Giuliana Paredes Blog Post #2

 

        BLOG POST #2

    This project helped give a spotlight to the hidden gems in the history of our country. Each group reflected on different individuals and the amazing impacts they had on society.

    For Group #1 The first group of change makers helped build the foundation of the United States government. These leaders were involved in creating the Constitution and shaping how American democracy would work. James Madison is often called the “Father of the Constitution.” He helped design the structure of the government and believed that power should be divided between different branches so that no one person or group would have too much control. Madison also supported the Bill of Rights, which protects important freedoms like speech and religion. His ideas are still a major part of how the U.S. government works today. Benjamin Franklin played an important role during the Constitutional Convention. He was known for helping people reach compromises when debates became intense. Franklin believed that a strong but fair government was important for protecting people’s freedom. His leadership and experience helped guide the discussions that led to the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton believed that the country needed a strong national government to remain stable and successful. He helped write the Federalist Papers, which explained why the Constitution was important and why states should support it. Hamilton also helped create the early financial system of the United States and supported economic growth for the new nation. George Washington was a key leader during the founding of the country and became the first president of the United States. His leadership helped set important traditions for the presidency, including peacefully stepping down after two terms. This showed that in a democracy, leaders serve the people rather than rule over them. Roger Sherman helped create the Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention. This compromise created the two parts of Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate. It balanced power between large and small states and helped the Constitution get approved. George Mason strongly believed that citizens needed protection from government power. He pushed for the creation of the Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedoms like speech, religion, and the press. His ideas helped make sure individual rights were protected in the new government. Together, these leaders created the system that the United States still uses today. Their work influenced laws, government structure, and the balance of power that protects democracy.

    I was part of group 2, in which we discussed many change makers of the 1800s. Jehu spoke about Frederick Douglass, who was a former enslaved person who became a powerful writer and speaker against slavery. He fought for the abolition of slavery and equal rights for African Americans, helping influence the movement that led to the end of slavery in the United States. Jehu did a great job explaining his life and legacy. Jeronimo spoke about John Brown, who was an abolitionist who believed slavery should be ended by force. He led the raid on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry in 1859 in an attempt to start a slave rebellion, which increased tensions that eventually led to the American Civil War. Jeronimo did a really good job explaining his past and spoke at a good speed with confidence. Jennifer did a great job retelling the life and legacy of Florence Nightingale, which I enjoyed learning more about. I spoke about Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Kevin focused on Andrew Carnegie, who was a businessman who built one of the largest steel companies in the United States and helped grow the American economy during the Industrial Revolution. He later donated much of his fortune to public causes like libraries, education, and scientific research, helping expand access to knowledge for millions of people. Lastly, Krystian worked on John D. Rockefeller, who was the founder of Standard Oil and became one of the richest businessmen in history by building the oil industry in the United States. He later donated large amounts of his money to education, medical research, and charities, helping fund universities and public health programs.

    Group 3 spoke about the early 2000s changemakers up to present time. Modern leaders continue to shape democracy by working on issues like voting rights, public health, national security, and representation in government. Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States in 2008. During his presidency, he focused on improving healthcare, strengthening the economy after the financial crisis, and expanding opportunities for Americans. His leadership also inspired many young people to become more involved in politics and civic engagement. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, has worked to improve public health across the country. He has raised awareness about mental health, loneliness, and the importance of community. His work shows how government leaders can influence policies that improve people’s health and well-being. Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Her role is important because the Supreme Court makes decisions that affect laws across the entire country. Her appointment also represents progress in making the government more diverse and representative. George W. Bush, the 43rd president, led the country during a difficult time after the September 11 terrorist attacks. His administration focused heavily on national security and foreign policy. His leadership during that time shaped many modern policies related to security and global relations. Stacey Abrams has become well known for her work in protecting voting rights. She has worked to help more people register to vote and to raise awareness about voter access. Her efforts have encouraged discussions about making elections more fair and accessible. Alejandro Mayorkas, the Secretary of Homeland Security, works to protect the country while managing immigration and national security issues. His responsibilities include border security, disaster response, and cybersecurity policies. Sonia Sotomayor became the first Latina justice on the Supreme Court. She has influenced many legal decisions involving civil rights and equality. Her story of growing up in a working-class family and reaching the highest court in the country has inspired many people. These leaders show how democracy continues to evolve. Their decisions and work affect policies that shape people’s lives today.

    The last group who presented focused on individuals who made many important changes in rights and equality happened during the 20th century. These leaders and thinkers pushed society forward and helped expand freedoms for many people. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a Supreme Court Justice who spent much of her career fighting for gender equality. Before joining the Court, she worked as a lawyer challenging laws that treated women unfairly. Her work helped change many legal protections for women. Nelson Mandela was a global symbol of the fight for freedom and equality. In South Africa, he fought against apartheid, a system that separated people based on race. After many years in prison, he later became the country’s president and helped unite the nation. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of the most important leaders of the American Civil Rights Movement. Through peaceful protests and powerful speeches, he fought for racial equality and justice. His leadership helped lead to important laws like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Alice Paul was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement. She organized protests and campaigns that pushed the government to give women the right to vote. Her work helped lead to the 19th Amendment. Betty Friedan was a writer and activist who helped start the modern feminist movement. Her book The Feminine Mystique encouraged women to pursue careers, education, and independence. Her ideas helped spark conversations about gender equality. Jonas Salk was a scientist who developed the first successful vaccine for polio. His discovery helped save millions of lives and greatly improved public health around the world.

    From the founders who created the Constitution to activists and leaders in modern times, these change makers helped shape the democracy we know today. Their ideas influenced laws, policies, and rights that affect millions of people. Even though the country still faces challenges, their work shows that progress is possible when people stand up for fairness, equality, and the good of society.