“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”

- Thurgood Marshall, first African-American U.S. Supreme Court member

This month we are celebrating the incredible contributions, giftings and talents of African Americans, during Black History Month. It’s a time to recognize that in honoring these accomplishments, we honor all Americans who have benefitted from them. For instance, scientist George Washington Carver derived over 300 – yes 300 – products from peanuts! Among them – cosmetics, soap, plastics, cheese, coffee and milk! The inventions of physicist Dr. Shirley Jackson led to extensive telecommunications developments, including caller ID, the portable fax, the touch tone telephone, and call waiting.

Do your kids revel in water gun fights? They will want to thank Lonnie Johnson for this brand of fun. The Aerospace Engineer for NASA created the Super Soaker – the most famous water gun of all. Do you enjoy watching the movement of GIFs online? Well Lisa Gelobter was integrally involved in the creation of the Shockwave technology, which spurred the beginning of web animation. And that has led to GIFs galore!

Learn about, share and celebrate the varied accomplishments of African Americans during this month, and all year long.