Built by the Game and Backed by Think Together

When Aleyda moved from Mexico to Los Angeles County just two years ago, everything changed at once. A new school. A new language. A new community. Starting over meant rebuilding her world from the ground up. 

Despite the challenges of a new environment, Aleyda found a familiar constant in Think Together’s sports program at her school. Her passion for sports was nurtured by her family, which translated into a safe afterschool space for her through basketball and soccer. 

“When I had recently arrived from Mexico, I started training afterschool with Mr. Alex, the Think Together Site Assistant at the time, and it truly left a positive impact on me,” said Aleyda. “I was able to familiarize myself with my teammates and strengthen my skills in sports because I was being encouraged to dedicate time to it every day.”   

Some of the most cherished memories Aleyda has created within Think Together have been the times she’s spent with her teammates. The many shared tournaments that have resulted in many laughs, trophy wins, and even disagreements have made her time with Think Together that much sweeter and memorable. 

“It’s important to have sports programs like Think Together’s because they help you feel like you’re part of something,” said Aleyda. “If you’re just starting and don’t know much about a sport, the support is there to help you excel. I learned so many new sports skills that I didn’t realize I was missing.”

While sports have been at the heart of her Think Together journey, Aleyda has also enjoyed the many other diverse opportunities the program has to offer. She learned new abilities in the cooking club with recipes, explored new places like the beach and UCLA’s campus through field trips, and received the academic support she needed for her schoolwork.  

“Our Think Together program has been a bridge to opportunity for Aleyda, fueling her growth athletically, academically and emotionally,” said Aleyda’s Think Together Site Program Manager Rey Diamond. “The staff has been here to support her and make her feel comfortable and build her confidence. She has taken advantage of so many opportunities that broaden her exposure to new experiences.” 

After graduation, Aleyda plans to attend her local community college and aspires to pursue a career in either criminology or nursing. She credits much of the growth she’s made since she moved to the United States to the Think Together team at her school. They’ve helped her excel academically when she needed extra support and ensured she was equipped with the tools she needed for life after high school.  

“My time at Think Together feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ve learned to live in the moment because I won’t be able to do this again after I graduate,” said Aleyda. “You build a friendship with the staff, and it will be something I’ll always cherish in the future.” 

Think Together strives to create successful pathways for students like Aleyda that will prepare them for life after high school graduation. Whether through college and career readiness workshops, internships, field trips, or hands-on learning experiences, Think Together ensures students feel empowered to discover new possibilities.  

Interested in doing your part to change the odds for students like Aleyda? Discover all the ways you can get involved with Think Together, whether that’s supporting an event, volunteering your time, organizing a fundraiser, or exploring corporate partnership opportunities. 

Women’s History Month was founded by the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) in 1980 in Santa Rosa, California, and has since worked toward creating a space to write women back into history. Every year, the NWHA selects a theme to celebrate women’s history and this year they’ve designated it as “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”  

Please join Think Together in highlighting the many women who are inspiring generations to come to continue to break barriers!

The Beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement

Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Mary M’Clintock, Martha Coffin Wright, and Jane Hunt were the five women who organized the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 in New York. The convention was the catalyst that set off the suffrage era, when women fought for their social and civil rights. 

First Woman in Congress

As the suffrage movement was gaining traction, Jeanette Rankin was the first woman to be elected to Congress, representing Montana in 1916. She won her election to the House of Representatives by a margin of 7,500 votes and dedicated her term to advocating women’s rights. Rankin was one of the founding members of the Committee on Woman Suffrage, which spearheaded the legislation to grant women the right to vote nationwide. 

Voting Became a Constitutional Right for Women

In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified into the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Although minority women were discouraged from joining the national suffrage movement, many supported the amendment as they believed it was a step into the right direction for equality. The National Association of Colored Women Clubs (NACWC) was established in 1896 to create a space for Black women during the movement. 

The same year the 19th Amendment was ratified, over eight million women flocked to the voting polls across the U.S. to cast their votes during the election in November. It still took more than 60 years for all the states to ratify the 19th Amendment; Mississippi being the last state in 1984. 

Sky’s the Limit for Legendary Woman Pilot

American Aviator Amelia Earhart made history in 1932 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Three years later, she became the first person ever to fly alone from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. Her Atlantic Ocean flight earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross, the first woman to receive that honor. Earhart is regarded as a pioneer for women in aviation, and to this day her tragic disappearance in 1937 while flying over the Pacific Ocean remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time. 

The “First Lady of Physics”

Dubbed the “First Lady of Physics,” “Queen of Nuclear Research,” and “the Chinese Madame Curie,” Chinese American particle and experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, made groundbreaking contributions to the scientific field. In 1944, she became a vital member of the Manhattan Project, using her expertise as a particle physicist to develop the process for separating uranium into uranium-235 and uranium-238 isotopes by gaseous diffusion. 

