"I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted."
We asked the BuzzFeed Community to share some black history facts that they found to be surprising. Here's what we learned.
1. A black woman invented the sanitary belt.
2. In 1951, Henrietta Lacks's cancer cells led to major discoveries in medical research.
3. Dorothy Dandridge was the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
4. The first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1893 by a black surgeon named Dr. Daniel Hale Williams.
5. John Rock was the first African American Supreme Court lawyer.
6. Thelonious Monk was one of the greatest jazz composers and a strong leader in the jazz revolution.
7. Betty Boop was based on a black woman.
8. Musa I of Mali is considered the richest man in history.
9. Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan were the women behind the NASA space race.
10. A black transgender woman named Marsha P. Johnson helped lead the Stonewall uprising.
11. Bayard Rustin was an openly gay civil rights activist.
12. Henry Box Brown escaped to freedom at the age of 33.
13. Ida B. Wells led a movement against lynchings in the 1890s through her informative essays and brave activism.
14. The Harlem Hellfighters spent 191 days in the trenches during World War I, more than any other American unit.
15. In 1921, "Black Wall Street" was a thriving community of black businesses.
16. The youth of Birmingham, Alabama, led a nonviolent Children's Crusade in 1963.
17. And finally, Martin Luther King Jr. was not the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Do you know of any other black history facts you wish everyone else knew? Tell us in the comments below!
CORRECTION
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in public speaking and communication, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and I will use my expertise to address your questions and provide valuable insights.
Concepts Related to the Article
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Public Speaking: Public speaking refers to the act of delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It involves conveying information, persuading or entertaining the audience through words, physical delivery, and visual or audio aids .
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Introduction: The introduction is a crucial part of a speech. It serves to capture the audience's attention, establish the speaker's credibility, and provide an overview of the main points to be discussed . An effective introduction should include an attention-getter, an introduction of the topic, speaker credibility, and a forecast of the main points .
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Credibility: Credibility is the perception of the audience regarding the speaker's trustworthiness, expertise, and competence on the topic being discussed. Establishing credibility is essential in gaining the audience's trust and persuading them to accept the speaker's message .
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Main Points: Main points are the key ideas or arguments that the speaker presents to support their thesis or central message. These points should be clear, well-organized, and relevant to the topic. Previewing the main points in the introduction helps the audience follow the structure of the speech .
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Organization: Organizing a speech involves structuring the content in a logical and coherent manner. A well-organized speech enhances clarity of thought, improves audience understanding, and increases the speaker's credibility . It is important to establish a clear purpose, provide relevant supporting information, and use effective transitions between ideas.
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Delivery: Delivery refers to the manner in which a speaker presents their speech to the audience. It includes aspects such as vocal tone, body language, eye contact, and use of visual aids. Effective delivery enhances the audience's engagement and understanding of the message.
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Ethos: Ethos is one of the three modes of persuasion in public speaking, along with logos (logic) and pathos (emotion). Ethos refers to the speaker's credibility and character, which influences the audience's perception of the speaker's trustworthiness and expertise .
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Attention Getter: An attention getter is a technique used in the introduction of a speech to capture the audience's attention and create interest in the topic. It can be a startling fact, a quote, a story, or a demonstration .
Conclusion
In conclusion, public speaking is a dynamic and impactful form of communication. By understanding the concepts of public speaking, such as the importance of a strong introduction, credibility, main points, organization, delivery, and ethos, you can enhance your ability to deliver effective speeches and engage your audience. Remember to carefully plan and structure your speech, establish your credibility, and use attention-getting techniques to make a lasting impression.