TODAY'S TOPIC: February is Black History Month. Tell us briefly about an African American, past or present, whom you admire.

The African American I admire is Bessie Coleman. She didn't let racism keep her from following her dream. She learned French and went to France to learn how to fly a plane. She was given an international pilot's license and then she moved back to America. But she couldn't fly a plane because they didn't let her, let alone be a pilot. So, she became a stunt pilot. She raised money to start a flight school for African Americans. But she never got the chance because she died in a plane crash. She never gave up and that is why I admire Bessie Coleman.
Sahar Wardak, 11
Live Oak Elementary
Castaic

The African American I admire is Jackie Robinson. He was the first black Major League baseball player. He had to overcome the people booing him and hurting his feelings. He broke down the color barrier of baseball. He inspired other black people to join baseball and other sports.
Trevor Keyfauver, 9
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary
Glendale

I am going to tell you about an African American. His name is Jimi Hendrix. He was a famous guitar player. When he got his first guitar, he went crazy and once he put his guitar on fire! He is so interesting! When he got his first electric guitar, he almost fell out the window he was so happy! I really, really, really like Jimi Hendrix!
Taylor Silverstein, 9
Wilbur Elementary
Tarzana

The person who I admire that is African American is Kobe Bryant. I admire Kobe Bryant because he is the best basketball player in the world. He can beat anyone in the world. He is the best.
Allen Davidson, 8
Wilbur Elementary
Tarzana

I am going to talk about Martin Luther King, Jr. I admire Dr. King because he tried to stop all the bad things that people did to African Americans. He did not hit back. He just talked and preached to change people's minds. He is important because many bad things stopped because of him.
David Gonzalez, 10
Oxnard Street Elementary
North Hollywood

An African American who I admire is Aretha Franklin. I admire her because she fought for women's rights. A lot of her songs, like "Respect," are about women's rights. Also, her singing is amazing. People call her the "Queen of Soul." She became the first female performer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aretha won eight consecutive awards between 1968 and 1975. My favorite song that she sings is "Respect." When I listen to it, it makes me feel happy. Aretha Franklin has achieved so many things and that is why I admire her so much.
Olivia Morris, 11
Oakwood School
North Hollywood

I admire Martin Luther king, Jr. because he led boycotts so other people would understand that people should be treated the same. He had the courage to face people that wanted to kill him. Martin Luther King made speeches in front of millions of people.
Ashley Pacias, 9
Fernangeles Elementary
Sun Valley

I admire James Stewart. I admire him because he is my favorite Supercross rider. He rides dirt bikes and that is what I do. He is number 7. He rides a green Kawasaki.
Ocean Howard, 10
Live Oak Elementary
Castaic

I admire Rosa Parks because she stood up for herself and she thought that it was not right for people to judge people by their color.
Ciara Vente, 10
Live Oak Elementary
Castaic

An African American I admire is Jackie Robinson. He was the first African American that played in the Major League baseball. Some people sent him threat notes saying they were going to hurt his family if he didn't stop playing. But that didn't stop him. Jackie Robinson is now in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Spencer Levitt, 9
Wilbur Elementary
Tarzana

COMING UP: This month we observe the birthdays of two American presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln's birthday is Feb. 12. George Washington's birthday is Feb. 22. We have had many presidents since. Tell us what qualities and traits you think are important for a United States president to possess. Choose a U.S. president and tell us a bit about him. Draw a picture of this president.

Parents and teachers should make sure that the student's name, address, age and school are CLEARLY PRINTED on the letters and the backs of drawings.

Pictures should be drawn using black or dark blue ink on white, unlined paper. Drawings must be no larger than a standard, 8 1/2-by-11 inch sheet of paper.

The deadline is Feb.12 and letters will be posted Feb. 19. Letters received after the deadline cannot be considered.

Send entries to Kids' Daily News, P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200.