Wu was also the first female instructor to join the faculty at Princeton University and is the first woman to receive a Doctor of Science from Princeton University.

A Little Girl Named “Annie Allen” Makes History

Gwendolyn Brooks poetry book “Annie Allen,” which is the story of an African American girl growing up into adulthood, received a Pulitzer Prize in poetry in 1950. Brooks made history as the first Black person to win the award and was also the first Black woman to serve as Consultant of Poetry for the Library of Congress. Much of her work revolved around telling the story of Black people and the injustices they faced. Brooks published her first poem, “Eventide,” when she was only 13 years old.

¡Si Se Puede!

Dolores Huerta was a leading force behind Latino activism in the late 1960s. She began her career as an elementary school teacher but resigned when she realized the devastating conditions her students lived in and the unfair treatment their parents received from being farm workers.

Huerta established various associations to support migrant farm workers in California, her biggest accomplishment being when she teamed up with fellow civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Together, they co-founded the national United Farm Workers of America Labor Union, which works toward helping migrant farm workers establish equal workplace practices in the agricultural industry to this day. The union’s famous slogan during protests being, “¡Si se puede!” (Yes, we can!).

Women Can Be College Athletes

Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink played a pivotal role in the passing of Title IX of the Education Act in 1972 which stated that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” She was the first Asian American and woman of color in Congress and was an advocate for breaking down barriers for all. Following her death in 2002, the Title IX act was officially renamed to the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act in her honor.

Title IX was mostly known for promoting gender equality in college sports, opening the door to numerous opportunities for women looking to pursue a college athletic career. It also banned discrimination based on sex in college courses such as science, technology, engineering, and math.

Women Establish Their Own Credit History

It wasn’t until 1974, when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) was passed that women were finally able to apply for credit cards in their own name. Previously, banks required a man to be present to co-sign when issuing a credit card if a woman was divorced, widowed, or single. If married, she could take out a card in her husband’s name. Women were also bombarded with questions by banks when applying for a credit card before the ECOA was passed. They’d be asked about their marital status, number of children or if they planned to have children.

First Woman Supreme Court Justice

Sandra Day O’Connor was nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, becoming the first woman to hold that position. She went to serve on the nation’s highest court for 24 years and was part of many groundbreaking cases like Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education and Bush v. Gore. After her retirement, she became a frequent lecturer and in 2009 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

Women Taking Over Space

Dr. Mae Jemison flew into space in 1992 aboard the Endeavour on mission STS47, making history as the first African American woman to go into space. She started her career in the medical field as a general practitioner and led medical research projects on rabies and a Hepatitis B vaccine, among other groundbreaking discoveries.

She later made a career change to become an astronaut and was the first Black woman in the NASA astronaut training program. During the eight days she was in space, she conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness on the crew and herself.

Fast forward to thirty years later, space continues to be a place for women to reach for the stars. Astronaut Kellie Gerardi became the 90th woman to fly into space and is now set to lead an-all female space crew in 2026 aboard Virgin Galactic’s Delta class spacecraft.

The Notorious RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the second woman, and first Jewish woman to ever be appointed as a Supreme Court justice. She was a women’s rights activist and fought for gender equality in the eyes of the law, while also being the lead counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Women’s Rights Project. One of her most notable cases were when she wrote the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in United States v. Virginia in 1996. The case landed on the decision that the state-supported Virginia Military Institute could not refuse to admit women. Ginsberg was also the first female tenured professor at Colombia University.

Creating Healthier American Youth

In 2010, the Let’s Move campaign proposed by then First Lady Michelle Obama created a monumental impact to school lunches in the United States. With the goal of including healthier, well-balanced meals for children, the campaign was able to pass the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act into law in 2010. With this legislation, it set new standards for school meals requiring them to offer more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. It also limited the amount of sodium, saturated fats, and trans fats that could be in the students’ meals. It provided over 21 million low-income students with reduced-price school lunches.

Women Making Huge Strides in Sports

During the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, fencing athlete Ibtihaj Muhammad made U.S. history by being the first Muslim woman to wear a hijab while representing the United States at the Olympics. She was also the first Muslim American woman to win an Olympic medal when she won a bronze medal for the U.S. Saber Fencing Team. Because of her barrier breaking achievements, Mattel honored Muhammad by creating a Barbie doll in her honor and likeness. Her Barbie is the first to be made wearing a hijab.

Another honored win was in 2023 when American gymnast Simone Biles became the most decorated gymnast in history at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. She won the individual all-around title at the world championships for the sixth time. Today, she holds 11 Olympic medals, coupled with 30 World Championship medals.

