The 105 Most impactful Black Americans in History

Our history in this world and in this country is a complicated one.

Black peoples experience  in the United States, especially, is broken at best and toxic at worst.

Our history here is one where we’ve been forced to walk onto a bed of knives and survive. Only then to be told to pull ourselves up from our bootstraps—the boots we place onto bloodied and battered feet to run in a race where the gun has already gone off before the bleeding could stop. But we ran, anyway. In addition to countless hurdles invented and specifically designed to end us; Yet we continue to get the baton to the next generation with pride and hope.

The thing about Black people is not only do we run fast, but we also run in a way that catapults ideas, cultivates invention, design and ingenuity. In short, We run in style.

Sorry not sorry. Emphasis on not, if our audacity to do so offends you.  We run the race, unfair, rigged, and boobytrapped for us to fail, but we run it fully aware, and with long nails, orange hair, one sleeve, gold chain, tongue out, afro, fist up, full lips, wide smile, blood, sweat and tears running down our faces.

See, the thing is, when you crack open the spine of this book of American history, you find that the true picture of the ideals of America, look more like a black man or black woman. So, much of what is American, or American pop culture, is in large part, in most instances, attributed to the involvement, invention, ingenuity, or influence of Black Americans.

 

So, in an effort to bookmark a deep dive directory for generations to come, in a time where books are banned, histories erased, and identities are taken, changed, or hooded.

We thought it of great  importance to provide, for historic purposes, the list of the 105 most impactful, important and influential  Black Americans in history.

This list showcases African American individuals who have significantly impacted and broadened the lens through which the Black American experience is viewed. It goes beyond mere recognition, highlighting those who have shaped a more accurate depiction of Black life, interests, and experiences. The selection process involved 9 editors, categorizing the top 20 individuals in each category, evaluating their transcending impact, generational progress, and cultural influence. These individuals were born in the States, and have remarkably moved the culture forward and made it more inclusive for a full representation of the Black American diaspora and the worldview of it. These visionaries reshaped the Black American experience, broadening perspectives and advancing culture. The ultimate culture carriers starting at number 105.

 

   105. Faith Ringgold

Faith Ringgold was a renowned African American artist, best known for her vibrant and powerful narrative quilts. She used her success to spread awareness about the feminist and civil rights movements. One of Ringgold’s most famous works is the “American People Series,” a series of paintings that explore racial and social issues in America. She was awarded the Prestigious National Medal of Arts in 2020.

 

  104. TD Jakes

One of the most influential faith leaders of our time,  T.D. Jakes founded The Potter’s House (TPH), a non-denominational, multicultural church and global humanitarian organization, in Dallas, Texas in 1996. The church has since expanded to include more than 30,000 members, to become a megachurch in Dallas. The Potter’s House has become a blueprint for many churches, as one of the largest and most influential churches in the United States. TD Jakes is also recognized as one of the most influential contributors to the black community. Named “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine and CNN, Jakes’ influence is prominent from the White House to the Aspen Institute to Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. Jakes is a committed philanthropist who gives back on an ongoing basis to the communities that he serves worldwide. As a business leader, his media and entertainment empire spans film, television, radio, music and best-selling books, and includes an award-winning music label and a self-titled talk show that aired nationally in 2016. 

 

  103. Richard Pryor

Without Richard Pryor comedy as we know it today may have been very different. Pryor revolutionized the comedy world in the 1960s and 1970s. Pryor was known for uncompromising examinations of racism and topical contemporary issues, Pryor won an Emmy award in 1973 and five Grammy Awards between 1974 and 1982 and was the 19th inductee into the Official National Comedy Hall of Fame. He also won two American Academy of Humor awards and the Writers Guild of America Award. The first-ever Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor was presented to him in 1998. He was listed at number one on Comedy Central’s list of all-time greatest stand-up comedians. In 2017, Rolling Stone ranked him first on its list of the 50 best stand-up comics of all time.

 

  102. Jordan Peele 

Jordan Peele, actor, filmmaker, writer, and Oscar award winner, a genre in itself, changed disrupted the film industry with his breakout movie and directorial debut, Get Out. Peele invaded a genre whose long standing thorpe was to kill off their Black characters as quickly as possible. Now, those Black characters take center stage and it has impacted the stories being told for Black actors, forever. Peele’s career includes his sketch comedies and his writing and television work. Winning academy awards, primetime and Emmy awards through his success in his career. For many that watch his work he has impacted an entire generation. 

