January Heroes & Sheroes
This month, we will commemorate the birth and lifetime work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At Roots, this is always celebrated in grand fashion. On Friday, January 12, we will spend the day hearing his speeches, watching videos about his life, singing freedom songs, and participating in a mock "sit-in" and freedom march. King was born on January 15, 1929, and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. 's birthday is a nationwide holiday, celebrated Monday, January 15, 2024.
We celebrate the birthday of our beloved ancestor, Mr. Johnie D. Wilson, born on January 3, 1919, and transitioned on January 4, 2006. He was a community leader, activist, and Roots’ neighbor. Mr. Wilson served on the Roots ALC Council of Elders and was a founding member of the Roots PCS Board of Trustees. Since 1990 until his transition, he continued to be a faithful Roots benefactor.
We also celebrate the birthday of our present-day shero, former First Lady Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama. She was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, IL. She serves as a lawyer, writer, and the wife of the 44th President, Barack Obama. She is the first African American First Lady of the United States. Through her four main initiatives, she has become a prominent role model for women. She is an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls’ education.