Later in 2024, women achieved another accomplishment in sports when the National Hockey League named its first female assistant league coach, Jessica Campbell, for the Seattle Kraken team. This is a huge accomplishment as it’s reported that women hold fewer than 25% of senior leadership positions in professional sports leagues.  

Native American Representation in Congress

U.S. politicians Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids were sworn in at the 116th Congress in 2019, becoming the first Native American women to serve in Congress. Haaland is also the first Native American to be part of a president’s Cabinet. She was selected to be President Biden’s Secretary of Interior, which oversees the U.S. government’s treaties and legal obligations to 574 federally recognized tribes.

Hi Barbie!

The live action film “Barbie” took the world by storm when it premiered in 2023. It was a cultural reset for the way women viewed themselves in society and has since become a beacon for feminism and gender equality. Just three weeks after premiering, Warner Bros. announced that the movie “Barbie” had generated $1.03 billion at the global box office, making writer and director Greta Gerwig the first female to solely direct a billion-dollar movie.

Women Continue Making History in Entertainment and Business

2025 was a standout year for women, with 11% of Fortune 500 companies being led by female executives. CEO Mary Barra of General Motors, stood as the highest-ranking female CEO to lead a Fortune 500 company.

That same year, the state of Virginia made history by electing its first female governor, Abigail Spanberger. It was an especially historic moment as it ended more than two centuries of all-male leadership in the state’s highest office.  

Women have had a continuous impact not just in the U.S., but also worldwide. Let’s work together to continue the conversation beyond Women’s History Month and keep the learning going!

At Think Together, we strive to create equal opportunities and provide impacting support for all students, regardless of their background.

Explore the links below to continue to expand your knowledge on all the incredible contributions and milestones women have made in history! 

Whittier Chamber of Commerce Recognizes
Associate Director of Program Excellence Jacquelyn Sanchez 

For 13 years, Jacquelyn Sanchez has helped change the odds in her community of Whittier, California. Starting as a volunteer and working her way up to her current role as associate director of program excellence, her commitment to Think Together’s mission has remained unshakeable, driven by a deep belief in expanding opportunities for students and families she proudly serves. 

Thank you to the Whittier Chamber of Commerce for featuring Jacquelyn’s story. Leaders like Jacquelyn are constant reminders of the impactful work we do every day.  

Read Jacquelyn’s story here! 

LA84 Continues to Empower Think Together Athletes 

In collaboration with the LA84 Foundation, Think Together will be providing 39 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties with access to free, high-quality competitive sports programs that will serve more than 3,000 students. These aspiring athletes will have access to basketball programs for girls and boys in the winter, soccer in the spring, and flag football in the fall. Select schools will also continue to offer co-ed volleyball in the fall. 

Read more about this partnership here. 

2026 PRSA Western District Conference Awards Think Together 
​​​​​Director of Communications Elena Bosch

Congratulations to Think Together Director of Communications Elena Bosch on receiving the Platinum Service Award at the 2026 PRSA Western District Conference. 

In her role, Elena has played a key role in building and strengthening Think Together’s communications team. Her diligence and exceptional leadership have helped scale the organization’s external communications efforts, helping Think Together to continue sharing the stories of thousands of students and staff. 

Beyond Think Together, Elena serves as chair of the PRSA Western District, where she supports regional leaders across the district, representing 11 chapters in five western states. 

For many students, the most powerful learning moments don’t happen at a desk. They happen on college campuses, inside museum galleries, or on a bus ride filled with anticipation. For Think Together’s Los Angeles Metro students, those experiences are made possible by Aida Manalo, Field Trip Coordinator.

More than a year ago, Aida began her journey at Think Together. What she’s discovered since then is simple but meaningful: expanding a student’s world sometimes starts with helping them step outside the classroom.

Purpose Rooted in Belonging

Aida immigrated from the Philippines at five years old. English was not her first language, and she remembers feeling out of place at school and in her new environment.

With the help of teachers like Mr. Lopez and Mr. Pickett, her self-doubt gradually gave way to confidence. They helped her see that she wasn’t limited by where she came from. They saw her effort. They saw her potential.

Their belief in her potential inspired Aida to aspire to become a teacher. “I wanted to be that kind of influence for students,” she shares.

Today, that purpose continues to guide her work. “I’m inspired by students who’ve been told they don’t belong because of where they were born or the color of their skin,” she says. “I know what that feels like. And I want to show them and make them realize, that there is a place for you here.”

A Day in the Life of a Field Trip Coordinator

No two weeks look the same.