 

     101. Deion Sanders

Mr.”Prime Time,” Deion Sanders, is a National Football League Hall of Famer and current head coach for the Colorado Buffaloes. One of the best athletes in modern history, Coach Prime became arguably the first NFL superstar while being the only person to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. Before coaching the Buffaloes, Sanders brought new attention to HBCU in college football, while coaching Jackson State. Under his leadership, he led the program to a championship. He is breaking more barriers now, demonstrating the value of Black head coaches. The increased attention Sanders has brought to the Buffs, home CU football games are estimated to have generated an economic impact of $113.2 million during the 2023 season.

 

    100. Dapper Dan

The king of the drip, Dapper Dan’s bold and audacious designs had a profound impact on hip-hop culture and fashion, influencing many artists.        

Dan who in the 1980’s owned an eponymous boutique located in Harlem, New York became the Harlem couturier known as the “king of knock-offs.” He made his name in the late ’80s and ’90s as the tailor who provided rap culture with its signature street-inspired style, reworking traditional luxury-house products to outfit a slew of emerging hip-hop stars and athletes. His accomplishments as a fashion designer and cultural icon has left a mark on the fashion industry and hip-hop culture. Dan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

  99. Yara Shahidi

If there was ever a poster child for Generation Z, it would be actress, activist, Yara Shahidi. Shahidi has been a part of every conversation concerning this generation. Yara, an accomplished actress, model, and activist who has made significant contributions in various fields continues to prove to be more than grow-ish, but a full grown woman in the business of fighting for the cares of this generation and the future. The Harvard University graduate is actively involved in philanthropic efforts and has supported organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, The Women’s March, and the United Nations Foundation Girl Up campaign. She uses her influence to advocate for positive change and social impact.

 

  98. Henry Ossawa Tanner

Despite being one of the leading religious genre painters of his age, Henry Ossawa Tanner is best remembered for two paintings depicting domestic scenes of African American life and for being the first black artist to gain international fame.In 1896, his painting “The Resurrection of Lazarus” earned him a medal at the Paris Salon, making him the first African American artist to receive such recognition. In the late 1800s, amidst America’s still largely unenlightened attitude toward race equality, Henry Ossawa Tanner would break from all societal projections and boldly expatriate to Europe where he became the first African American man to achieve international acclaim as a painter. Eschewing the norm not only allowed him to carve his own course through life, but also to transform religious genre painting, the field in which he is best known.  

 

  97. Ann Lowe

Talk about style and grace, Ann Lowe was a leading African American fashion designer known for her elegant craftsmanship and creative designs. likely best remembered for creating the 1953 wedding gown and bridal party dresses for Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, for her marriage to John F Kennedy in 1953.Even though Lowe did not receive any public acknowledgment at the time. As one of the first African American designers to have such popularity in the fashion industry, she paved the way for future Black designers. While also contributing to the greater outcome of diversity and representation in the fashion industry. In 1965, she successfully launched a store on Madison Avenue, becoming the first African American to own a business in the heart of Manhattan’s most iconic fashion retail strip.

 

  96. Keenen Ivory Wayans Sr.

Keenen Ivory Desuma Wayans Sr is the first Black demonstration of nepotism at its finest. In the words of a great fallen philosopher, “Put the whole family on”.  The  is a multi-talented entertainer known for his accomplishments in comedy, television, film, and as a writer, director, and producer. Keenen Ivory Wayans is best known for his comedic satire and for creating the Emmy-winning show In Living Color, a variety show which featured a mostly black cast and helped to launch the careers of many prominent actors and comedians. Wayans also directed, and produced several successful films, including “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “Scary Movie,” and “White Chicks.” He has received numerous awards including a PrimeTime Emmy award, for Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series – 1990. A NAACP Image Awards and a BET Comedy Award.

 

   95. Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter, may go down in history as the greatest entertainer of all time.  She is one of the most successful African American women artists in today’s music industry. In 2001 Beyoncé won the “2001 Songwriter of the Year” award from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. She was the second woman, the first black woman, and the youngest person ever to win this award.

