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Black History Month: Honoring Voices of the Civil Rights Movement

Civil rights march in Washington DC

During Black History Month it is important to take the time to celebrate the vibrant cultures and momentous accomplishments and luminaries of the Black community.

During Black History Month it is important to take the time to celebrate the vibrant cultures and momentous accomplishments of the Black community — as well as recognize and learn from the injustices and adversities the community has faced.

At Salesforce, we believe our higher purpose is to drive Equality for all. As part of this, we are honoring Black History Month by elevating the historic figures who dedicated their lives to furthering Racial Equality during the Civil Rights Movement

The Civil Rights Movement was a period of mass protests against racial segregation and social activism for the equal rights of African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s. There were many artists, writers, musicians, and activists who used their platforms to advocate for change.

Here are just some from a long list of powerful black voices who raised global consciousness, broke barriers, and led the Civil Rights Movement to create a more equal world for all.

 

Leaders and activists of the movement

Martin Luther King, Jr

Dorothy Height

Bayard Rustin

Rosa Parks

John Lewis

Barrier breakers

Shirley Chisholm

Thurgood Marshall

Ruby Bridges

Little Rock 9

Jackie Robinson

Writers of the movement

Lorraine Hansberry

James Baldwin

Maya Angelou

Audre Lorde

Singers of the movement

Ray Charles

Mahalia Jackson

Lena Horne

Harry Belafonte

Nina Simone

As we remember these Equality heroes, we also remember the support of the vast communities that mobilized around their cause.

“We had people of all backgrounds coming together — all races, all creeds, all colors, all status in life. And coming together there was a kind of quiet dignity and a kind of sense of caring and a feeling of joint responsibility,” said activist Dorothy Height when remembering the historic March on Washington.

We recognize that we are stronger when we work together. Salesforce strives to bring together those who are passionate about creating positive social change to drive Equality by cultivating a community of advocates and allies. Join us on our path — salesforce.com/equality.

 

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