Harriet Tubman was a brave and determined abolitionist, humanitarian, and armed scout who helped rescue hundreds of slaves through the Underground Railroad.
Whitney Moore Young Jr. was an inspirational civil rights leader who devoted his life to fighting for racial justice and equality, leaving an indelible mark on American history.
W.E.B. Du Bois was a pioneering African-American civil rights activist, scholar, and author who dedicated his life to fighting racial inequality, and promoting social justice, peace, and academic excellence.
Thurgood Marshall dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and justice, becoming a powerful voice in the struggle to end racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.
Sojourner Truth, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights advocate, dedicated her life to working towards equality and justice for all, becoming a powerful speaker and tireless activist who left an indelible mark on history.
Shirley Chrisholm's life was a testament to her courage and tenacity, as she blazed a path for generations of women and people of color through her groundbreaking political career.
Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime, dedicated his life to creating music that blended traditional ragtime and classical influences, revolutionizing popular music and inspiring generations of musicians to come.
Roy Wilkins led an extraordinary life, fighting for civil rights and justice for African Americans since becoming the executive secretary of the NAACP in 1955, advocating for racial equality through peaceful protests, speeches, and writings until his death in 1981.
Robert Robinson Taylor lived a long and purposeful life, marked by a deep commitment to education, social justice, and the advancement of African Americans in the fields of architecture and engineering.
Richard Allen was a trailblazer who overcame obstacles of racism and inequality to become the first African American Methodist bishop in America and a key figure in the development of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Percy Julian's pioneering research into the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs revolutionized the fields of chemistry and medicine, ushering in a new age of medical innovation.
Paul Robeson was a man of immense strength and talent, renowned for his activism and his powerful voice, which inspired generations to come.
Patricia Roberts Harris was a trailblazer and a leader who held a variety of influential positions, including becoming the first African American woman to be appointed to a US Cabinet post.
Oscar Micheaux was a pioneering African-American filmmaker who made over 40 groundbreaking silent films in the early 1900s, shattering the boundaries of the era's racial inequality and segregation.
Mary McLeod Bethune, an inspirational African-American leader, was a tireless advocate of civil rights and educational opportunity who dedicated her life to improving the lives of those around her.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an inspirational leader and civil rights activist, whose tireless efforts and heroic courage were instrumental in the struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.
Marian Anderson was a powerful African-American contralto singer whose beautiful voice and graceful stage presence touched the hearts of millions as she became an international symbol of hope and freedom.
Malcolm X was a passionate and influential African-American leader who fought for civil rights and justice for all, and who inspired generations of Americans to break down racial barriers and strive for equality.
Madam C.J. Walker was a pioneering African American entrepreneur and philanthropist who, through her hard work, dedication, and innovative beauty products, blazed a trail of success and empowerment for future generations of women.
Lena Horne, the iconic African American singer, dancer, and actress, dazzled audiences with her captivating voice, graceful movements, and strong-willed attitude.
John H. Johnson was a visionary entrepreneur, having created the first African-American magazine, Ebony, and later founding the Johnson Publishing Company, which went on to become one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in the United States.
Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable was a pioneering figure of early Chicago, a Haitian immigrant who established a successful trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River and is now honored as the city's founder.
Jan E. Matzeliger was a remarkable inventor who revolutionized the shoe-making industry with his groundbreaking invention of the shoe lasting machine, which allowed shoes to be produced quickly and efficiently.
James Weldon Johnson was a brilliant and multifaceted African-American author, poet, songwriter, lawyer, and civil rights activist whose works and dedication to the fight for racial equality and justice left a lasting legacy on the nation.
Jackie Robinson's steely determination, courage and grace powered his way to becoming the first African-American to break the long-standing color barrier in Major League Baseball, inspiring generations of athletes and non-athletes alike.
Ida B. Wells was a pioneering African-American journalist, educator and civil rights activist, who courageously fought for justice and equality for African-Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Hattie McDaniel was an extraordinary African-American actress and singer who, in 1939, became the first black person to win an Academy Award for her iconic performance in 'Gone with the Wind.'
Gwendolyn Brooks was an African-American poet, novelist, and teacher whose works explored the everyday struggles of the urban poor and the civil rights movement, making her one of the most important voices of 20th century African-American literature.
Gwen Ifill was an American journalist and television newscaster who was an inspiration to many with her groundbreaking career and fearless drive to tell the truth.
Gregory Hines was an American dancer, actor, singer, and choreographer who was renowned for his astonishing tap dance performances.
Ernest J. Gaines is an acclaimed author known for his award-winning novels that explore the complexities of African American life in the rural South.
Ernest E. Just was an American biologist and professor whose pioneering work in the field of cell division earned him numerous awards, including the Spingarn Medal in 1940.
Ella Fitzgerald was an incredible jazz vocalist, who had a unique and captivating voice that could transport her audience to a different time and place.
Edmonia Lewis was an African-American and Native American sculptor who made history as the first professional sculptor of African American and Native American heritage.
Dr. Allison Davis is an intelligent and compassionate doctor who is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure her patients receive the best care possible.
Dorothy Height was an American civil rights and women's rights activist known for her leadership in the struggle for racial and gender equality.
Charles Chesnutt was a celebrated African-American author and political activist, renowned for his pioneering works exploring the complexities of race and identity in the post-Civil War South.
Carter G. Woodson was a renowned African-American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Bessie Coleman was a remarkable aviator who made history as the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license.
Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was an American military leader who was a trailblazer for African-Americans in the military, becoming the first African-American general in the U.S. Army in 1940.
Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught mathematician, astronomer, and surveyor who achieved great success in a time when African Americans were not afforded the same opportunities as their white counterparts.
Barbara Jordan was a trailblazing politician who became the first African-American Congresswoman from the Deep South and first African-American to deliver a keynote address at the Democratic National Convention.
August Wilson was an acclaimed playwright whose works explored the African-American experience in the 20th century, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career.
Anna Julia Cooper was an African American scholar, feminist, and activist who dedicated her life to promoting gender and racial equality, especially for Black women.
Althea Gibson was a groundbreaking African American tennis player who broke racial barriers, won numerous championships, and paved the way for future Black athletes.
A. Philip Randolph was a prominent civil rights leader and labor union organizer who fought for equal opportunities and fair treatment of African American workers.