Also throughout her career showed her immense talent, creativity, and influence. In 2016, Beyoncé released another visual album and her magnum opus, Lemonade, which premiered as a television special on HBO, a few months after the release of the lead single “Formation.” Lemonade marked a new era of Beyoncé’s career, one that was more political and centered her southern Black roots. Lemonade inspired countless think pieces and even college courses. It has also been named one of the greatest albums of the ‘10s by numerous music publications.  

 

   94. Jay-Z

Hip-Hop’s first Billionaire, Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z  is regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time and one of the greatest entrepreneurs. Hov is without a reasonable doubt one of the most influential figures in hip-hop in the 1990s and early 21st century.

H to the iz O and two friends founded their own company, Roc-A-Fella Records, to release his debut album, Reasonable Doubt(1996), After a number of successful albums, the highly successful record label that has launched the careers of artists such as Kanye West and Rihanna. Back during 2004 Jay assumed the presidency of Def Jam Recordings, making him one of the most highly placed African American executives in the recording industry at the time. Then spent 2017 becoming the first rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. It was 2021 when JAY-Z was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jigga man, who has long had a reputation of putting on for the culture took that influence all the way to the NFL. Through Kraft’s efforts, Jay-Z and his company Roc Nation got involved with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, eventually inking a five year, $25-million deal with the league aimed at revamping the Super Bowl halftime show and amplifying the NFL’s social justice agenda.

   

   93. Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. is a highly acclaimed American actor with a career spanning several decades. Gossett was the first African-American male to win an Oscar in a supporting role; the second black male to win for acting; and, the third African-American actor to win overall. The uber talented Louis also won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. The Officer and a Gentleman actor has been recognized with awards such as the Golden Globe Award, and the Screen Actors Guild Award. Louis also held the role of President at the Louis Gossett Jr. Eracism Foundation  and served as the keynote speaker for the Partnerships for Peace Dignity for All Event in Los Angeles in 2015.

 

    92. Andrew Rube Foster

Andrew “Rube” Foster was a pioneering figure in baseball history, known for his significant contributions to the sport as a player, manager, and executive. He gained fame as a pitcher, manager, and owner and as the “father of Black baseball” after founding in 1920 the Negro National League (NNL) the first successful, organized professional baseball league for African American players.

 

   91. Erica P. Loewe

The champion of Black media at The White House and surviving voice of the January 6 insurrection. Loewe joined the Biden Administration as Director of African American media in May of 2021 and changed the trajectory of hundreds of media outlets within the past two years culminating at the very first Juneteenth celebration on the White House Lawn. She also held communication roles in offices of both Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) and James Clyburn (D-SC-7) before coming to the White House to oversee Black media relations.

Loewe, now one of the most important voices in the nation as the special assistant to the president and chief of staff for the White House Office of Public Engagement. Loewe was recently a part of maybe the most important film/documentary of the last decade, titled, Sixth, where we learn and see the horror that was January 6th.

 

   90. Jesse B. Blayton Sr.

Jesse B. Blayton, Sr. made radio history when he became the first African-American to own and operate a radio station in America. Jesse B. Blayton Sr. was a rising African American businessman, educator, and broadcasting executive who made significant contributions to the fields of radio broadcasting and education. particularly focusing on educational initiatives for African Americans. One of his greatest achievements came in 1949 when he founded WERD, a radio station in Atlanta, Georgia. WERD played a crucial role in sharing information about civil rights activities and providing a platform for African American voices during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. He was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995.

 

   89. Nina Simone

“The High Priestess of Soul,” Nina Simone was a singer, pianist, songwriter, and civil rights activist. Mostly known as a jazz singer, her music blended gospel, blues, folk, pop, and classical styles. No popular singer was more closely associated with the Civil Rights Movement than Simone. She released the iconic protest song “Mississippi Goddam” in 1964, in reaction to the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama and the assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, both in 1963. She famously performed “Mississippi Goddam” at a concert on April 7, 1968, three days after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. n 2008, Rolling Stone named Simone to its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, and, in 2018, Simone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

 

 88. André Leon Talley

Andre Leon Talley was an influential fashion editor who grew up in the segregated South and rose through the historically white ranks of his industry to become the first Black person to serve as creative director (1988–95) of American Vogue.Thus became one of thee fashion legends in the industry, making his fashion era known as glamazon. 

