The options seem limitless, with history-makers, magnates, and iconic figures from every era and discipline, all hailing from, or making their mark on the Big Apple. We rounded up some of the usual suspects and lots of classic baby names, and also looked for some fresh kids’ names that pay tribute to NYC.  No baby on deck? Maybe one of these New York names will hit the spot for that dog you are adopting from the Humane Society.

Anthony 
There are many famous Anthonys from NYC, but for now we’re going with Fauci, a hometown guy from Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.

Apollo
Sure, it’s a lot to live up to, what with the god of the sun thing and all—but aim high and pay tribute to this legendary Harlem theater at the same time.

Apple
With apologies to Gwyneth and Chris, we were the first Apple. Go big!

Astoria/Astor
One of several neighborhood-inspired names on this list, Astoria is named for John Jacob Astor, a wealthy early 19th-century investor in NYC real estate, but we think it sounds almost Disney-princess-like. Astor is also kind of royal.

Audrey
Yes, Hepburn is strongly associated with NYC thanks to her iconic role of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but we’re thinking of Audrey Munson, model for scores of major statues around New York City, including the figure atop the Manhattan Municipal Building—second tallest in the city, after Lady Liberty.

Bill Cunningham
Have twins? Name one Bill, one Cunningham, and know that you are paying tribute to one of the most amazing New Yorkers ever to traverse, and document the city.

Baldwin
Inspired by this Black poet from Harlem, this is an alternative to his first name James.

Brighton
A name pegged to a famous Brooklyn beach and neighborhood with Russian and Eastern European roots.

Brooklyn
This New York name might have seemed unusual at some point is now in danger of being too common. Still, it’s a great borough and the name shows true Kings County pride!

Cab
In addition to the omnipresent vehicle, Cab Calloway was a major figure in the Harlem Renaissance. (We also like “Taxi” for a cute girl’s nickname, but it’s not as subtle.)

Carnegie
As in the Hall, named for steel magnate, businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Coney
Employ it as a nickname (for Cornelius?) or use it as a standalone, this one has lots of south Brooklyn spirit.

Dorothy
Ms. Parker, one of New York’s sharpest wits, would approve. (Parker works, too.)

Duke
While not an NYC native, Duke Ellington made the city his home and became a major cultural force during the Harlem Renaissance as bandleader of the Cotton Club. We like Ellington as well.

Ed
A name that seems ripe for a comeback, this one pays homage to one of the most iconic, recognizable, “New Yorkiest” mayors the city has ever had, Ed Koch.

Edith
Downtown doyenne (and first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, thank you very much) Edith Wharton inspires this name from another era.

Eloise
Sure, she’s a fictional character, but she’s one of the most famous little New Yorkers out there! We love this New York name for a girl with a little spunk!

Emily
When her husband Washington, chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge succumbed to an illness, Emily Warren Roebling saw the project to its completion. (She was also one of the first people to cross it when it was done!)

Emory
While you may not be familiar with his name, architect Emory Roth designed so many of the iconic New York City buildings and hotels of the 1920s and 30s that you know and likely love. (Obviously, Roth could be a good choice as well.)

Fran/Frances/Francis
Fran Liebowitz has got to be one of the New Yorkiest New Yorkers out there.

Frederick (Law Olmsted)
Take your pick (and level of pretentiousness) with any part of the famed landscape architect’s name. (He’s one of the masterminds behind the designs for Central Park and Prospect Pack. For extra geek points and eyerolls, go for twins or siblings name Olmsted and Vaux, the name of his partnership with Calvert Vaux.)

George Gershwin
Either one! The groundbreaking composer was born in East New York, Brooklyn and became a major force on the legendary Tin Pan Alley, Broadway, and beyond.

Gracie
A nod to the official New York City mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion, named for early 19th-century businessman (and original owner of the house) Archibald Gracie.

Gray (Lady)
It’s the historic nickname of the paper that publishes “All the news that’s fit to print”—either could be the name of your New York City kid.

Greenwich
Inspired by the artsy downtown village, this name offers a nice mix of funky flair and subtle sophistication. (Like the neighborhood itself!)

Hamilton
You’ve heard of this guy. Founding father, first Treasurer of the United States of America, the man behind The U.S. Coast Guard, The New York Post, the Federalist party. And the blockbuster musical. He’s everywhere: Fort Hamilton Parkway, Fort Hamilton, etc.

Herald
A cheeky alternative to the more common spelling, “Harold”, this one references Herald Square, named for the long-gone newspaper, the New York Herald.

Herman
The author of Moby Dick (and other masterpieces) was born in New York, died in New York, and he’s buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. (For the record, we like Melville as a kid’s name, too.)

Hoyt
There’s Hoyt Street in Brooklyn, Hoyt Avenue in Queens. They take their name from Edwin Hoyt, a 19th-century NYC businessman.

Hudson
Already a popular moniker around these parts, this name pays tribute to a founder, the river named for the founder, etc. Plus, it’s got some gravitas.

Jackie
She wasn’t born here, but she made New York City her home. So much so that they named a reservoir after her.

Jane
Shame on us if we didn’t suggest one of the champions of preserving so many parts of the city we love, Jane Jacobs. Jane is a classic New York baby name and we love it as a first or middle name.

Jennifer
Big in the 70s, then abandoned for Brittany and Ashley, Jennifer—here inspired by Jenny (Lopez) from the Bronx blocks herself—is primed for a resurgence

Lenny/Leonard
One’s a ground-breaking legendary downtown comedian  (Bruce, which you could also borrow), the other is the longtime music director of the New York Philharmonic, a legendary composer, and more (Bernstein).

Lexington
Sounds fancy, can be shortened to “Lexy” or “Lex”. The famous NYC avenue gets its name from the Revolutionary War Battle of Lexington, which actually took place in Massachusetts, but it was a big one.

Liberty
An inspiring concept, a New York icon. It’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Lincoln
A name with some very strong historical associations, this is also the namesake of one of our city’s most revered and iconic cultural institutions. (Which, interestingly enough, did not definitely get its name from honest Abe.)

Lou/Louis
Two musical legends, of different genres. Go downtown cool and pay tribute to Lou Reed, or name-check jazz man Armstrong a New Orleans native who famously settled in Corona, Queens for decades. (You can still visit his house!)

Macy
It’s “The World’s Largest Store!” And what kid wouldn’t get a kick out of “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade”, etc.?

Moses
It’s a heavy name, no matter how you slice it. Tap your inner urban planner (you have one, right?) and pay tribute to Robert Moses, who, love him or hate him, shaped the city we live in today.

Patti
Pay tribute to one of the coolest kids around, Patti Smith, with this one. Got twins? How about Patti and Smith? Patti and Robert? Patti and Maple?

