'All That' Star Aria Brooks Celebrates Black History Month on Her Instagram

Aria Brooks is unquestionably a rising star in the midst of Young Hollywood. This muti-talented Atlanta-native has been perusing her passions, singing and acting, from a very young age. Fast-forward to present-day and Brooks is beginning to accumulate a diverse professional resume that includes titles such as Harriet, the Netflix series, Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, the Nickelodeon's sketch comedy series All That, among others.

As we know, February is dedicated to Black History Month, where we remember the past, celebrate the present, and craft our story for the future. As a proud young African-American rising star, Brooks has been using her Instagram during the month to showcase prominent historical figures from our past and present.

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Happy 1st day of Black History Month!!!! * * Let’s kick it off with Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi. She is the first black woman to win the pageant since 2011 and the first woman to do so with natural afro-textured hair. Tunzi told Insider that many people, including her friends, told her she should wear a wig or weave for the competition. But Tunzi, who has worn her hair natural for three years, didn’t want to change herself for the pageant. She said she wanted to show that “beauty does not look one certain way.” “It extends to more than just hair,” she added. “It’s about accepting yourself for who you are and how different you are. I hope it just inspires women to be themselves, their authentic selves.” * * @zozitunzi You are my inspiration and a wonderful example of #excellence and #blackgirlmagic 😘✊🏽

A post shared by Aria Brooks (@itsariabrooks) on Feb 1, 2020 at 7:14am PST

Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month, began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. The precursor to Black History Month, Negro History Week, began in 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February would be dedicated to the study of black history. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and that of Frederick Douglass on February 14th. Both dates had been celebrated by black communities since the late 19th century.

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Day 2 of Black History Month is dedicated to TWO awesome women. * *Harriet Tubman, born into slavery in Maryland, escaped to freedom in the North in 1849 to become the most famous "conductor" on the Underground Railroad. She risked her life to lead hundreds of family members and other slaves from the plantation system to freedom on this elaborate secret network of safe houses. She had to have a massive amount strength and courage and determination, even when others doubted her. She is definitely a superhero in my eyes ❤️ * *Cynthia Erivo did an OUTSTANDING job portraying Mrs Tubman in @focusfeatures @harrietfilm It was an honor to watch your commitment to the role and your professionalism, even when so many said you couldn’t do it. You represented her so well and I am proud to know you. Thanks for being an inspiration to people everywhere. @cynthiaerivo

A post shared by Aria Brooks (@itsariabrooks) on Feb 2, 2020 at 5:11am PST

At the time of Negro History Week’s launch, Woodson stated that the teaching of black history was essential to ensure the physical and intellectual well-being and survival of the race.

Negro History Week blossomed into Black History Month and was celebrated for the first time as a full month in 1970 at Kent State.

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Day 3 is dedicated to all the many shades of melanin. We are beautiful in EVERY shade 😍😍😍 * * #melanin #black #myblackisbeautiful #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlsrock #proud #pride #blackhistorymonth #melaninpoppin

A post shared by Aria Brooks (@itsariabrooks) on Feb 3, 2020 at 4:18am PST

In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and urged all Americans to, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Black History Month received official recognition from not only the United States and Canada, but most recently, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have begun to unofficially observe Black History Month as well. As Black History Month 2020 draws to a close, tell me what did you do to make Black History Month special this year?

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Day 11: The raised fist, or clenched fist, is a symbol of solidarity and support. It is also used as a salute to express unity and strength. * *During their medal ceremony in the Olympic stadium in Mexico City on October 16, 1968, two African American athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, each raised a black gloved fist. In addition, Smith, Carlos and Australian silver medalist Peter Norman all wore human rights badges on their jackets. Smith stated that the gesture was not a “Black Power” salute but rather than a “human rights” salute. ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

A post shared by Aria Brooks (@itsariabrooks) on Feb 11, 2020 at 5:37am PST

More Nick: Black History Month on Nickelodeon!

Original source: BCK Online.

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