Talley achieved unparalleled authority in his profession by the end of his life. He held a bachelor’s degree in French literature from North Carolina Central University and a Master’s degree in French studies from Brown University upon arriving in New York, set to shake up the skeptics of whom there were many. André also curated fashion exhibitions and counseled aspiring designers, such as LaQuan Smith, and veteran ones, such as Oscar de la Renta. In 2009 he wrote Vogue’s first cover story on U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, “Power of Change: Leading Lady.”

 

 

  87. Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier actor, director, and diplomat, the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Which he received for his role in “Lilies of the Field” in 1964. Throughout his career, he starred in numerous acclaimed films, including “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “To Sir, with Love,” and “In the Heat of the Night.” Outside of his work in entertainment, Poitier was also a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for social justice.

 

 

  86. Tamika D. Mallory

Tamika Mallory has been the most consistent voice for social justice in the last 25 years. Responsible for the efforts to bring justice for Breonna Taylor and many others. In 2014, Mallory was selected to serve on the transition committee of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. During that time, she helped create the NYC Crisis Management System, an official gun violence prevention program that awards $20 million annually to gun violence prevention organizations. 

Mallory was also the national co-chair for the Women’s March, and in 2017 Women’s March saw an estimated 500,000 people attend the march and millions more participated in sister marches across the country, making it possibly the largest single-day protest in U.S. history. Tamilka is also the co-founder of Until Freedom. Her heart for the culture and for justice has earned her many accolades and has advised or assisted in building up other organizations not just her own.

 

  85. Margie Eugene-Richard

Margie Eugene-Richard may be the reason we call the Earth, “ Mother nature.” This woman was an environmental justice advocate and public health activist known for her tireless efforts to address environmental racism and injustice in marginalized communities.             

Eugene-Richard was a leading voice in the environmental justice movement, which seeks to address the burden of pollution and environmental hazards faced by low-income communities and communities of color. Richard is known for her leadership in the fight against environmental racism and for her efforts to hold the chemical and oil industries accountable for the pollution they have caused in her community. Eugene-Richard co-founded the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting environmental justice and protecting the health and well-being of Louisiana’s residents.

 

  84. Denzel Washington 

If there was ever a Black actor every man wanted to look like, and every woman type was, it was Denzel. The actor, producer and director, maybe best known for his work in “Glory” (1989), “Malcolm X” (1992), “Training Day” (2001) was a staple in the zeitgeist of Black culture. He was referenced in jokes,and lyrics  by comedians, rappers and actors regularly. Throughout his career he was praised by critics, and his consistent success at the box office helped to dispel the perception that African American actors could not draw mainstream white audiences.

Denzel, became only the second African American actor (the first was Sidney Poitier) to win an Oscar for best actor.

 

  83. Minister Louis Farrakhan

 In October 1995, Farrakhan had the block on smash. He convened a broad coalition of what he and his supporters claimed was one million men in Washington, D.C., for the Million Man March. Though the number fell far below what was hoped-for, the impact and representation of 444,000 Black men and boys was powerful and had never been seen before. 

Farrakhan and other speakers called for black men to renew their commitments to their families and communities. The event was organized by many civil rights and religious organizations and drew men and their sons from across the United States of America. Many other distinguished African Americans addressed the throng, including: Maya Angelou; Rosa Parks; Martin Luther King III, Cornel West, Jesse Jackson and Benjamin Chavis. In 2005, together with other prominent African Americans such as the New Black Panther Party leader Malik Zulu Shabazz, the activist Al Sharpton, Addis Daniel and others, Farrakhan marked the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March by holding a second gathering, the Millions More Movement, October 14–17 in Washington D.C.

 

   82. Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks got the bigger picture. Becoming one of the most groundbreaking figures in 20th century photography. His photojournalism during the 1940s to the 1970s reveals important aspects of American culture, and he became known for focusing on issues of civil rights, poverty, race relations and urban life.He became the first African American staff photographer for Life magazine in 1948, where he produced iconic photo essays on topics such as poverty, segregation, and civil rights. His extraordinary pictures allowed him to break the color line in professional photography while he created remarkably expressive images that consistently explored the social and economic impact of poverty, racism, and other forms of discrimination.

