Hello and welcome back! On today’s episode of the Orton-Gillingham Podcast, we are taking the time to honor some prominent Black figures for Black History Month. We tasked Katie and Esther with providing three people they would like to talk about with their listeners. 
 
But first, today is Valentine’s Day! Did you know that Frederick Douglass’s birthday was on Valentine’s Day? Well, it was assumed to be his birthday because his mother used to call him, “my little valentine.” Frederick Douglass was a slave, abolitionist, a writer, and so much more, and was also a very prominent figure in the civil rights movement. This is the perfect moment to transition into the prominent figures Katie and Esther provided to talk about today. 
 
From writers, singers, musicians, athletes, and more, our hosts provided people who were not only prominent Black figures, but also literary pioneers who paved the way for future voices to stand up against racial injustices. There were also quite a few from Michigan as well!  
Want to check out the powerful Black singer who brought the former U.S. President Barack Obama to tears? We have the link below! 
 
To wrap up today’s episode, we encourage everyone to read and learn as much as they can about Black History Month, and feel free to share with us what you find! We also hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine’s Day, no matter how or if you celebrate. 
 
Have any other questions or comments you would like to share? Make sure to reach out to us using the email below or send us a voicemail to be addressed in a future episode! 
 
Also make sure to follow us on all social media and check out our YouTube for visual resources. 
 
Thank you and see you next time! 
 
Honors Memories: Aretha Franklin honors Carole King | 2015 Kennedy Center Honors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT4aRd-hCqQ  
 
Voicemail: www.speakpipe.com/ortongillinghampodcastvoicemail  
Email: podcast@brainspring.com    
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OrtonGillinghamTraining   
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brainspringortongillingham/    
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrainspringOG    
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcwtIFnom15wnpE2Rlkmoiyg0tgDXqQNE    
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainspring/   
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/brainspringortongillingham    
Website: https://brainspring.com    
   
Hosts: Katie Hodgkins, Esther Moreau   
Production Manager: Michael Flees   
Soundboard: Brendan Kelly   
Podcast Production/Marketing: Morgan MacKew   
Marketing Intern: Elena Martin