, symbolic bookends to our family’s experience." (p. 417.)

When your term is up, when you leave the White House on that very last day, you’re left in many ways to find yourself all over again.

Michelle Obama said, I am now at a new beginning, in a new phase of life and my responsibilities that I felt to Sasha and Malia and Barack have shifted in ways that allow me to think differently about what comes next. At age fifty-four, I am still in progress, and I hope that I always will be. (p. 419.)

Martin Luther King accomplished so much in his community, in the world, but it came with such a high price and complications in his life. He wanted to be with his family but was compelled to lead a different life, that of acquiring a place in the sun, a movement that helped so many others. He was a true missionary as well as a man with a purpose for peace.

Today we are working to produce even more persons who are geared to meet the needs of new generations. Our people can continue to grow with more resources. With millions of people in need, we are still considered the world’s last frontier. Since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s seemingly ended, with King’s death, there had to be a new and fresh light to shine on our people. We needed a fresh light created with God’s help that would change lives, and luminate the gifts given to each of us.

Jesus called us the light of the world. Christ wants us to live as people of light.

Ephesians 5:8 says, For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light.

In Matthew 5, Jesus called believers, the salt of the earth and the light of the world. "You are the light of the world -just like Him.

Jesus said, "We are a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead he places a lampoon on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house. (14-15, NLT.)

The light of Jesus shining through us lets people know just how much God cares about all of us.

As I am writing this narrative, I am praying. My mind fell on Isaiah, an old prophet. His words which were written so long ago were refreshed in my mind, and I caught my breath.

I was reminded that the Lord tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11, NIV.)

In that moment, I realized that the Lord was holding me, leading me and caring for me.

The Lord promises His people through the prophet Isaiah that He is our Shepherd, guiding us in our daily lives and giving us comfort. We know that He is our Good Shepherd holding us close to his heart, tending to us through our anxieties and carrying us in His everlasting arms. We are to be thankful for the gifts of His sacrificial love and for the peace that passes all understanding.

All of our achievements and accomplishments are through Him who saves us. The investment made for us through Christ was developed out of our need and customized for each of us. We have no clue when God will fulfill His promise or keep His covenant. He just does it every day for each of us.

Life for God’s people is not a steady -paced stroll through the park, through time. We do not just have a beginning, a middle and ending, like a well -constructed drama or play. Life is filled with change. We change schools, careers, relationships, homes and images as often and as casually, as someone said, as our great grandparents changed riding horses."

For the believer, the questions are vital:

Is our God the Lord of change? Will He be with us in our changes, especially when it strains our trust to the limits?

Who is our God?

Who has measured the waters in His hand, or with the breath of His hand marked off the heaven?

Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed Him as his Counselor?

Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught Him the right way?

Who was it that taught Him knowledge, or taught Him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40: 12-14, NIV.)

To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. (v. 25, NIV.)

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of