 

 

    81. Venus Williams

Venus made the beads hairstyle a global trend while redefining the sport of Tennis. She and her sister Serena have won more Olympic gold medals than any other female tennis player. She has won Wimbledon 5 times between 2000-2008. Venus Williams and Serena Williams, the sister duo, are the undefeated doubles grand slam champions. Venus has made a lasting impact on and off the court with her entrepreneurship, advocacy, and fight for equality. Formerly ranked No. 1 in the world, she has won seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships, and four Olympic gold medals.

 

   80. Misty Copeland

Keeping us on our toes.

Copeland made history as the first African American Female Principal Dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre in the company’s 75-year history in 2015 . Throughout her career, Copeland has disrupted the world of ballet changing the stereotypes in the predominantly white and elitist world of ballet. She has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Misty also started her production company, Life In Motion Productions, which has produced the project, Flower, a silent arts activism film using dance to help raise awareness about homelessness. She is also featured in an episode of MasterClass, the online series. 

Misty is an avid philanthropist and is an ambassador of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, of which is also an alum, and MindLeaps, an arts education program based in Rwanda that helps young people get off the streets and into an academic setting to help enhance their lives. Misty is the bestselling author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Life In Motion; an award-winning children’s picture book titled Firebird; a New York Times bestselling lifestyle book titled Ballerina Body; and the New York Times bestselling children’s picture book, Bunheads. Her newest book, Black Ballerinas: My Journey To Our Legacy, published in Fall 2021.

     

   79. Melvin Van Peebles

Van Peebles was an actor, playwright and composer, who wrote two Broadway hit plays: Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death in 1971 and Don’t Play Us Cheap in 1972, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination. As an actor, Van Peebles has appeared in several films including Robert Altman’s O.C. and Stiggs in 1987 and Mario Van Peebles’ Panther in 1995, which he also wrote and co-produced. In 2005, Van Peebles was the subject of a documentary entitled How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It). He has been honored with numerous awards, including a Grammy and a Drama Desk Award. He received the Children’s Live-Action Humanitas Prize for The Day They Came to Arrest the Book in 1987, and in 1999, he was awarded the Chicago Underground Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

    78. Simone Biles

 Simone Biles is the prize,regardless of what her husband says. The 37 time olympic and world champion gymnast has achieved dominance over the World Championships, winning a total of 25 medals, including 19 gold medals. Biles has transcended the world of sports to become a cultural icon and role model. As a Black athlete, Biles is paving the way for the future generation of competitive sports people to have a healthy relationship with their sport. Her voice is powerful and is changing the competitive sporting world with the promotion of balance, mental health, and speaking out against injustice.

 

   77. Lebron James

No athlete has lived up to their hype quite like basketball royalty, Lebron James. One of only two current billionaire athletes still playing. The NBA all time leading scorer also launched an elementary school and guaranteed college tuition for graduates.LeBron  The 4 time NBA champion and Olympic Gold medalist has also consistently positioned himself throughout his career as a leader. He has shown leadership on the court as well as integrity in the community becoming a leading voice for social justice in a racially divided nation.

 Even in the face of scrutiny and racism. Lebron has also made strides in media with his series The Shop, in addition to starting the Lebron James family foundation; which was built off the hope to help single family houses and children pursue education comfortably. He may never top Jordan or Kobe as the GOAT in the game of Basketball, but he has easily become the goat athlete off the court.

 

   76. Oscar Micheaux

The country’s first major Black filmmaker. Oscar Micheaux (sometimes written as “Michaux”), directed and produced 44 films over the course of his career. Throughout the first half of the 20th century Micheaux depicted contemporary Black life and complex characters in his films, countering the negative on-screen portrayal of Blacks at the time. Oscar clearly had seen enough and not enough at the same darn time.

 

   75. Hank Aaron

Hank Aaron, born Henry Louis Aaron, a legendary professional baseball player and one of the greatest hitters in the history of the sport. For more than three decades, Hank Aaron has been best known for hitting more home runs than any other baseball player in history. 

