Diversity defines our world consistently, setting people apart from each other all over the world. As Black History Month passes, learn about unique groups and how they contribute to our nation today. Every gender, age, race, and personality each add something new and unique to an already diverse society. No matter what group it is, they each have different figures that have made an impact by promoting what they believe in.

Every year during February is the celebration of Black History. In this month is a group of influential people so large, an endless amount of people could be mentioned. From the struggle of the racial equality movement to the current day, many have contributed to the quality of life for African Americans, while also adding to the culture of the United States at the same time.

To begin with, Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most prominent figures of this movement in the 20^th century, relentlessly led it with patience and love, changing the approach in an effective way that eventually allowed for much progress to happen. Multiple leaders also influenced people through their writing, like Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, and Malcolm X; each expressed their thoughts either through biographies, poetry, or other forms of expression to clarify their opinions and reach others with another medium. Generally, the 1900’s produced some of the greatest literature in history, especially during the movement for racial equality. Overall, African Americans have added many characteristics to America overtime, like their food, traditions, religious beliefs, ways of speaking, and actions, which have all fused along with other groups to create the current definition of U.S. culture.

Another group that has gained more prominence and acceptance in the 21^st century are those that are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. While being discriminated for many years, this group has started to gain full acceptance in society, becoming a normal part of it, and adding their own voice to the nation. Some examples could include Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper, and multiple athletes that have all made an impact in the field of acceptance. Both through television, DeGeneres and Cooper impact others in their own ways, both with humor and an informative nature. While attracting many viewers, they make a difference in the lives of others by creating laughter and serving as a respected and popular news anchor respectively. Each help build positivity towards these topics, and even have impacted, among other things, the fight for legalization of gay marriage and other standards. Though the typical gay stereotype is someone who is artsy or creative, it really depends on the individual. While much of this group’s creativity influences the fashion industry and other industries, they also are just one of the many facets of creativity that define the nation daily.

Both women and men have faced many stereotypes over the course of history. Instead of meeting inhibiting expectations people constantly defy them in the modern age. Though gender equality is a process, there have been serious steps towards progress, especially with projects like HeForShe. This project, endorsed by the United Nations and other sponsors, has influential leaders and ambassadors like Emma Watson. In a speech she gave last fall, she defined their exact purpose- to create “a movement for gender equality that brings together one half of humanity in support of the other half of humanity, for the benefit of all.” Gender equality impacts both the male and the female, with gender stereotypes being at the center of the argument. Current issues like these have been presented by countless others also; currently President Barack Obama said in the State of the Union that there is a necessity for equal wages for either gender today. Accordingly, the balance between the two genders is increasingly important, and while in the past the distinction between genders has defined history, equality is what is needed for the future, with strong leaders in the world, nation, and even community.

Overall, the various impacts of different groups have constructed and will continue to construct the world around us. Distinct groups define America’s culture, but in the end it is the individual that serves as the most important. Every individual plays a key role in creating a society that is the best for all, with equality and diversity as focuses, while adding their own ideas, thoughts, actions, and influences of their own. We should celebrate our individuality, but also consider the possible impact of one community as we continue to move forward.

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