More than halfway through Black History Month we're witnessing African-Americans stand up and encourage others to celebrate their past throughout the entire year.
Here in New York City, namely, the Bronx, six students from the Bronx Academy of Promise Charter School proved just how valuable it is to know one's history, as they won the Verizon Innovative App Challenge. Earning the distinction back in 2013, the then-sixth grade student group decided to create something inventive rather than just falling victim to the trappings of technology.
The team, inspired by one another, designed an app to get minority students interested in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). By using a Greek mythology theme, these motivated minds made a multilevel learning program that was named best in the state, and one of the top ten in the nation. Fast forward two years, and the now-eighth grade collective has become the face of a national campaign led by Verizon for Black History Month.
QuestMath, their successful app, has allowed these award-winning students to become leaders in their school. Michael Bonnah, Jhony Flores, King Lewis, Samuel Owusu, Sherly Quezada, and Rokia Sisko took their idea from the storyboard to the MIT App Inventor (a cloud-based tool that helps users design and program their own apps) to the hands of developing minds around the country. But they're not the only brilliant minds to put a colorful spin on app creation.
As you'll see in our list below, we wanted to profile some other content creators who urge all lovers of history (no matter their race or ethnicity) to check out these 5 Black History Apps!
Developed by FrogWerkz LLC, this educational app allows users to discover unique and interesting factoids about people such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Wally Amos, entrepreneur, author and founder of the Famous Amos cookie brand.
This app is worth the 99-cent price of admission, as the Blue Sodium Corp. offers an amazing retrospective look at some of the most inspirational quotes that define the lives and legacies of African-Americans such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Tupac Amaru Shakur.
Created by CM Innovations LLC, this informative look into the lives of Africans and African-Americans is a must-have. In addition to stunning imagery and a biography about historical figures such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson and W.E.B. DuBois, there are also links to videos and music that'll bring you that much closer to history.
From the ancient civilizations of Egypt to the modern day marvels in Manhattan, CC Media Ltd. proudly presents a collection of amazing "Did You Know" facts related to the Black Man. Created to enlighten interested parties, this app is chock full of intriguing tidbits that will educate you about black history.
Developed by In Business Solutions LLC, this collection contains information, contributions and achievements from influential African Americans. Great for historical context or just to be shared with family and friends, this app is necessary to have close to your fingertips at all times.
And you can watch the #PotentialOfUs video for yourself below:
