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Every Monday throughout #BlackHistoryMonth 
, we'll be passing the mic to someone from the @NatGeo family who will be highlighting an aspect of history or their work. Today we're hearing from author, poet and Nat Geo Explorer, @AlyeaSPierce 1/19
, we'll be passing the mic to someone from the @NatGeo family who will be highlighting an aspect of history or their work. Today we're hearing from author, poet and Nat Geo Explorer, @AlyeaSPierce 1/19
Often times in U.S. black history, mainstream media tends to provide a monolithic view of black contributions, removing the immigrant identity. 2/19
This inherently dismisses, excludes, and Americanizes many stories creating a skewed view & shrinking the Black-diasporic impact on American history. #BlackHistoryIsAmericasHistory 3/19
Today I'll try to provide a brief look into the significant impact made by Black Caribbean immigrants. From the Theater to the founding of the Windy City, these integral players were transformative in strengthening the U.S. and enriching traditions. Let’s take a look! 4/19
First up is Marcus Garvey, proclaimed Jamaica’s First Hero! He was a notable civil rights leader, and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. Head of the Pan-African movement, his mission was to encourage... 5/19
...strengthen, and unify bonds of solidarity between all people of the African diaspora to enrich the African continent. 6/19
Second is Ms. Celia Cruz! The legendary Afro-Cuban singer, entertainer, & Queen of Salsa, whose career spanned 6 decades! Her personality & sense of style combined with the power of her voice created... 7/19
...a thunder on stage that was unforgettable. Her signature stage attire included her bata cubana (Cuban rumba dress) and glamorous wigs. 8/19
We have Jean Baptiste Point du Sable up next! Born in Haiti, he was a Black pioneer, trader, and founder of the settlement that later became the city of Chicago. 9/19
To understand any black movement in the African diaspora, we must pay homage to Haiti. Haiti is the only nation in history born from a successful slave revolt and the first nation in the Americas to abolish slavery (1804). 10/19
Now, we cannot forget, Jamaica Kincaid (born Elaine Potter Richardson)! She is a significant voice in contemporary literature, via her short fiction, novels, and essays exploring themes of anti-colonialism, womanhood and identity (mother/daughter relationships), and race. 11/19
A native of Antigua, Kincaid is considered one of the most important women Caribbean writers. View some of her works here: 12/19 https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/jamaica-kincaid
Kwame Ture (born Stokley Carmichael) was a prominent organizer in the civil rights movement in the United States and the global Pan-African movement. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he originated the rallying slogan, “Black Power” in the 1960s. 13/19 https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/books/review/stokely-a-life-by-peniel-e-joseph.html
Clive Campbell a.k.a DJ Kool Herc, is a Jamaican-American DJ who is known for developing the style that was the blueprint for hip-hop music as we know it! Take a look at this video to see his origination of hip-hop in the 1970s Bronx, New York 14/19
And we cannot go without honoring Ms. Dominique Jackson! Born in Tobago, she is an actress, author, model, and LGBTQ+ advocate building conversation between the Caribbean and U.S. about mental health, identity, and race. 15/19
Malcolm X, Cicely Tyson, Sydney Poitier, Shirley Chisholm, Harry Belafonte, James Weldon Johnson and so many more are also amongst some of the most influential figures of U.S. history. 16/19
These 6 brilliant activists & artists were children of Caribbean immigrants. Yet, all too often this important aspect of their heritage is merely a footnote. 17/19
Acknowledgement of specific details can be essential in bridging gaps. Hence, why it is crucial that we name the IDENTITIES of our Black contributors. My hope is that we continue to tell full stories, rather than limited ones, and in that, we'll find #WeAreNotSoFarFromHome 18/19
If you would like to learn more about the Caribbean influence on black history, here is a great article: https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/caribbean-breaking-news-featured/caribbean-influence-americas-black-history-1930s-1970s/ 19/19
That's all from @AlyeaSPierce! Thanks for reading and learn more about her work here: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/find-explorers/alyea-pierce
