Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Every February, communities come together to honor the most historic and iconic moments, inventions, and contributions in Black culture. This celebration is referred to as Black History Month.
As we often recognize the efforts of freedom fighters and literary leaders like Madam CJ Walker and Maya Angelou, we also want to recognize those frontrunners – new, old, or in progress – who were born during the month their culture is remembered and cherished.
From Langston Hughes to Sherman Hemsley, the list of Black history makers born during Black History Month is endless, so each day we’ll honor those who were born throughout the 28 days of February.
Today, we recognize those born on Feb. 5.
Henry “Hank” Aaron (b. 1934 – )
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The man known as Henry “Hank” Aaron is a baseball Hall-of-Famer who performed on the field for 22 years. Aaron played 21 seasons for the Milwaukee-turned-Atlanta Braves and two seasons for the Milwaukee Brewers. He broke Babe Ruth’s homerun record, and held it for 33 years until Barry Bonds surpassed him in 2007. In 1999, The Sporting News ranked Aaron fifth on its “100 Greatest Baseball Players” list.
Trayvon Martin (b. 1995 – d. 2012)
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Dubbed a 21st-century replica of the Emmett Till Case, Trayvon Martin’s 2012 murder sparked outrage and ignited a movement across the country. The Florida-bred teenager was senselessly and tragically murdered for walking down the right street at the wrong time seven years ago, but his killer still roams free. Today, we remember him on what would have been his 24th birthday. Continue to #restinpower young man.