Peggy
Art collector, patron, and socialite Peggy Guggenheim left her mark on the city and the world with her wealth and taste. While Guggenheim is quite the mouthful, Peggy is a New York name we can get on board with.

Rocky/Rockefeller
A builder and benefactor of the city, a center of midtown. However you slice this name—inspired by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., it’s got presence and gravitas.

Roe
A shortened version of Roebling, the surname of the chief engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge and his wife Emily, who played a key role in the completion of the span after her husband fell ill.

Roxy
Similar, but different. S.L. “Roxy” Rosenthal actually worked with Rockefeller—he’s the showman behind Radio City Music Hall, the grand theater a stone’s throw from John D’s “City Within a City.”

Ruth
Used to sound old-fashioned, but now it’s fierce as hell thanks to this Flatbush, Brooklyn native. #RGB.

Shirley
Just old-fashioned enough to be in style again, this name pays tribute to Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States of one of the two major political parties.

Smith
A well-known street in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn, the thoroughfare gets its name from one of the borough’s original mayors (back when it was its own city), Samuel Smith.

Teddy/Theo
Born here (Gramercy Park), Police Commissioner, Rough Rider, and President of the United States. Take your pick with Theodore Roosevelt: Theo, Teddy, Roosevelt, Theodore

Tiffany
Not the singer, the iconic jewelry store. (Maybe mix it up and name your child Tiffany Audrey.)

Walt, Whitman
Hero of Brooklyn and free, wild spirits everywhere, this poet offers plenty of inspiration and variation: Walt, Whit, Whitman. They all sound good to us.

Wharton
Another nod to novelist Edith, but for boys. (Possible downside: Nickname “Wart.”)

Make sure to capture all your little New Yorker’s biggest moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Being a San Francisco parent means you have a big heart and killer calves: you’ve hiked to the top of Nob Hill with a toddler in tow and we’re betting you’ve been on MUNI one too many times while pregnant. If you’re looking for boy baby names or girl baby names, from the Bay Bridge to Ocean Beach, we’ve revisited our favorite city’s streets and neighborhoods for some adorable baby name inspiration. Read on for the list!

Alma

Alma de Bretteville Spreckels was an old-school SF socialite and philanthropist who—along with her husband Adolph—gifted the city many an iconic institute including the Legion of Honor. Most famously, though, she’s the model for the statue in the middle of Union Square (Dewey Monument).

Andreas

There’s no reward without a little risk, and SF residents know that the San Andreas fault runs right through our city. It keeps us on our toes, like your little guy might! 

Angelou (or Maya)

The famous poet, activist and author who was awarded over 50 honorary degrees in her lifetime, was also the first African-American streetcar operator in San Francisco.

Ashbury

You have to be okay with a certain “aesthetic” to name your kid after this iconic street but you’ll likely get a free-thinker on your hands. Plus we think Ash is just the cutest nickname.

Bart

What could be more SF than naming your kid after the Bay Area Rapid Transit train?

Bay

The city by the bay couldn’t get more recognizable in this local name that also makes a perfect middle name, too.  

Broderick

You know it as the street, but did you also know it’s the last name of an abolitionist senator who died as a result of a wound inflicted during the last known duel within the boundaries of SF? Well, you do now. 

Cesar (or Chavez)

Both names pay homage to Cesar Estrada Chavez, a fierce fighter for civil and labor rights who co-founded (along with Dolores Huerta) National Farm Workers in 1962. You also know it as the name of what was once known as Army Street.  

Charlotte

For Charlotte L. Brown, who was one of the first people in the US to legally challenge racial segregation. In the 1860s Charlotte was removed (by force) from a horse-drawn street car for being a person of color. She filed a lawsuit. It took several years, but in 1865 she won.

Clayton

One of San Francisco’s lovelier streets, it’s also one of the shorter streets, starting at Fulton and winding its way up Ashbury Heights toward Twin Peaks where it affords some pretty stunning views.  

Clement

Home to a diverse array of foods and one of the best neighborhood farmer’s market in the City, we love the idea of naming a kiddo this and calling him Clem for short. Name for Roswell Clement who is often credited for the idea of creating Golden Gate Park.

Cliff

For something with a little versatility, this “regular” name comes from the iconic Cliff House (did you know they have the best breakfast biscuits in the West?). The Cliff House burned down in 1907 but was rebuilt, and rebuilt again to become the more modern structure that stands today.

Cole

Cole Valley has a rep for being one of the most kid-friendly hoods in the city, so why not name your kiddo for it, too?

Dolores

It’s not just a beautiful street name or your favorite park. It’s the namesake of the first mission in SF (which is also home to one of the only cemeteries within the city proper). Even more fun, it’s also the name of Dolores Huerta, who fought for migrant worker rights and co-founded National Farm Workers in 1962.

Duboce

This street and park are part of every N-Judah rider’s commute. Named after a colonel in command during the Spanish-American War (Victor Duboce). As long as you pronounce it right, you’ve got a sweet-sounding name that has a Parisian tinge to it.

Francisco or Francis

This is probably the most overlooked but most obvious name for any kid hailing from our city’s boundaries.

Gavin

Most people recognize him as Governor of California, but once upon a time, Gavin Newsom was our fair city’s mayor.

Geary

Why choose Gary when you can go with the totally San Francisco variation, Geary? One of the longest, cross-town streets in the city, Geary Blvd. takes you from Market Street all the way out to the ocean (and so does the 38!).

Harvey

Harvey Bernard Milk was the city’s first openly gay official, elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1951. Today we remember Harvey Milk for his courage and tenacity in standing out by standing up—a true San Francisco attitude. 

Hayes

It’s a valley, it’s a street and at one time was the last name of a prominent SF family. We think it would be an adorable first name, too.

Jack (London, Kerouac, Hirschman)

This classic name has plenty of SF-appeal: Jack London spent quite a bit of time in San Francisco throughout his years living at Beauty Ranch in Glen Ellen; Jack Kerouac became an adopted literary son of the city through the Beat Generation and Jack Hirschman was named SF Poet Laureate in 2006.

Juana

Want to name her something fierce? How about naming her after Juana Briones y Tapia de Miranda, the first female property owner in the state of California. She was born in Santa Cruz, of Spanish and African descent, and raised in the Presidio where she became known for being a healer and midwife.

Kamala

Before she was Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris was San Francisco’s District Attorney from 2004 to 2011. She was born in Oakland and received her law education both at Howard University in D.C. and right in SF at the Hastings College of Law. 

Karl/Carl

If you’ve lived in SF anytime in the last decade, you likely follow Karl the Fog on Twitter. If not, newsflash: after all these years, our beloved fog has its own name. The “C” variant is also an SF street name.