Aida’s days often begin with reviewing emails, confirming logistics, and ensuring every upcoming field trip is fully accounted for. She coordinates closely with Site Program Managers, Associate Directors, and vendors to keep plans moving smoothly.

While she may not attend the trips herself, her work ensures each experience is thoughtful, organized, and seamless. It’s behind-the-scenes work, but the impact is front and center.

The Power of Exposure

Of all the trips Aida coordinates, college visits hold a special place.

While amusement parks like Universal Studios and Six Flags bring excitement, college campuses offer something different. For many students, simply being in that environment makes higher education feel real. Walking the grounds, sitting in a lecture hall, or attending a college game can shift what once felt distant into something tangible.

“Just being in that space changes how you see your future,” she says.

Even though Aida doesn’t attend the field trips herself, she sees the impact through the photos and stories shared afterward. Those moments — students smiling on campus or exploring a new environment — remind her why the coordination, confirmations, and logistics matter.

Exposure changes what feels possible.

Growing Within the Organization

Aida’s journey at Think Together began as a Substitute Program Leader. She originally planned to pursue teaching, but discovered she wanted to explore different paths in education.

When the Field Trip Coordinator role opened, she stepped into something new. With no prior coordinating experience, she learned quickly and found her rhythm.

“I realized this is my way of helping change the odds for students,” she says. “I may not be in the classroom, but I help create opportunities that expand what students believe is possible.

Beyond the Role

If she could guest star in any show or movie, it would be “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She’d love to discover which element she’d be assigned, or step into the world of Pandora to see her Na’vi character come to life.

Aida also shares that her dream road trip includes traveling to Sweden to see the Northern Lights. “I’d be grabbing a blue bag of Chex Mix and something chocolatey along the way,” she exclaims.

Outside of work, Aida expresses her creativity through nail design, specializing in gel-x and press-ons. She also enjoys building Legos — her typewriter set now sits in her office — and trying new cafés. Her go-to order: a pistachio latte, no ice.

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Life is full of many changes and challenges, so it leaves room for minimal constants that shape one’s outcome. For Valerie Zuniga, Think Together has been the constant in her life, guiding her from childhood to adulthood. From stepping into a Think Together classroom as a kindergartener to becoming a program leader to capturing impactful stories alongside the organization’s marketing and communications team, Valerie has embodied what it means to change the odds for kids.

During her years as a Think Together student in elementary and middle school, Valerie felt supported in all aspects of her academic journey, whether through her schoolwork, extracurricular activities, or just having a safe space where she could express herself freely. When she reached adulthood, Think Together was by her side once again, this time giving her a peek behind the curtain as a staff member.

“I came back to Think Together because I wanted to be there for someone the way someone was there for me,” Valerie said. “I remember being in those seats as a student, so it changed the way I navigated being a program leader with more patience and empathy towards the kids. It felt like a very familiar position for me, and it wasn’t a transition that I struggled with.”

Think Together was also the space where she first learned what a college education could look like and sparked her passion for the career path she works towards today. Valerie expresses how lucky she feels to have had the guidance when she was a Think Together student, as to what a college career could look like.

“As a first-generation student, it’s always hard not knowing what to do. My middle school Think Together program leader is the one who introduced the idea of college to me, and that stuck with me. She was a program leader in college, a position I later found myself in as well. It gave me a space to work with children, which ignited my passion for education.”

In her next stage with Think Together, Valerie found herself taking an even deeper look at the impact the organization makes through storytelling. With her working towards a career in marketing and an enthusiasm for education, Valerie found the perfect fit with an internship in Think Together’s Marketing and Communications team this past summer.

She had the opportunity to see and support how Think Together streamlines the impact it creates through external channels such as social media, email campaigns and blog articles.

“It has truly been a full-circle moment for me. It’s shocking to see how, at every stage, Think Together has been there for me, supporting me as a student academically, guiding me as a program leader discovering my passion for impacting children, and now, as an intern, showing me how I can blend my two career passions: education and marketing.”

Valerie’s biggest takeaway throughout her Think Together journey has been to witness the purpose of why Think Together is committed to changing the odds for kids across California. She recounts how incredible it was to be able to see how every decision, big or small, always ties back to providing students with endless opportunities to succeed.

For Valerie, Think Together shaped her to be the person she is today and equipped her with the tools to be more confident and pursue a future where she contributes to impact-driven work. Now, with her younger brother also walking in the same footsteps as her as a Think Together student, Valerie can see firsthand the impact the program has on him and hopes it brings him as much determination as it has her.

“I am proud to be a Think Together alum,” Valerie stated. “To all my fellow past Think Together students, don’t think twice about coming back because Think Together will welcome you with open arms at any stage. It’s a transformational environment where you’ll grow beyond measure.”

