Clearly January 15 is a day of greatness. Some really cool things have happened on this day.

Fabulous founding: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

The oldest (and best) Greek-letter organization for collegiate, African-American women was established on this day in 1908. What has made it unique throughout the years is, unlike predominantly Caucasian sororities, membership  and service doesn’t end upon completion of college. People often think of the colors, the unique calls, step shows and a host of misconceptions about the women of the organization. But the most important thing is Alpha Kappa Alpha has a legacy of service and a commitment to education—and that lasts throughout each individual member’s life. A shout-out to Ethel Hedgeman Lyle who had the vision to start the organization and the eight other women who helped make it happen.

Magnificent birth: Martin Luther King Jr.

On this day in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a pastor who is often called a humanitarian and the leader of the Civil Rights Movement in America. His efforts propelled America forward into truly being a society that offered equal rights for everyone who lives here. He was instrumental in changing the America we live in for everyone, not just African Americans. Yes, we still have far to go with realizing his dream of economic justice for poor people. And we still have ongoing work at making sure people of all races and nationalities have  equal opportunities in the workplace. It’s the 21st century and I’m still often the only black person or one of a handful in the room as related to my industry. Even as I write this and am grateful to be where I am today, I can’t help but notice I’m still the only person of color on my 11-person team in a field that will only continue to grow rapidly and pay well in the future.

Incredible survival story: Sully Sullenberger

On this day in 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became the epitome of calm, cool and collected during a time of crisis. As the pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, he successfully landed the plane in the Hudson River in New York City and a flock of geese damaged the airplane. The entire crew and 155 passengers survived. His combination of unique experience, education and training built over the years all came together on this day to pull off  probably one of the most astonishing, fantastic moments in aviation history. 

Take up the reins

The key theme on this day is leadership. Each one of these events was possible because each one of these people had leadership skills and used them to the fullest. So just maybe your little one born on this day is destined to be a leader. Maybe today is your day to flaunt your leadership skills or improve on them if they need shoring up.