Lawrence 

The founder of City Lights, the iconic North Beach bookstore and world-renowned publishing company, Lawrence Ferlinghetti turned 100 in 2019. To celebrate, the city of SF declared his birthday, March 24, officially “Lawrence Ferlinghetti Day.” Name your kid after this guy and we can promise spontaneous poetry will become a household thing. 

Leola

Leola King, aka the Queen of Fillmore, opened her first nightclub in the 1950s, back when Black-owned and women-owned businesses were scarce. She became a highly successful businesswoman and owned several properties and nightclubs, including the Birdcage. Her clubs hosted greats like Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, helping establish the Fillmore District as the Harlem of the West.

Lillie

This perfectly sweet name has a pretty fierce backstory: Lillie Hitchcock Coit was a champion of SF firefighters and the benefactress who gave us the iconic Coit tower. Known also as Firebelle Lil, she was considered an eccentric woman who smoked cigars, wore pants (back when ladies weren’t supposed to) and gambled in male-only houses around North Beach.

Lombard

You love this crazy, curvy street every time your tourist relatives insist on snapping photos in front of it. It also makes a snazzy first or second name for a boy or a girl.

Lotta

The nickname of Charlotte Crabtree, Lotta was raised in the foothills of Grass Valley, CA during the gold rush where she honed her theatrical skills. Though she did perform frequently in San Francisco, her real legacy is Lotta’s Fountain—at Market and Kearny, the site of annual gatherings every April 18 to commemorate the Great Earthquake of 1906. Lotta frequently donated the money she earned as a stage performer for charities or to beautify the city she loved so well. 

Lowell

Lowell High School is the oldest public high school west of the Mississippi. It was founded in 1856 as the Union Grammar School but became Lowell in 1894. Though it was separated by genders for a time in its early history, Lowell High School was open to both boys and girls 1866.

Marina or Marin 

If you like the neighborhood you’ll love the name, but don’t forget it also means “of the sea” so it’s fitting for an SF kiddo no matter their zipcode. Alternatively, you could go with Marin, for our neighbors to the north.

Noe

Named for José de Jesús Noé, he served twice as alcade (essentially, a mayor) of Yerba Buena. One of his last acts while serving—along with Lt. Bartlett of the US Navy—was to officially rename Yerba Buena as San Francisco. At one time he owned land that covered much of what we now know as Noe Valley, Eureka Valley, Fairmont Heights, Glen Park and Sunnyside.

Posey

While he’s not a native SF-er, Giants catcher #28, Buster Posey, is as iconic an SF name as they come.

Vicki 

Vicki Manalo Draves was born in San Francisco, Vicki was the first woman ever to win two gold medals during one single Olympics. In 1948, not only did she receive two gold medals in diving, she also became the first Asian American ever to win a gold medal.

William or Willie (Brown, Leidesdorff, Mays)

Willie Brown was the 41st mayor of San Francisco and the city’s first-ever African American mayor. William Leidesdorff was an African-American who sailed to SF from the Virgin Islands in 1841 and became a respected, prominent businessman and politician. Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, spent his primary years playing (14 years) playing for the SF Giants (you’ll find his statue in front of AT&T—we mean Oracle—park). 

Make sure to capture all the adventures with your little San Franciscan—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

There are a handful of essential people kids learn about in school and during Black History Month: Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, and George Washington Carver, just to name a few. But while these African American heroes in history have certainly made significant cultural contributions, there are many more that have fallen under the radar. To give your kids an ever-widening view of the world, learn about (and share!) these important Black history figures that have left a legacy for generations to come.  

Alvin Ailey Jr.

Alvin Ailey
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Alvin Ailey Jr. was a dancer, choreographer, and activist. Born in Texas during the Great Depression, he moved to Los Angeles in 1946 and saw his first dance performance, and in 1949 he took his first dance class at Lester Horton's Melrose Ave. studio. When he formed the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in 1958, he wanted to honor Black culture through dance. The company's first performance included Ailey's masterpiece, Blues Suite, and his most critically acclaimed work, Revelations, premiered in 1960. The company fused theater with modern, jazz, and ballet, and brought a multi-racial cast of dancers to the stage. Due to rampant racism at the time, few of these dancers would have found opportunities to perform with other companies.

In addition to choreographing pieces for his own company, Ailey created ballets for the American Ballet Theater, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Royal Danish Ballet, among others. He received numerous awards and honors over the years, including a Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts in 1968, the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 1977, Kennedy Center Honors in 1989, and in 2014, he was posthumously awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom. 

John Lewis

John Lewis is an important Black history figure
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John Lewis was born as the son of sharecroppers in rural Alabama in 1940. He studied at the American Baptist Theological Society in Nashville and helped to organize sit-ins against segregated restaurants; during this period, he coined his iconic phrase, "Good Trouble," and was jailed on numerous occasions. One of the original 13 Freedom Riders, his most memorable contribution to the Civil Rights Movement was "Bloody Sunday," when in 1965, he led a group of 600 over the Edmund Putts Bridge in Selma, AL. Beaten and left unconscious, Lewis caught the eye of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who joined them on another march from Selma to Montgomery, AL. John Lewis was elected to the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th congressional district in 1987 and was re-elected to the office until he died in 2020. Among many honors and accolades, one of the most prestigious was the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. 

Daisy Bates

When the Supreme Court ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional, Daisy Bates stepped up to help a group of Black students integrate into an all-white high school—that group is known as The Little Rock Nine. In the face of constant fear and intimidation, Bates worked tirelessly to escort those young men and women to school every day and protect them from violent crowds. Daisy Bates was a lifelong civil rights activist, and her work is still recognized today. In the state of Arkansas, every third Monday in February is observed as Daisy Gatson Bates Day, and in 1999 she was Posthumously awarded the Medal Of Freedom.

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges is an important Black history figure
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Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to integrate into a white elementary school in 1960. At only six years old, Ruby walked by protesters screaming awful slurs and angry words at her every day. And yet, she never missed a day of school. Ruby became a lifelong civil rights activist, and in 1999, she established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to help fight racism and promote tolerance and change through education. 

Charles Drew

Charles R. Drew is an important Black history figure
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Charles Drew is considered a pioneer of blood plasma research and the modern blood bank. While in attendance at Columbia University, Charles Drew discovered the “shelf life” of blood could be extended by as much as seven days by separating and storing whole blood and plasma separately. Before that, blood could only be stored for up to two days. Charles Drew also wrote a dissertation Banked Blood: A Study in Blood Preservation, where he described the technique he developed and the logistics involved in the long-term preservation of blood plasma. Today Charles Drew is revered as the Father of Blood Banking. 

Bessie Coleman

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Look to the skies, and you'll be reminded about Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American woman pilot. Known for her amazing flying tricks, "Queen Bess" worked as a manicurist in Chicago when her brothers returned from World War I. When her brother John teased her that women in France were allowed to be pilots, Bessie took it as her mission to do just that. When no American flight school would take her, she learned French and moved to France to take flight lessons there. 

