Sumaya Osman
I would pick Malcom X because he did help lead the Nation of Islam and at the time it was amazing because we were not used to Black Muslims in that kind of role. He also helped the Black community in so many ways and he did give us different strategies to the people who did not agree with Martin Luther King and I think he gave us a voice to stand up for ourselves.
Dila Gebre
I would say I idolize Louis Farrakan because against all odds he sticks by what he believes in and fights for human rights. He always talks about the hidden histories that nobody speaks about anymore. Also, in my free time I watch his videos and interviews and he always fights for African rights and pretty much argues against all the negative stereotypes that people have about us, like we are subhuman which is not true. We are very educated and colonization is over. So yeah, that’s pretty much it.
Tara Davis
I honor Sojourner Truth. To know her story is to understand th strength of our heritage as Black women. Despite growing up a slave and having her children sold away, she stood tall (6 ft.) and became the voice for the people; Abolishing slavery, and Civil rights for all men and women.
Suaad Hersi
My favorite Black history maker is Malcom X the reason being is that he has done so much for the community and done so much for Black America, but he also was very active in the Muslim community and he represents the modern day activism that Islam represents. He is just a figure that all Muslims, especially me, that we respect.
Amina ahmed
I choose Barack Obama because he became the leader of a nation and his father grew up from the same place my parents are from. He came to be because he was able to get a group of people to come together and vote and really care about the issues. And because growing up I never believed an African American could have that much power and the ability bring particularly young to the ballots and care about the issues. So I think because of him if he could do it, I could do it.
Yohannes
I love Mandela because he used to think more about unity than self and developing that unity. Another one I can name is Martin Luther King. His story is eternal, even though he is not with us his story and message continues to resonate throughout the world. It doesn’t get old and our people still have a lot of things to learn from him. I think Martin Luther King is not only the past but the future.
Photos/Aaron Allen
