There have been hundreds, if not thousands of influential Americans throughout the history of our nation. Some have been leaders, authors, inventors, musicians, and even popular celebrities. Not one of them started out knowing how much they would shape the future of America, or its culture. There memories will live on forever, in our lives, and in our hearts.
Stephen Foster comes directly to mind as he is often portrayed as America’s first song writer, or the “father of American music.†He brought us classics such as “O! Susanna,†“Swanee River,†and “Beautiful Dreamer.†All of his songs remain popular today, over 150 years after they were written.
Benjamin Spock, and American pediatrician who wrote the famous book Baby and Child Care. The message was considered revolutionary at the time when he stated “you know more than you think you do.†He was the first pediatrician to study psychoanalysis in order to try and understand the needs of a child. His findings were that we should openly love, and be affectionate with our children, and forever changed the way we raise children.
Rachel Carson was an Americans marine biologist, author, and conservationist. She wrote about the environmental troubles caused by synthetic pesticides in her book, Silent Spring, her warnings, and teachings, brought on the banning of DDT, and other dangerous pesticides. Her movement lead to the eventual creation of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and was the first man in six decades to play professionally. By crossing the line not only did he help bring an end to racial segregation, but he gave hope to those who also shared his dream. However, he didn’t stop there. No, he was also the first African American TV analyst in the MLB as well as the first African American vice president of a major corporation, Freedom Bank.