When Bessie returned to the United States, she gave speeches and eventually performed her aviation tricks in air shows around the country. She famously refused to perform at any show where there was segregation or discrimination against African Americans. Bessie Coleman died in an air accident at age 34, and she was eulogized by the famous activist Ida B. Wells-Barnett. 

Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglas is an important Black history figure kids need to learn about
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Frederick Douglass was a freed slave who spent his life outside of bondage as an author, an orator, and a leader of the abolitionist movement. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862, Douglass continued to champion equality, human rights, and even women’s rights. Douglass authored dozens of speeches and five autobiographies, the most notable of which is Douglass’ 1845 autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Here are 19 other interesting facts about Frederick Douglass.

Claudette Colvin

Claudette Colvin was an early activist in the Civil Rights Movement
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Claudette Colvin was an early activist in the civil rights movement in Alabama. Nine months before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman, Claudette Colvin did the same. At the young age of 15, Colvin was later arrested; violating the city’s segregation laws was among the many charges leveled against her. Colvin later told Newsweek, “I felt like Sojourner Truth was pushing down on one shoulder, and Harriet Tubman was pushing down on the other—saying, 'Sit down girl!' I was glued to my seat.”

Wilma Rudolph

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As a young child, Wilma Rudolph battled a series of debilitating illnesses including double pneumonia, scarlet fever, and polio. She was forced to wear a leg brace, and doctors even told her she would never walk again. But Rudolph overcame her disabilities, and she was intent on pursuing her dreams. Her determination and natural athleticism eventually brought her to the 1960 Olympics, where she became the first woman to win three Gold Medals in Track and Field in a single Olympics.

Henry Ossian Flipper

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A former slave, engineer, author, and American soldier, in 1877, Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African-American to graduate from West Point. Upon his completion, Flipper was also the first Black man to be commissioned in the Army (or any military branch, for that matter). After his commissioning, under the command of Captian Nicolas M. Nolan, he became the first Black man to lead buffalo soldiers of the 10th Calvery. 

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is one of the most important Black history figures kids need to know about
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On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white woman. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and created an impetus for change. One year after Parks' trial, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, Northern (Montgomery) Division, declared racial segregation laws (commonly known as "Jim Crow laws") unconstitutional. Considered to be one of the most important Black history figures, the United States Congress has called her "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement."

Daniel Hale Williams

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In 1891, Daniel Hale Williams opened Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. It was the first hospital with a racially integrated staff, a school for nurses, and also a training residency for doctors. In 1893, Williams was one of the first people to perform open-heart surgery, and he accomplished this feat outside of modern medicine and without the luxury of blood transfusions. He was also a co-founder of the National Medical Association, and in 1913 he was selected to be a charter member (and the only African American) of the College of Surgeons. 

Alice Allison Dunnigan

Alice Dunnigan was the first Black female White House correspondent, and she is an important Black history figure
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Alice Allison Dunnigan was the first Black female White House Correspondent. She was also chief of the Associated Negro Press, and in 1948 she became the first Black woman to follow a Presidential campaign (Harry Truman’s) on the road. Years later, Alice Allison Dunnigan served as an education consultant on JFK’s Committee on Equal Employment Opportunity.

Robert Smalls

Robert Smalls
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In 1862, during the Civil War, Robert Smalls commandeered a Confederate transport boat freeing himself, his crew, and their families. He sailed the ship to the Union-controlled region of Hilton Head, where it then became a warship. He was instrumental in convincing President Lincoln to let free Blacks serve in the Union Army. During the Reconstruction Era, Smalls was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives and the United States House of Representatives, where he authored legislation that would allow South Carolina to have the first free public school system in the United States. 

Jane Bolin

Jane Bolin was the first Black female to graduate from Yale Law School and she is an important Black history figure
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Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School, and in 1939, she became the first Black female judge. She was a huge advocate for children's rights: she served on the board of the Child's Welfare League, the National Urban League, and the NAACP, among others. Bolin also worked closely with then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to establish the Wiltwyck School, a program to help eradicate juvenile crime among boys. Upon retirement, she volunteered as a reading instructor in New York public schools and served on the New York State Board of Regents. 

Arturo Schomburg

Arturo Alfonso Schomburg is an important Black history figure
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Arturo Schomburg was a writer, historian, and activist. As a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Schomberg collected art literature and other artifacts belonging to people of African descent. In 1926 his collection was purchased by the New York Public Library, and today the Schomburg Center is a research division of the NY Public Library. With more than 11 million items in the collection, the Schomburg Center is devoted to the preservation and exhibition of Black history and the arts and culture of the African diaspora.

Matthew Henson

Matthew Henson was an arctic explorer and he is an important Black history figure
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Matthew Henson is best known for his participation in a series of Arctic explorations between 1891 and 1909. But his claim to fame was the expedition that culminated in April 1909, where the team he was with finally reached the North Pole. Through these expeditions, Henson made significant contributions to the field of exploration. To honor those contributions, Matthew Henson was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm is an important Black history figure
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A true pioneer in both race and gender, Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress representing NY’s 12th District. In 1972, she was also the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. During her time in Congress, Chisholm fought for improved education, health and human services, and women's rights. Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

Fred Jones

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In 1938, American inventor Fred Jones designed and patented a portable air-conditioning unit for trucks primarily used to transport perishable foods. Jones’ invention became invaluable during WWII when refrigeration units were used to preserve and transport food, blood, and medicine to hospitals and soldiers on the battlefield. In 1944, he became the first African American member of the American Society of Refrigeration Engineers. He was awarded 61 patents throughout his life, and in 1991, he was posthumously awarded the National Medal of Technology, the first African American to do so. 

Dr. Rebeccca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first female African American doctor
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Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first female African-American physician. She also wrote the Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts in 1883, which is considered one of the first medical texts written by an African American author. After the Civil War, Dr. Crumpler also worked for the Freedman’s Bureau for the State of Virginia, the federal agency that helped over 4,000,000 slaves make the transition from slavery to freedom. 

Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks was an American teacher, poet, and author. During her life, Brooks authored over 20 books of poetry and one novel. In 1950, Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize. Among countless other honors and awards, in 1968, she was named poet laureate for the state of Illinois, in 1976, she became the first African American woman to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, she was the U.S. Poet Laureate for the 1985-86 term, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1988, and in 1995, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts. 

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson is an important Black history figure
Wikimedia Commons

In 1962, Katherine Johnson's brilliant math skills were called upon to help put John Glenn into orbit around the Earth. John Glenn requested that Katherine herself double-check the orbital trajectory of the Friendship 7 from liftoff to splashdown; only then would he carry on with the mission. Later in her career, Johnson also worked on the Apollo Moon Landing project as well as early plans for a mission to Mars. Katherine Johnson also co-authored 26 scientific papers, which can still be found in the NASA archives. 

