Today, as we begin the American observation of Black History Month, I want to repost a photo essay from last month of just a few of the many people who made it possible for us to see Barack Obama become President of the United States.
While I agree that observing Black History Month runs the risk of us neglecting an integral strand of American history the other eleven months out of the year, it is worth observing to acknowledge those who paved the road to today. Since none of the people depicted in this diary lived to see Barack Obama take the oath of office, I want to remember them now.
Who knows what the people above -- the people who never saw 2008 -- might think if they were here today? Maybe the words of Clarence B. Jones (too long and complex to quote selectively, and well worth reading in full) might be an approximation for some. Maybe the splendid illustration johnmav did for The Nation last month comes close to what some might think. Maybe there is no approximation we can comprehend.
These last few people lived to see much, if not all of 2008. Though they did not live to see President Obama take office, all saw important stages of this journey.
The people pictured here by no means represent a comprehensive list of the deceased individuals who made the present day possible. I welcome your additions in comments as we remember and give thanks to all who did not live to see what they helped make possible.