Think Together—with grant support from the LA84 Foundation—brings competitive sports programs to 39 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties 

San Bernardino, Calif. (February 12, 2026) – Think Together, California’s leading nonprofit provider of expanded learning, is providing 39 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties with access to free, high-quality competitive sports programs that will serve more than 3,000 students with support from a recent grant award from the LA84 Foundation. 

The LA84 Foundation—a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles—has supported Think Together since 2008 in providing expanded access for students to participate in organized sports programs, and in youth gaining the lifelong benefits that can come from active learning experiences.  

“By partnering with organizations like the LA84 Foundation, we’re doing more than just offering students access to sports programs,” said Think Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “We’re supporting the whole child by helping them develop their physical, social and emotional development both on and off the field.” 

Growing student interest has driven the expansion of Think Together’s sports offerings. In the 2026 school year, students across the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley will have access to basketball programs for girls and boys in the winter, soccer in the spring, and flag football in the fall. Some schools will also continue to offer co-ed volleyball in the fall.   

Think Together’s in-person sports programs will run in three 10-week rotations throughout the year. Students will participate in about an hour of sports each day, four days a week. Each season will include inter-school games and conclude with regional Saturday tournaments, giving students meaningful opportunities to compete, grow and stay active. 

“Think Together addresses gaps in access to play,” said Sandra J. Martínez, Chief Impact Officer at the LA84 Foundation. “These programs create connection, boost well-being, and foster belonging for young people. LA84 is committed to investing in organizations like Think Together that impact youth and communities.” 

In 2025, Think Together served more than 212,000 students across California, providing after-school programming, school improvement and education staffing. As the organization continues expanding its reach, it continues to build meaningful partnerships with school districts, charters and community-based organizations. 

About Think Together 

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Together’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org.  

About the LA84 Foundation  

The LA84 Foundation is a national leader in support of sports in positive youth development. As a legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, LA84 has supported thousands of organizations in Southern California for over four decades by awarding grants. It has funded infrastructure in communities, trained coaches and commissioned groundbreaking research. The Foundation’s campus includes one of the world’s best sports libraries, with a digital collection that documents sports history and an understanding of the benefits of physical activity. LA84 addresses critical issues by elevating youth sports and play as a pathway to lifelong well-being. Visit la84.org, and follow @LA84Foundation. 


 

Think Together students are getting geared up and ready to bring their A-game. In collaboration with the LA84 Foundation, Think Together will be providing 39 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside County with access to free, high-quality competitive sports programs that will serve more than 3,000 students. 

These aspiring athletes will have access to basketball programs for girls and boys in the winter, soccer in the spring, and flag football in the fall. Select schools will also continue to offer co-ed volleyball in the fall. 

The sports programs will be in-person, running in three 10-week rotations throughout the year. Students will participate in about an hour of sports each day, four days a week. Each season will include inter-school games and conclude with regional Saturday tournaments, providing meaningful opportunities to compete, grow and stay active. 

Mark, an eighth grade Think Together student from Rialto Unified School District, has been an active member of his school’s flag football team. With the support of his coaches and teammates, he has not only grown as an athlete but has also discovered what it means to be a leader.  

“Being a part of this team has helped me build character. I’ve learned how to be more responsible and respectful towards others. I feel like I’ve also learned how to communicate better with my teammates,” shared Mark. 

From early childhood, discovering how to work as part of a team helps children build confidence, empathy and the ability to achieve goals together. Research from the University of San Diego suggests that youth sports can have a major positive impact on growth and development. 

“We’re helping develop an all-around athlete. We want them to not only be great on the field, but we also want to support them in their academic and behavioral achievements as well,” said Sports Coordinator Michael Lara. “The time they spend here can build their futures, helping them grow into future leaders.” 

Think Together’s partnership with the LA84 Foundation began in 2008, with both organizations recognizing the transformational power of sports. With more than 30,000 students in Think Together’s San Bernardino and Riverside County regions, these sports programs help prepare future all-stars to reach their full potential. 

Black history is American history and because of that it’s important we recognize the strength and achievements of African Americans in our country. 

For this Black History Month, Think Together highlights the many impactful accomplishments that continue to shape Black History and lead towards a more just future. It’s vital to always continue learning beyond this month and expand our knowledge to keep changing the odds for all. 

Learn below about some of the most monumental moments and individuals that broke racial barriers. 

First Black Major League Baseball Player 

Jackie Robinson makes history, when he signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and is the first African American player to join a Major League Baseball team. African American players were restricted by “color barriers” which limited them to the Negro league, teams only for non-white players. His addition to the Dodgers was met with many racist remarks, but besides that Robinson went on to be the first Black player to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949, followed by many more achievements. Robinson later retired in 1955, not making the move to Los Angeles when the Dodgers moved in 1958. 

