This is the third and final post in our series celebrating the contributions of great African American Heroes in honor of Black History Month
Harriet Tubman (1820?-1913) was born a slave near Bucktown, MD. At about the age of 29 she escaped to the North. Before the outbreak of the Civil War she made nineteen journeys back to lead other slaves—including her own parents and most of her brothers and sisters—to freedom along the secret route known as the Underground Railroad. Slave owners were constantly on the lookout for Tubman and offered large rewards for her capture, but they never succeeded in seizing her or any of the slaves she helped escape. She helped so many blacks escape to freedom that she became known as the “Moses of her people.”(see Harriet Tubman’s song, co-written with fellow children’s recording artist Dave Kinnoin, titled Take a Ride from Jonathan Sprout’s American Heroes CD )
George Washington Carver (1864?-1943), known as the Peanut Man, helped countless poor Southerners survive as farmers. Born a slave, he overcame harsh racial prejudice to earn two college degrees, becoming one of the most famous scientists of his time. His research reportedly led to the development of 300 products made from peanuts. From the sweet potato, he found more than 100 uses. A soft-spoken, modest man, Professor Carver donated his savings near the end of his life so his research could continue. On his gravestone is written: “He found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.” (See George Washington Carver’s song, co-written with Jimmy Hammer and Dave Kinnoin, titled Peanut Man from Jonathan Sprout’s American Heroes #3 CD ).
Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) overcame severe physical handicaps to become one of America’s greatest athletes. As a young girl living in poverty, child #20 in a family of 22 children, she was often sick. At the age of six, she was fitted with a metal leg brace and told she would never walk again. Through determination, dedication, and great courage, Wilma Rudolph turned her life around to become the “fastest woman in the world” as well as the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. In her soft-spoken, calm, and gracious manner, she taught us that we must not allow our circumstances to hinder our potential to succeed. After winning her three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Summer Olympics, the mayor of her home town wanted to hold a parade in Wilma’s honor. She agreed to participate only if the town would change its segregated custom and hold a racially integrated parade and banquet. It did. This was the first fully integrated municipal event in the history of Clarksville, Tennessee. (See Wilma Rudolph’s song Can’t Stop Running from Jonathan Sprout’s American Heroes #3 CD)
Jonathan Sprout’s American Heroes CD, won critical acclaim and awards from The National Association of Parenting Publications & Parents’ Choice as a groundbreaking CD in the field of educational children’s music. A sequel, More American Heroes CD, has been awarded The Film Advisory Board’s Award of Excellence and Parents’ Choice Awards. Jonathan’s American Heroes #3 CD won eleven national awards, including a 2010 GRAMMY® nomination. American Heroes #4 is now available! on Songs For Teaching!