Mae C. Jemison

Wikimedia Commons

Mae C. Jemison is an American physician and astronaut. In 1987, Jamison was the first African American woman to be accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program. In 1992, Jemison was also the first African American woman in space, flying there aboard the spaceship Endeavor with six other astronauts.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an important writer and activist
Wikimedia Commons

With more than 30 bestselling titles, Maya Angelou wrote 36 books, not the least of which was her first book I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Although she died in 2014, Maya Angelou is remembered as a brilliant writer, poet, and civil rights activist. Oprah Winfrey said of her friend, “Maya Angelou is not what she has done or written or spoken, it’s how she did it all. She moved through the world with unshakeable calm, confidence, and a fiery, fierce grace and abounding love.”

Ron Finley

As a young man growing up in South Central LA, Ron Finley was all too familiar with the lack of fresh produce. Determined to change that, Finley started a garden on a dirt patch on the sidewalk outside of his home. When the city cited Finley for gardening without a permit, he rallied other “green activists” and petitioned for the right to grow food in his neighborhood. Finley won, and today he is affectionately known as “The Gangsta Gardener.” Now a community leader, Finley is determined to help urban communities break out of their "food prisons." Finley has traveled extensively speaking publicly on the topic, and he has even done a TEDTalk that has been watched by over three million people. 

Alice Coachman

Alice Coachman is a famous black history figure
Wikimedia Commons

Alice Coachman was the first Black woman to win an Olympic Gold medal from any country. Born on November 9, 1923, in Albany, Georgia, she was the fifth of 10 children born to Fred and Evelyn Coachman.

At the time, it was considered "unladylike" for women to be interested in sports. Her parents agreed with this thinking and often punished Coachman for participating in activities like running and baseball. While she never considered a career in sports, by the 7th grade, she was one of the best athletes in Albany, boy or girl. Since the South was still segregated at this time, Coachman often ran shoeless and created her jumping equipment, as she was unable to use public facilities reserved for white kids. 

She transferred to the Tuskegee Institute during her sophomore year of high school, and as a member of their track-and-field team, Coachman won four national championships in the high jump and sprinting categories. As one of the best track-and-field athletes in the country, she continuously won titles in the 50m, the 100m, and the 400m relay, although her favorite was the high jump. 

She tried out for the 1948 US Olympic team and broke the World Record for the high jump during the trials. In August of 1948, she became the first Black woman and the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Even though her Olympic career ended with an injury at 24, Coachman went on to finish college and become an elementary and high school teacher and a track coach. She was inducted into multiple Hall of Fames for her abilities and founded the Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation to help athletes and former competitors in financial need. Coachman died in 2014 at the age of 90. 

Hoping to raise a bookworm? Or want to honor your favorite books, characters or authors with your child’s name? You’ll find everything from classic to unique baby names for your little one on this list. There are gender-neutral baby names, girl names and boy names, all listed below in alphabetical order. Go and find your favorite literary baby names or at least some ideas for new books to read!

literary baby names
iStock

Agatha
The queen of detective novels, Agatha Christie was even made a Dame of the British Empire for her literary works. Call her Aggie as a nickname.

Aladdin
Based on a Middle Eastern folk tale, the story of Aladdin and his magic lamp has been beloved for generations.

Alice
Whether you're a fan of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll or Alice Walker, the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, the name Alice is a popular, classic name.

Alonso
Meaning both noble and battle-ready, Alonso is the original name of Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel. Alonso is also the name of the King of Naples in Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Amber
The heroine of the historical romance novel Forever Amber, by Kathleen Winsor, is both beautiful and ambitious. The book caused a scandal but became a best seller and is credited with popularizing the name Amber in the United States.

Amelia
Word nerds love Amelia Bedelia, from the classic children's books by Peggy Parish, but the name has other literary ties. Amelia is the heroine in William Thackeray's Vanity Fair, and Amelia is the given name of Princess Mia in Meg Cabot's The Princess Diaries.

Anaïs
Famed author Anaïs Nin is known for her journals, novels, essays and short stories as well as her beautiful name. She led a Bohemian lifestyle that she wrote about in journals, many of which have been published.

Anne
That's Anne with an "e." The 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery tells the tale of an 11-year-old girl sent to live with two middle-aged siblings and work on their farm.

Antoine
The author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is known for his children's novella The Little Prince. The much-loved story is about a young prince who visits various planets and makes observations about life, love and human nature.

Arabella
Arabella appears as the name of female characters in several books, including Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

Aramis
Aramis is the alias of Rene d'Herblay, a fictional character in The Three Musketeers and other books by Alexandre Dumas.

Arya
Game of Thrones fans already know and love the character Arya Stark, a brave and loyal hero in the book series it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire.

Aslan
The talking lion in C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia is called Aslan; the name also means lion in Turkish.

Atticus
Harper Lee's book To Kill a Mockingbird popularized the name Atticus, thanks to the character Atticus Finch, a lawyer many fans consider a moral hero.

Beatrice (or Beatrix)
The name Beatrice appears in Dante's Divine Comedy, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Veronica Roth's Divergent series and Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, among other books. Spell it Beatrix to make it more unique and to honor Beatrix Potter, who wrote The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Beckett
Samuel Beckett was an Irish writer best known for his play Waiting for Godot. The nickname Beck is where it's at.

Byron
Lord Byron, the English romantic poet, was born George Gordon Byron and is best known for the lengthy narrative poems Don Juan and Childe Harold's Pilgrimage.

Charlotte
Charlotte is the spider from E. B. White's children's book Charlotte's Web. She befriends a pig named Wilbur and saves his life by writing messages about him in her web.

Coraline
British author Neil Gaiman wrote the fantasy children's novella Coraline in 2002. The main character is a curious, intelligent, courageous explorer, and Cora and Lina would make great nicknames.

Daisy
One of the popular flower names, Daisy appears in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novella The Great Gatsby and in Henry James's Daisy Miller.

literary baby names
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Darcy
Mr. Darcy is the male love interest from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but this unisex name works equally well as a girl name.

Dashiell
American author Dashiell Hammett was a mystery writer who created well-known characters Sam Spade and Nick and Nora Charles. Dash is a cool nickname.

Dean
The character Dean Moriarty appears in Jack Kerouac's On the Road as a carefree adventurer up for adventure.

Dorian
Dorian is the name of the main character in Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Dorothy
The brave and kind Dorothy Gale travels around Oz with a scarecrow, tin man, cowardly lion and her dog, Toto. The movie we know and love was based on Frank Baum's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Edgar
Author Edgar Allen Poe is known for poems such as "The Raven" and "Annabel Lee" as well as the horror story "The Fall of the House of Usher." The name Edgar also appears in Shakespeare's King Lear and Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights.

