With February nationally recognized as Black History Month, I thought it would be appropriate to recognize several black athletes who have made important strides in their respective sports.For several of these athletes, their love for sports was the glue that held them together through tough times. This makes them pioneers because for much of the 20th century, blacks were not allowed to play in many of the major sports we enjoy today.

Jackie Robinson – Because he became the first black man to play in major league baseball in 1945, Jackie Robinson is known worldwide as one of the greatest athletes. Playing with hatred and envy surrounding him, Robinson dazzled baseball fans with his batting and electrifying speed. If Robinson had not broken the color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, superstars such as Barry Bonds would not be in baseball today.

Muhammad Ali – With his dedication to boxing and religion, Muhammad Ali became one of the most popular and famous black athletes to ever compete. Ali’s accomplishments include winning three world-boxing championships. He also won the Olympic gold metal in the light heavyweight category at the 1960 Olympic games in Rome. Despite all his boxing accomplishments, Ali is most well known for his quotes such as “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!”

Jesse Owens – Facing scrutiny because he was black, Jesse Owens entered the 1936 Olympics, which are known to many as the “Hitler Olympics.” These games were to be held in Nazi Germany, and Hitler wanted to prove to the world that the German “Aryan” people were the dominant race. Jesse had different plans, however, and by the end of the games, even German fans cheered for him. Jesse was triumphant in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the broad jump. He was also a key member of the 400-meter relay team that won the Gold Medal. In all but one of these events Jesse set Olympic records. Jesse was the first American in the history of Olympic Track and Field to win four gold medals in a single Olympics.

Michael Jordan – No player in modern-day history has redefined his sport like Michael Jordan has in basketball. From his tennis shoes to endorsement commercials for Gatorade and Nike, Jordan revolutionized basketball. For much of his career, “His Airness” excited millions of fans with his spectacular dunks and game-winning shots. Jordan has two Olympic gold medals, six NBA titles and five NBA Most Valuable Player awards. Whether you liked or hated him, everyone wanted to “be like Mike.”

Walter Payton – A player known as “Sweetness,” Walter Payton is one of the most loved football players of all time. His emphasis on hard work, dedication and teamwork made him one of the most feared and respected players in the NFL. As a running back, Payton held the career record for most rushing yards.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee – With three gold metals and one each of silver and bronze in her name, Kersee is the best all-around female athlete in the world. She holds the American record for the long jump and was the first woman to earn more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon.

Florence Griffith-Joyner – Known as the “fastest woman alive” and “Flo-Jo,” Florence Griffith-Joyner dazzled the world with three Olympic gold medals in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

Althea Gibson – In 1951, Althea Gibson became the first black woman invited to enter the all-England tournament at Wimbledon. In 1957, she won the singles and doubles at Wimbledon.

Although I do not have any more space to name every great black athlete, I think it is very important for everyone to learn and read about great black leaders – not just athletes – everyday. Just because it is February does not mean we have to learn about black history only in February.