Ralph Bunche: First African American to Win Nobel Peace Prize 

After negotiating the 1949 Armistice Agreements in the middle east, in 1950, Ralph Bunche became the first African American and person of color to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Bunche was a believer in the power of negotiation and diplomacy over battle, his most personally satisfying work was to oversee the dispatch of thousands of non-fighting neutral troops in the 1956 Suez conflict. He also helped establish the United Nations.  

Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka 

The 1954 Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka led the way into the civil rights movement when Oliver Brown filed a class-action lawsuit against the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, in 1951. It was brought on when Brown’s daughter, Linda Brown, was denied admittance to Topeka’s elementary schools, which were heavily segregated at the time. 

The case desegregated U.S. schools, although much resistance was met by the South. A test of this landmark case was when nine Black students attended a formerly all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957. They were met with angry mobs of some 1,000 white protestors. To address the discourse, President Eisenhower sent a large guard of troops to escort the students two days later. The students became known as the “Little Rock Nine.” 

Black Scientist Amplifies the Sound of the Future 

In 1962, African American scientist James West along with fellow scientist Gerhard M. Sessler finished developing the electret microphone, a low-cost, compact microphone that didn’t require a battery. Just five years later, the microphone was in mass production and today is used in just about any device you could think of. West’s and Sessler’s creation can be found in televisions, baby monitors, computers, cellphones, hearing aids, and so many more. West later joined John Hopkins University as a research professor in the engineering department. 

Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall 

Distinguished civil rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall is nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to be the first African American justice to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States in 1967. Marshall had already made his mark in American law, having won 29 of the 32 cases he argued before the Supreme Court. His most notable work being the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), which ruled school segregation unconstitutional. He served as the chief of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, at the time of the case. 

“Unbought and Unbossed” Shirley Chisolm 

In 1972, Shirley Chisolm became the first African American to campaign for a presidential nomination and the first woman to seek the Democratic nomination, her campaign slogan was “Unbought and Unbossed”. It wasn’t the first time though that Shirley made history as she was no stranger to breaking down racial barriers and glass ceilings. In 1968, she was the first Black U.S. Congresswoman in history as a Representative of her New York district. Despite not winning the presidential election, Shirley served seven terms in the House of Representatives before retiring in 1983. 

Honoring The Past Through Stamps 

The United States Postal Service honored abolitionist and Civil War veteran, Harriet Tubman with her own postage stamp in 1978, making her the first African American woman to receive that honor. Harriet Tubman was a vital “conductor” of the Underground Railroad in the mid-19th century by leading intelligence operations. She was enslaved, escaped, and freed before she “conducted”, it’s believed she personally led 70 slaves to freedom, including her own family. 

Hip Hop Against the World 

Dubbed as the “Golden Age of Hip Hop,” the influential music genre began to influence mainstream culture around 1986 and carrying on into the ‘90s. This era became a form of Black expression and voice for overcoming racial barriers. Some big artists that grew their platform during this time was Tupac, N.W.A., Biggie Smalls, Wu-Tan Clan, and so many more. It was time for artists to experiment with new sounds, styles, and fashion while also leveraging the era to take about political issues. 

Honoring the “Queen of Soul” 

Rhythm and blues artist, Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul”, was the first female artist to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Franklin was an icon within the music and Black community, for her ability to sing passionate and soulful songs. In 1968, she was the first to win the Grammy for best rhythm & blues solo vocal performance, for her iconic song “Respect”. In 2015, she moved then President Barack Obama to tears when she sang her rendition of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”. 

The Beauty of Ebony 

African American businessman and publisher, John H. Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996. He is the founder of the magazine “Ebony” which is the first Black oriented magazine in the U.S. and is the longest running magazine publication to solely feature the Black community. “Ebony” was created in 1945 and sold 25,000 copies its first issue, but in 2005 it had reached ten million readers. The magazine published achievements and the daily lives of the Black community, both the good and bad. 

Breaking Barriers in Tennis 

During the 1999, U.S. Open, Serena Williams won the U.S. Open Women’s Singles Tennis Championship, the first African American woman to win since Althea Gibson in 1958. Williams has since become one of the most known tennis players around the globe, along with her sister Venus, who’s also a tennis player. She’s revolutionized tennis and has made many great accomplishments like winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which is more than any other woman or man during the open era. 

Y2K Historic Political & Military Appointments 

In the early 2000’s, Black Americans witnessed a surge in political and military influence with historic appointments like Colin Powell to Secretary of State, the first African American to hold that position. He was immediately followed by Condoleezza Rice in 2005, who is the first African American woman to hold that same position. 