Ellison
Name your girl or boy after Ralph Waldo Ellison, the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Invisible Man. Fun fact: The author was named after Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Eloise
Fans of Eloise, the spunky star of Kay Thompson's children's book series, know she lives on the top floor of the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny, dog and turtle.

Emma
Emma is the name of the main character in Jane Austen's book of the same name. She is smart, beautiful and compassionate, all traits you may want for your child.

Finn
The name Finn was popularized by Mark Twain in books such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. You could also name your child Huckleberry or Huck. Twain would make a more unexpected homage.

Gabriel
Gabriel is a protagonist in Thomas Hardy's novel Far from the Madding Crowd, and Gabriel García Márquez is a Colombian author admired for literary works including One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.

Harriet
Harriet the Spy is a classic children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, based around the adventures of an 11-year-old girl who documents her observations in a notebook she carries with her.

Heathcliff
The name of the romantic hero from Emily Brontë's novel Wuthering Heights comes with two excellent nicknames: Heath and Cliff.

Henrik
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen is known for works including Peer Gynt, A Doll's House and Hedda Gabler. As a name, Henrik is a more unique form of Henry, which could be used as a nickname along with Rik.

Holden
The main character in J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has long been regarded as a teen icon for his angsty rebelliousness.

Holly
Holiday "Holly" Golightly is the beloved star of Truman Capote's novella Breakfast at Tiffany's. Audrey Hepburn famously played Holly in the much-loved movie version.

Homer
If you're a fan of Greek literature and classic names, go with Homer, the presumed author of both the Odyssey and the Iliad.

Josephine (Jo)
Jo is a favorite character in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, thanks to her bravery and principles. She's also a book lover and writer herself, so naming your child Josephine gives her a literary character to look up to.

Jules
Looking to raise a child who loves travel? Consider the unisex Jules, either as a given name or as a nickname for Julian or Julia. Your child will share it with Jules Verne, the French author who wrote Around the World in Eighty Days, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Langston
Inspired by the leader of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, the name is of Old English origin and could have Lang as a nickname.

literary baby names
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Madeline
The star of a series of classic children's books written and illustrated by Ludwig Bemelmans, Madeline is the smallest of her friends and also the bravest.

Maxine
Writer Maxine Hong Kingston has received several awards for her contributions to Chinese American literature.

Maya
Poet, memoirist and civil rights activist Maya Angelou is best known for her autobiographical books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Oscar
Whether you want to honor Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde or the protagonist of Junot Diaz's Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, this classic name can be spelled both Oscar and Oskar.

Roald
British writer Roald Dahl is best known for children's books such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach.

Rosalind
Rosalind is the heroine of Shakespeare's play As You Like It, as well as the title of a poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and a play by J. M. Barrie.

Wilder
Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie can give their child this unisex name.

Willa
American writer Willa Cather is known for her novels about the frontier and pioneer experience, and for her gorgeous first name. It can be a nickname for Wilhelmina or used to honor a relative named William.

Zadie
This less-common variation of Sadie is the diminutive of Sarah and makes a cool name on its own. Your child would share the name with English novelist Zadie Smith, whose debut novel White Teeth became an award-winning best seller.

Zora
Author, anthropologist and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God.

—Taylor Clifton & Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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Pay homage to every kid’s favorite poet by celebrating his birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2! From The Lorax to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Dr. Seuss’ stories have a special place in our hearts (and our heads—we could probably recite The Cat in the Hat by heart by now!). Get the fun rolling and whip up one of these tasty Seuss-inspired treats your little bookworm is sure to love.

Cat in the Hat Tomato Stack
The Cat in the Hat might just be one of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic characters, and this snack from Anders Ruff is the perfect way to bring him to your plate. The mozzarella and tomato makes for a tasty twist on the classic caprese salad. Click here to get the recipe.

tomato-and-cheese-stack
photo: Anders Ruff

I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! Tiger Pops
Your kiddos might not be too enthusiastic about licking zoo animals, but they’ll definitely love noshing on these adorable pops from Play Eat Grow. They’re super easy to throw together using colorful candy wafers. Click here to find out how it’s done.

tiger-pops
photo: Play Eat Grow

The Grinch Who Hash
Warm up with a big bowl of Who Hash (that’s corned beef hash to the citizens of Whoville) from Food in Literature and cross your fingers that the Grinch doesn’t come and try to swipe the whole stash. To get the recipe, along with a printable label to decorate your cans, click here.

who-hash
photo: Food in Literature

A Pile of Cupcakes
Like one of Seuss’ topsy turvy stories, this stack of cupcakes from Easybaked will make the tots smile. Luckily, you won’t have to dig out your mini muffin tin—the mini cupcakes are just peanut butter cups with frosting on top. To snag the recipe, click here.

pile-of-cupcakes
photo: Easybaked

The Lorax Lunch Plate
How cute is this creation by The Fantastic Five? With a Lorax face sandwich, broccoli grass, and cotton candy Truffula Trees, there’s no way a kid could resist this meal. Click here to get all the info on how to recreate it.

lorax-plate
photo: The Fantastic Five

Dye-Free Green Eggs and Ham
Make the classic green eggs without using artificial food coloring. This genius recipe from The Food Charlatan makes use of spinach and a blender for a crazy quick and delicious (not to mention festive!) breakfast. Click here to get the full recipe.

dye-free green eggs and ham
photo: The Food Charlatan

The Lorax Fruit & Veggie Plate
Get inspired by Little Food Junction to create a whimsical Seussian plate using whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand. An orange becomes a face, grapes are eyes, and leftover lettuce is facial hair—the sky’s the limit. Click here for more details.

Lorax
photo: Little Food Junction

— Susie Foresman

 

Who knew? The Youth Poet Laureate sensation who wowed us during President Biden’s inauguration contends with speech and auditory processing challenges. Never would I have thought this while listening to Amanda Gorman’s truly memorable performance that day. This is a quintessential example of how one’s passion for her art is more than enough to rise above a diagnosis, inspire others, and be remembered. It also illustrates that where a deficit exists, there are ways to compensate for it.

In addition to the auditory processing disorder, which had been diagnosed when she was in kindergarten, Amanda Gorman has speech articulation-related challenges which make it difficult to pronounce certain words and sounds. Consequently, she learned how to read later than her peers and depended upon special accommodations in school which is commonly given to students with disabilities. But once she learned how to read, she began to immerse herself in books, started to write her own material, and discovered how adept she was at these pursuits. An appearance at the Library of Congress, the publication of her first book of poetry, and being named the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate would soon follow.

When I first read about Amanda’s auditory processing disorder, I felt an even greater sense of admiration for her than when I previously watched her recite “The Hill We Climb” during the presidential inauguration ceremony. I thought the extent of my admiration that day could not be exceeded considering the absolutely stellar performance she had delivered and the emotional impact of her words. I was wrong.

