THE SECRETE LIFE OF A BLACK GIRL

Black history has been disregarded, downplayed, or, worst of all, completely erased for far too long. There is no denying, however, that Black people have made contributions that have a profound impact on every aspect of how we live today, from the art and entertainment we consume to the rights we enjoy (and continue to struggle for).

Although their influence is seen every day, how much do we actually know about the well-known people who toiled — and toil — endlessly to make America a richer and fairer place for all? These little-known Black history facts are taken from the book "Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies."

But this is just the beginning. Add these motivational books and films to your queue for Black History Month to take things a step further.

5. In 1955, Claudette Colvin, an adolescent, was detained when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman. Although Colvin was deemed to be too young to embody the battle, some local civil rights groups regarded the occasion as an opportunity to draw attention to the city's unfair bus policy. Rosa Parks was inspired to behave similarly by Colvin's gesture nine months later, and her imprisonment set off one of the most significant civil rights battles in history.One of the first Black millionaires was businesswoman Annie Turnbo Malone (1869–1957). Malone established the Poro Company, which made well-liked hair and cosmetics for the Black population. She employed young Sarah Breedlove (1867–1919) as one of her door-to-door sales representatives, and Breedlove was motivated by her to.

There was Althea Gibson before erena Williams won the US Open in 1999.

The United States Lawn Tennis Association tournament was held at Forest Hills, New York, in 1949, and Gibson attempted to compete. When she was denied entry into any qualifiers, teammate Alice Marble addressed a letter to the editors of American Lawn Tennis magazine pleading with members to grant her entry.

Marble said that if Gibson presented a genuine challenge, players should engage it on the court.

Gibson accepted the invitation to participate in a qualifying competition in New Jersey, where she won a spot at Forest Hills. She was the first player of African descent to compete at the US Nationals in Forest Hills in 1950. Despite missing her first year.

There was Althea Gibson before Serena Williams won the US Open in 1999.

The United States Lawn Tennis Association tournament was held at Forest Hills, New York, in 1949, and Gibson attempted to compete. When she was denied entry into any qualifiers, teammate Alice Marble addressed a letter to the editors of American Lawn Tennis magazine pleading with members to grant her entry.

Marble said that if Gibson presented a genuine challenge, players should engage it on the court.

Gibson accepted the invitation to participate in a qualifying competition in New Jersey, where she won a spot at Forest Hills. She was the first player of African descent to compete at the US Nationals in Forest Hills in 1950. Despite missing her first year.

Yes, it exists. This recipe demonstrates that a quesadilla may be made using just two tortillas. You cook it on both sides after adding your cheese-free filling, and the fun can start. I sautéed peppers and onions to put on top of my quesadillas. You can experiment with salsa, avocado, or even guacamole. Have fun with this one and savor your delicious quesadillas without the cheese!

LA is a Bronx-born proponent of a plant-based diet who enjoys utilizing all of the bean cans in her pantry. Be sure to follow her @blackgirlseat on Instagram and sign up for the Recipes & Random-Ish Newsletter. We'll keep your inbox free if you fill out the form below to remain in touch!