Around the same time, Edith Peterson Mitchell, MD, became the first African American woman in the Missouri National Guard to be promoted to Brigadier General and the first woman physician to achieve that rank in Air Force history. She was awarded many accolades for her military service, including the Legion of Merit. In 2008, Barack Obama broke barriers when he was elected as the first African American president. By 2020, America celebrated the election of Kamala Harris as the first Black, South Asian, and woman vice president in the United States. 

Winning Gold at the Olympics 

In the 2012 Summer Olympics Games, gymnast Gabby Douglas competed alongside the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team. She also competed in the individual all-around event, where she won the gold medal, becoming the first African American to win that title. The U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team also took home the gold. It was the first gold medal to be won by an American women’s gymnastics team since 1996. 

Tony Thurmond launches the Black Student Achievement Taskforce 

In 2019, Tony Thurmond was sworn in as the twenty-eighth California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Superintendent Thurmond launched the Black Student Achievement Taskforce to call out the effects that systemic and institutional racism have had on Black students in California. He sponsored legislation to increase funding to lowest performing students, banned suspensions and expulsions in preschools, and secured $90 million for suspensions and chronic absenteeism programming. 

Princeton University’s first Black Valedictorian 

Nicholas Johnson was announced in 2020, as Princeton University’s first Black valedictorian in the school’s 275-year history. He studied operations research and financial engineering during his time at Princeton. Since his graduation, Nicholas has been working on getting his Ph.D. in operations research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

“Being the first Black valedictorian in Princeton’s history feels incredibly empowering, in particular given the university’s historical beginnings and its ties to the institution of slavery. Princeton’s first nine presidents were themselves slave owners, as were many of the institution’s professors during those early years,” shared Nicholas. “The fact that today we have a Black valedictorian goes to show how much work has been done, but also how much work still needs to be done.” 

Harvard University’s First Black Male Student Body President 

The outstanding accomplishments for the Black community continued in 2020, when Noah Harris, a junior from Hattiesburg, Mississippi became the first Black man elected to serve as Harvard’s student body president in the school’s 384-year history. When asked about the Black leaders he feels paved the way for him, Harris points to Fentrice Driskell, who was the first Black woman to serve as Harvard’s student body president and currently serves in the Florida House of Representatives. He also credits W.E.B. Du Bois, part founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), as a someone he looks up to. 

“Du Bois was the first Black individual to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard. Of course, he is one of the most amazing leaders in Black political thought in history. And so to have him literally paved the way for people like me is pretty special,” says Harris. 

Georgia’s First Black Senator and Black Media Powerhouse 

In Jan 2021, Reverend Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler in a contentious and highly publicized runoff election. His victory created a path for Democrats to gain control of the Senate and made Warnock the state of Georgia’s first Black senator as well as the first Black Democrat Senator from the South since the Reconstruction Era. 

The same year, Rashida Jones was appointed as president at MSNBC, making her the first Black executive to lead a major television news network. Her promotion was regarded as the first major executive appointment made by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde. 

“Her promotion is bigger than our industry, it’s the kind of story Black and Brown children everywhere need to see, so they can know what’s possible,” said Taylor Locke. 

First Black Astronaut to Live and Work on the ISS 

Astronaut Victor Glover arrived at the International Space Station in November of 2022, and he settled in for a six-month stay, becoming the first Black astronaut to live and work on the International Space Station (ISS) for an extended period of time. NASA has sent over 300 astronauts into space, but out all of those only 14 have been Black Americans. Glover holds three master’s degrees, all ranging in different science engineering fields. 

Black Women Paving the Way  

Major milestones continue to be made by the Black community in recent years. In 2023, Jennifer Leigh McClellan made history for being the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress. She was sworn in as the U.S. representative for Virginia’s 4th congressional district. The former Virginia state senator is the great-great-grandchild of enslaved African Americans. 

The same year in the music industry, renowned African American music artist, Beyoncé, made history when she broke the record for most Grammy’s won at the 2023 award show. She took home four Grammys that night, all for her Renaissance album, which put her at 32 overall Grammy wins. 

Developing New Theories for Success 

In 2024, Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson sent shockwaves through the math world discovering 10 trigonometric proofs for the Pythagorean theorem. While in high school, these mathmatical geniuses first began their work, uncovering 5 proofs for the theorem. While working to publish their findings, the pair developed five additional proofs. 

Recognizing the Forgotten Heroes of World War II 

The Six Triple Eight, the only Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II, brought hope and a vital connection to home for U.S. soldiers. Their contributions were formally recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal in April 2025. During WWII, millions of letters and packages went undelivered for nearly two years. Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, these women processed about 65,000 pieces of mail during each of three daily eight-hour shifts. 