It takes a great deal of courage to reveal one’s vulnerabilities, and when they come to light, the wow factor that already surrounds an exceptionally talented person is elevated to a whole new level. The true strength of that individual surfaces when what had been overcome along the road to glory becomes known. If this kind of story is not inspirational, then I don’t know what is.

As I’m sure is the case with many, Gorman’s ascent into the public spotlight resonates quite strongly with me. Her narrative and mine share a few significant commonalities. I, too have been contending with auditory processing challenges which stem from an early childhood learning disability diagnosis in auditory perception as well as from an autism spectrum diagnosis that would emerge decades later. I too needed special accommodations in grade school and resisted a few of these, including an offer to take the SAT’s untimed, which I promptly rejected because I insisted on being evaluated on the same terms as my fellow classmates. Amanda admits to having refused extra time on tests as well. We both found ways to compensate for our challenges, enabling us to achieve our unique definitions of success against all kinds of odds. And, both of us have not been afraid to open up about our struggles.

Love who you are and be who you are, at all costs. Doing so entails acknowledging and accepting not merely your strengths but also your hardships, and addressing those hardships on your terms, in your own way and in your own time, so as to move forward. Once you commit to this kind of philosophy, the sky’s the limit. Gorman is clearly a case in point. Greta Thunberg is another, referring to her Asperger’s diagnosis as “a superpower.” And of course, there are countless others turning adversity into triumph every day, eager to make substantive contributions to society but who have not yet been given the opportunity to do so. An immeasurable accumulation of untapped potential rests with these people, potential that is waiting to be realized and on which our world and our future arguably depend.    

Let Amanda Gorman and the spirit behind her poem “The Hill We Climb” be an inspiration not only to the country but, on an individual level, to those who share her struggles and to everybody looking to better themselves. Let at least some of the poem’s more meaningful words and ideas sink in and encourage us to greater things: “dream,” “never be permanently defeated,” “step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid,” “rise,” “brave,” and “the new dawn blooms” come to mind. America’s metaphorical hill to climb is steep, to say the least. Too much anger, divisiveness, violence, inequity, and disease. Not enough peaceful coexistence, decency, unity, and normalcy in the way we remember it pre-COVID. Gorman has shown that she can climb her own personal hill by working through an auditory processing disorder and speech processing challenges en route to newfound fame, remarkably, as a poet and a performer. So, too can we dig deep and climb our own individual hills, by confronting whatever adversities stand in our way. We become stronger as a result. Our collective strength as a nation becomes that much greater as we all climb the hill Amanda Gorman envisions us climbing.

 

This post originally appeared on The Hill, Changing America.

SAM FARMER wears many hats, among them father, husband, musician, computer consultant, autism spectrum community contributor, and author of the new book, A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens, which is now available on Amazon

 

February is Black History Month, a time to remember, recognize, honor, and reflect on the achievements of Black Americans. We’re talking about history-defining people like Harriet Tubman, a slave who led other slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad; Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks, who fought for equality in America; and Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States.

Throughout the month of February, we’ll be sharing stories about Black leaders who’ve broken barriers, fought for equal rights, and made significant impacts throughout the history of the United States. This week, we begin with five young Black female leaders changing the world and making history.

1. Amanda Gorman (Poet, Author & Activist)
Amanda Gorman is a twenty-two-year-old poet whose poems touch upon race, feminism, and oppression. In 2017, Amanda Gorman became the first US National Youth Laureate—a title that’s given to one person who has shown mastery of poetry and/or the spoken word and advocates for social justice. In 2021, she recited an original poem at the US presidential inauguration, becoming the youngest-known person ever to achieve this. Her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” painted both the pain of the past and hope for the future. —By the Library of Congress, LOC, Public Domain

2. Mari Copeny (Clean Water Activist & Women’s March Ambassador)
When she was just eight years old, she wrote to then-president Barack Obama about the toxic water that was running through the pipes of her city, Flint, Michigan. In her letter, she asked that President Obama visit her city and lift people’s spirits. The president did visit and eventually declared a state of emergency for the toxic water crisis in Flint. Mari has continued to fight for clean water and has raised funds to support kids in need across the country. —Created by Hillel Steinberg via @Flickr CC by 2.0

3. Naomi Wadler (Anti-Gun Activist)
In 2018, Naomi Wadler led an eighteen-minute walkout at her elementary school in support of the March For Our Lives protests that were happening around the country. This protest represented the seventeen victims of the Parkland school shooting and the one African American girl who was a victim of gun violence at her school in Alabama. She later spoke in front of a massive crowd at the March For Our Lives rally In Washington, DC, and asked the country to remember the Black women and girls who are victims of gun violence, but who are often left out of newspapers. —Naomi WadlerTribeca Disruptive Innovation, CC BY-SA 3.0  via Wikimedia Commons

4. Marley Dias (Author & Activist)
In 2015, Marley Dias founded the campaign #1000BlackGirlBooks because she couldn’t find books where the main character looked like her. That had to change. She set up a book drive and a goal of collecting one thousand books where the main protagonist was female and Black. Since then, she’s expanded her efforts internationally and has written books herself. —Marley Dias by WBLS 107.5 NYC, CC by 3.0

5. Yara Shahidi (Actress & Activist)
Yara Shahidi may be a household name because of her recurring role on Black-ish and Grown-ish, but it’s her time away from the set that’s perhaps propelled her into an even bigger spotlight. From getting young people out to vote through her Eighteen x 18 initiative or speaking out on social justice issues, she’s using her star power to make a difference. —Yara Shahidi ColliderVideo, CC by 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids.
Photo: Wikimedia commons
Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation? 

Amanda Gorman made history on Jan. 20, 2021 as the youngest poet laureate ever to recite the inaugural poem. Composed, passionate and just 22 years-old, her words were heard by people across America and across the world. Coming this fall, Ms. Gorman has two new books with Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers. Read on for the scoop.

Book 1: Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

 

This picture book, geared toward ages 4-8, is a lyrical book, richly illustrated by Loren Long a NY Times bestselling illustrator. Picture a cast of characters led by a young, singing girl, to create change in their communities and the world, all designed to remind young kids that they have the power to make change and achieve anything.

Available for pre-order here, $16.95 (Hardcover)

Out in Sept. 21, 2021

 

Book 2: The Hill We Climb 

This collection of new poems from LA’s poet laureate, including the inaugural poem “The Hill We Climb” which she recited at the swearing in of President Biden and Vice President Harris. Believe it or not, this is Gorman’s first collection of published works. Geared toward ages 14 and up.

Preorder it here, $19.95 (Hardcover)

Out Sep. 21, 2021

Book 3: The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country 

This special edition book featuring the single poem, “The Hill We Climb” in its entirety. Geared toward ages 14 and up (Makes a great teacher gift!)

