This year’s Black History Month also honors the 100th Anniversary of the “Niagara Movement,” -- the first African American meeting held to end racial discrimination. This historic and secret meeting took place in Niagara Falls, New York, and was comprised of 29 brave and progressive African Americans who met to fight the injustices that afflicted their race. As a result of this Assembly, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was born, which continues to serve as a vital force to promote civil rights and social justice in America.

In honor of Black History Month, I would like to recognize a few of the extraordinary African Americans whose roots spawn from Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District. The contributions each of these men and women have made and continue to make to our country and culture vary in scope. But the one thing they have in common is that because of their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, our America is a little brighter -- and a little better -- than it would have been without them.

El Dorado native Lou Brock is considered to be one of the greatest base stealers of his era. After three seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Brock joined the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964, where he led the National League for bats and bases stolen, and tied with Hank Aaron for most runs scored in 1967. Brock has been a Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame since 1985. 

One of the original creators of the Ragtime music genre, Scott Joplin was born in Texarkana. Billed as the King of Ragtime, his musical accomplishments created a solid foundation for the future of Ragtime music. 

Wiley Jones was one of South Arkansas’s most successful businessmen and influential role models for entrepreneurship during the post-Reconstruction era. Originally a barber, Mr. Jones eventually acquired a string of small businesses, became the proprietor of a racetrack, and eventually, owned the city of Pine Bluff’s streetcar system. 

Other notable Pine Bluff residents include Fargo Agricultural School Founder Floyd Brown, and John Brown Watson and Dr. Lawrence Davis, Sr. --  both presidents of the Arkansas Agricultural Mechanical and Normal College in Pine Bluff, respectively.  These men devoted themselves to working with black students in rural communities.

Arkansas City native John H. Johnson founded and published the Negro Digest in 1942. He eventually launched Ebony and Jet Magazines, two of the most successfully selling publications in the country. Johnson is now the publisher, chairman, and Chief Executive Office of Johnson Publishing Company.

And last but not least, poet, actress, civil-rights activist, and best-selling author Maya Angelou hails from Stamps. One of our country’s most treasured legends, Angelou was a National Book Award nominee for her autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." 

The accomplishments made by these tremendous individuals have inspired many, and their work will be forever imbedded in American culture.  February may be the designated month for celebrating black history, but let us be mindful beyond this month of the continuous importance of working together as a nation to end all forms of racial discrimination and promote the achievement of racial harmony.