Learning about different milestones in diverse histories is important for not just the growing minds of students, but also anyone willing to learn. At Think Together, we strive to provide an open space where anyone is welcome and can expand their knowledge beyond the barriers. Continue learning with Think Together beyond this month and help create a brighter future for all! 

Explore the links below to learn more and read previous Think Together Black History Month blogs. 

At Norton Science and Language Academy (NSLA), Think Together students from TK-5th grade are experiencing an action-packed week through various ongoing activities due to Think Together’s enrichment accelerator program. From folklórico to African drumming, cheer and dance, students are immersing themselves in dynamic visual and performing arts.

“I’ve enjoyed making a bunch of random beats in my African drumming lessons and learning new steps in ballet folklórico,” said fifth grader Leighton. “These enrichment activities are an awesome way to learn how to do different things, and they give you an opportunity to find something you might really like.”

The main goal for the enrichment accelerator program is to expand opportunities for students like Leighton and help them discover new passions they may have never considered. For fifth grader Alex, the program introduced him to cheer and dance, where he enjoyed learning how to project his cheering voice and working alongside teammates to put on a great performance.

“I love coming to Think Together because we do so many fun things! The program helps me be more kind, responsible and happy,” said Alex. “Other kids should join because it’s the best program ever!”

Think Together collaborates with partners such as Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), Afterschool Music Academy, Arts & Learning Conservatory, and many more to bring high-quality arts education to life for students and communities statewide. Beyond the arts, the enrichment accelerator program provides Think Together’s school partners with flexible offerings, including STEM and sports, that support a well-rounded school day for students.

Under the leadership of Think Together’s Innovation Lab, the enrichment accelerator model blends unique capacity-building strategies with each high-quality community-based organization’s operations, allowing enrichment providers to scale among Think Together’s network.

The partnership with NSLA launched at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, showcasing the power expanded learning has on students when they are given the tools to discover new interests and be the best version of themselves. Think Together serves over 250 TK-8th grade students with not only enrichment accelerators but also core programming. This expansion also marks the first time NSLA 7th and 8th graders can participate in Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO-P) afterschool programming.

This expansion is just one of many new partnerships for Think Together in the past year, as part of its strategic impact plan to expand its reach and impact more students in California. Investments have been made in a new district partnership team, leading to 16 new school contracts, over 14,000 more students served and new regional expansion in Northern and Central California.

This new vision for impact strengthens Think Together’s commitment to changing the odds for kids and ensuring all students are graduating high school with all life options available. Exceptional partners like NSLA help the organization reach its goal of lighting a bright path for students through quality enrichment, academic support and lifelong success.

Last summer, Think Together, the K12 Foothill Consortium and Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park joined forces to expand career exploration opportunities for high school students in Azusa Unified School District.  

The K12 Foothill Consortium partners with Career Technical Education (CTE) departments at local school districts, including Think Together partner Azusa High School. Its mission is to prepare and train students to build a community-based talent pipeline that supports a strong, balanced local economy. Supported by the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership, the K12 Foothill Consortium has helped forge partnerships with local businesses to provide student internship opportunities. 

Through the partnership with K12 Foothill Consortium, participating Think Together students were placed in local medical internships, providing firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities, challenges and rewards of careers in health care.   

Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park awarded Think Together a community health grant to support the Workforce Readiness Education Program (WREP), which made it possible to offer internship stipends to participating students. Prior to beginning their internships, Think Together students were required to attend WREP for five weeks. With the help of their program leaders, they learned how to present themselves in an interview, complete a resume and apply for a job. Once completed, students were placed in their paid internships, working for a total of 40 hours.   

Research from the Association of American Medical Colleges projects that there will be an expected shortage of up to 124,000 physicians by 2034. To combat these statistics, Think Together’s  work with K12 Foothill Consortium lets students explore careers in biomedical research and health sciences.  

“This internship has helped shape my future goals by expanding my horizon on the perspective of the careers here,” said Think Together student, Hillary Torres. “It also pushed my passion for science even more.”  

With more than 9,000 students participating in Think Together’s high school program, the program offers young leaders the opportunity to have hands-on career exploration experiences that empower them to discover their interests, build confidence and envision a future beyond the classroom.   

“I hope these internships help students build connections with people in the field who can lead and mentor them, even throughout their college years,” said Program Content Specialist Sean Magana. “Maybe they see this as an opportunity they can give back to their community and mentor other students so their community can grow.”  

Think Together is grateful for the K12 Foothill Consortium and Kaiser Permanente for opening its doors and inspiring the next generation of doctors, nurses and health care professionals.  

View the video below to see how this opportunity made a difference.

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