Preorder it here, $15.99 (Hardcover)

Available Apr. 27, 2021

photo: Shawn Miller via Wikimedia Commons 

 

About Amanda Gorman

Most of us know her now as the inaugural Poet Laureate of the United States, who was invited to read a poem at the inauguration of the 46th president. She is actually the first person ever to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She graduated from Harvard and now lives in LA where she is an activist and educator. Learn more about her at theamandagorman.com

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Get your little ones excited to read this summer. Parents magazine’s August “Raise a Reader” issue features its first-ever list of 100 Books to Inspire Your Kids covering a wide range of titles to help turn children of all ages into readers. To create the list, Parents asked celebrated authors to share the book that opened their children’s eyes to the joy of reading. 

child reading

The issue’s cover story features NBC’s TODAY co-host Jenna Bush Hager. Hager shares with readers how literacy has shaped her life. Other features of the issue include tips on how to Raise a Child Who Loves to Read and the announcement of Raising the Future Book Club which launches on Aug. 7.

The book club’s first selection is Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, Ph.D. Kendi will lead a discussion of the book on Parent’s Instagram on Aug 7 at 3 p.m. ET. Visit http://parents.com/bookclub for more information. 

The new book club is part of Parents “Raising the Future” long-term initiative aimed as diversifying the voices and representation in its content and delivering more of the advice families need to nurture a generation of good people.

Parents Editor-in-Chief Julia Edelstein writes in her August issue Editor’s Letter, “If we want the world to change—and for our children to be the changemakers—we must embrace stories from more than one point of view.”.

Highlights from the list of 100 Books to Inspire Your Kids, along with the authors who selected them follow:

  • Encyclopedia Brown series, by Donald J. Sobol (ages 8 to 12)—selected by Nic Stone, author of Clean Getaway
  • In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak (ages 4 to 8)—selected by Jenna Bush Hager, coauthor of Sisters First
  • The Little Grey Men, by B.B. (ages 8 to 12)—selected by actor Julie Andrews, author of Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years
  • Magic Tree House series, by Mary Pope Osborne (ages 7 to 12)—selected by Tomi Adeyemi, author of Children of Blood and Bone
  • Miracle’s Boys, by Jacqueline Woodson (ages 10+)—selected by Elizabeth Acevedo, author of The Poet X
  • Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank (ages 10)—selected by Lesléa Newman, author of Heather Has Two Mommies
  • Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson (ages 9+)—selected by actor Neil Patrick Harris, author of The Magic Misfits: The Fourth Suit
  • Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes (ages 4 to 8)—selected by Meg Medina, author of Merci Suárez Changes Gears
  • Frederick, by Leo Lionni (ages 3 to 7)—selected by Dan Santat, author of The Adventures of Beekle
  • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, by Mildred D. Taylor (ages 11+)—selected by Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give
  • Baby Island, by Carol Ryrie Brink (ages 9 to 12)—selected by Ann M. Martin, author of the Baby-Sitters Club series
  • Ramona series, by Beverly Cleary (ages 8-12)—selected by Rainbow Rowell, author of Eleanor & Park; Daniel Handler, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events; and Kevin Henkes, author of The Year of Billy Miller
  • Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett Jr. (ages 10+)—selected by Derrick Barnes, author of I Am Every Good Thing

For the full list of 100 books selected by noteworthy authors and celebrities, visit https://www.parents.com/100books.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Annie Spratt on Unsplash

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Your little mer-people can work up quite the appetite swimming all summer, so that’s why it’s important to have the perfect seaside snacks ready to go. From mermaid toast and under the sea graham crackers, we’ve rounded up a nice combo of healthy and sweet treats that will keep your gaggle of mermaids riding the waves. Keep scrolling to see our faves.

Mermaid Toast

The Skinny Fork

Move over avocado toast, it's time to enjoy this breakfast fave mermaid-style! This healthy option is made with cream cheese and yogurt for a sweet and tangy toast that's made even more magical with fun food coloring. Find the easy recipe at The Skinny Fork.

Under the Sea Graham Crackers

The First Year

Festive and oh-so-easy, these under the sea graham crackers pair every kiddos fave snacks! Pantry staples like graham crackers, goldfish and sprinkles combine with blue frosting to make a fun underwater scene that can be as simple or as detailed as you want. Get all the details at The First Year.

Mermaid Muddy Buddies

Violet and blue treats sit waiting for a mermaid themed birthday idea for kids
Pink Cake Plate

Your fave Chex Mix treat just got a mer-makeover! Powdered sugar and candy melts turn this normally dark-colored snack into a magical munchie that no one can resist. Head to Pink Cake Plate the full recipe.

Sand Dollar Cookies

Poet in the Pantry

How cute are these sand dollar cookies from Poet in the Pantry? Your little sous chef can get involved rolling the cookies in cinnamon sugar and placing the sliced almonds on top. Find out how to make these snickerdoodles gone beachy by clicking here.

Mermaid Tails

pool party ideas
Ever After in the Woods

Pretzels plus colorful chocolate equals adorable mermaid tails! Perfect for an after school snack or a mer-themed party, these easy to make tails use melting chocolates, sprinkles and simple pretzel rods, but look like a million bucks. Get the easy recipe from Ever After in the Woods.

Shark Bait Popcorn

Jennier Thurston

Make a simple mix inspired by Jennifer Thurston. Popcorn, white chocolate and Swedish fish are a match made in heaven for movie-watching or afternoon snacking. To see the recipe, click here.

Mermaid Bark

Jasper & Willow

Whimsical and sweet, this mermaid bark is not only pleasing to the eye, but perfectly palatable, too! Melting chocolate is colored and swirled, then topped with decadent candies and sprinkles! You can find the whole recipe at Jasper & Willow.

Mermaid Donut Holes

A Magical Mess

Pre-made donut holes are your best friend with this sweet. They are dipped in melted chocolate, then topped with homemade mermaid tails made from a DIY candy mold. While this snack takes a bit more time, the end result is a treat for the eyes. Head to A Magical Mess for the full tutorial.

Homemade Chex Mix

Brownie Bites

Put an ocean-inspired twist on your classic Chex Mix recipe by adding goldfish crackers, like in this recipe from Brownie Bites. Let the munching begin! Click here to get the recipe.

Tuna Salsa Wrap

Blogging with Apples

For a quick and healthy lunch, whip up Blogging with Apples’ awesome wrap recipe, filled with crunchy veggies and savory tuna. To grab the recipe, click here.

Oven Baked Fish Nuggets

The Cook's Pyjamas

Skip the frozen fish fingers and make this fab recipe from The Cook’s Pyjamas instead. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole gang. Click here to grab the recipe.

—Karly Wood & Susie Foresman

Feature photo: iStock

 

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