However, the baseball icon also spoke out against pervasive racism in major league baseball and broke racial barriers throughout his career. On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his 715th career home run, surpassing Ruth’s record of 714 home runs. Hank Aaron was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

 

  74. Morgan DeBaun

Morgan DeBaun, the face and co-founder of Blavity, found herself named in the 2018 America’s Top 50 Women in Tech – With $9 million in funding, seeing Blavity become one of the largest media startups and lifestyle brands. Blavity may have single handedly saved Black media, At a critical time where news was moving quickly to digital spaces and  mainstream media having all but forgotten about news that concerned the Black community evident in the limited coverage of the murder of Mike Brown in 2014. Blavity stood out amongst its contemporaries and became the leading media outlet for Black culture, news and tech. 

 

  73. Ru Paul

RuPaul, has been dubbed the “Queen of Drag” and is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States, with Fortune saying that he is “easily the world’s most famous drag queen.” In 2017, RuPaul was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world. 

Overall, RuPaul’s work and influence through performances as a drag queen, television host, musician, activist, author, and entrepreneur have made him a pioneering figure in popular culture and a symbol of empowerment and self-expression. His impact on LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

 

 

  72. Will Smith

Willard Carroll Smith II, better known as Will Smith is an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Award, and four Grammy Award winning actor and recording artist as of 2024, his films have grossed over $9.3 billion globally, making him one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars in Hollywood. Yet, his earliest and maybe most overlooked contribution to the culture has been being the first hip-hop GRAMMY award winner in 1989 along with DJ Jazzy Jeff winning for the best rap performance for their 1988 single “Parents Just Don’t Understand”. The duo not only won the grammy but made a powerful statement when they decided to boycott the Grammys for refusing to televise the category.  Will Smith has also been a part of one of the most recognized Black sitcoms in the history of television; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

 

   71. Jesse Jackson

Jackson was the first black candidate to win the nationwide Democratic youth vote among all Democratic primary voters. The Baptist minister, and politician whose bids for the U.S. presidency (in the Democratic Party’s nomination races in 1983–84 and 1987–88) were the most successful by an African American until 2008, when Barack Obama captured the Democratic presidential nomination. 

Rev. Jesse Jackson has been a civil rights activist, presidential candidate, and international hostage negotiator. In 1965 he went to Selma, Alabama, to march with Martin Luther King, Jr., and became a worker in King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He was in Memphis, Tennessee, with King when the civil rights leader was assassinated on April 4, 1968. 

In 1979 he visited South Africa, where he spoke out against apartheid, and he later journeyed to the strife-ridden Middle East and campaigned to give Palestinians their own state. Jackson negotiated the release of U.S. soldiers and civilians around the world, including in Syria (1984), Iraq (1990), and Yugoslavia (1999). In the 1980s Jackson became a leading national spokesman and advocate for African Americans. His voter-registration drive was a key factor in the election of Chicago’s first African American mayor, Harold Washington, in April 1983.

 

  70. Tupac Shakur

The incorrigible Tupac Shakur; a titan of rap, whose legend still premiants the culture today. 2pac is the son of a Black panther, and the essence of every woman’s rap love aspiration. Widely considered the most influential artists in the history of hip hop music. 

2Pac, was light years ahead of his contemporaries, deeply influential and multi-talented rapper, actor, and poet whose accomplishments continue to resonate in the world of music and beyond. Pac was an outspoken activist, and his music often reflected the collective underrepresented sentiment of the culture.  He became a voice for marginalized communities and inspired a generation of activists and artists. Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame in 2002. And into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 (his first year of eligibility). He was ranked #1 on MTV’s list of 22 Greatest MCs (voted by viewers) and crowned “The Greatest Rapper of All Time” as voted by fans in a Vibe magazine poll in 2004. Tupac was also only the second rapper to ever have an album go Diamond, after his All Eyez On Me dual disc was released in 1996 under Death Row Records. It received a diamond certification after selling more than 20 million copies worldwide.

 

  69. Medgar Evers

Medgar Evers was a courageous civil rights activist who made significant contributions to the struggle for racial equality and social justice in the United States. To the point of Evers taking one for the team, becoming the first martyr to the 1960s civil rights movement, and his death was a turning point for many in the struggle for equality, infusing other civil rights.

As NAACP’s first field officer in Mississippi, Evers established new local chapters, organized voter registration drives, and helped lead protests to desegregate public primary schools, parks, and Mississippi Gold Coast beaches. 

 

  68. Aretha Franklin 

Aretha Franklin is a world renowned musician whose influence can still be seen today. Throughout her life, Franklin was immersed and involved in the struggle for civil rights and women’s rights. She provided money for civil rights groups, at times covering payroll, and performed at many benefits and protests. Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Franklin is one of the best-selling music artists, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. She recorded 112 charted singles on the US Billboard charts, including 73 Hot 100 entries, 17 top-ten pop singles, 96 R&B entries and 20 number-one R&B singles.

 

  67. John Lewis

Congressman John Lewis was a popular civil rights leader and politician whose accomplishments have left a lasting impact on American history. He played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, serving as the youngest of the “Big Six” leaders which included Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King, Jr., James Farmer and Roy Wilkins. Lewis helped to organize key events like the March on Washington. A co-founder and chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), Lewis led and helped organize many of the seminal moments in the Civil Rights movement, in addition to the 1963 March on Washington, which were the Freedom Rides, and the Selma to Montgomery Marches. Congressman Lewis has received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Spingarn Medal, the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize.

 

  66. Fannie Lou Hamer

 Fannie Lou Hamer was one of the most important, passionate, and powerful voices of the civil and voting rights movements and a leader in the efforts for greater economic opportunities for African Americans. Hamer also organized voter registration drives and grassroots movements to empower African Americans in the South. She bought national attention to the injustices faced by Black Americans, leading to significant legislative improvements. Hamer’s legacy continues to inspire generations as a symbol of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice and equality. Along with her political activism, Hamer worked to help the poor and families in need in her Mississippi community. She also set up organizations to increase business opportunities for minorities and to provide childcare and other family services

 

 

   65. Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, the “First Lady of Song” or the “Queen of Jazz,” was one of the most influential and celebrated jazz vocalists of the 20th century. By the end of her career, she had recorded 2,000 songs and earned fourteen Grammy awards Aside from music, Fitzgerald was a child welfare advocate and regularly made donations to help disadvantaged youth. Fitzgerald was awarded the National Medal of Arts by Ronald Reagan in 1987. Ella received many other awards, including honorary doctorates from Yale, Dartmouth, and several other universities. The Queen of Jazz also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, and the Kennedy Center Honors. The multi talented legend was a trendsetter for black artists in the music industry and helped pave the way for future generations of musicians.

 

  64. Harry Belafonte

Belafonte was a Jamaican-American musician, actor and human rights activist. Harry Belafonte joined the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s. He became one of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s closest confidants. Over the years he organized demonstrations, raised money and contributed his personal funds to keep movement activities going.Belafonte has advocated for a range of other humanitarian causes. In 1985, he helped to orchestrate the recording of the Grammy Award winning song “We Are The World,” a multi-artist effort to raise funds for Africa. In 1987, he received an appointment to UNICEF as a goodwill ambassador.

 

   63. Maynard H. Jackson

If “I put on for my city” was a person, it’d be Maynard H Jackson. Atlanta’s first African American mayor; he served two consecutive terms (1974-1978; 1978-1982) and was elected for a third term in 1990. Jackson is best known for improving opportunities for African Americans to do business with the City of Atlanta, especially in the expansion of Hartsfield Airport-which has been renamed Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. Under his leadership African American contracts with the City of Atlanta increased to thirty-five percent from a low of less than one percent.

 

    62. Ella Josephine Baker

Baker can be compared to being the lioness in the den of lions, that was the Civil Rights movement. Baker was a civil rights activist whose organizational, behind-the-scenes work made her one of the most important figures in the Civil Rights Movement. She emphasized the importance of a grassroots approach over charismatic leadership within the movement. In 1942, she became director of branches and the highest-ranking woman in the NAACP.

 

   61. Stevie Wonder 

Stevland Hardaway Judkins is HIM, and has been since he was a child. Little Him. 

Wonder was just 11 years old when he was discovered by Ronnie White of the Motown band The Miracles. An audition followed with Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., who didn’t hesitate to sign the young musician to a record deal. The American musician and former child prodigy would go on to become one of the most creative musical figures of the 20th century with hits like “My Cherie Amour,” “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” and “Superstition.”

Even with this array of accomplishments, it was the double album with EP set Songs in the Key of Life that many have hailed as Wonder’s most legendary project and one of the greatest records of all time. Offering a rich span of songs with genre fusions aplenty, Songs covered everything from ethnic diversity in the U.S. and fantastic utopian communities to vengeful relationships and transcendent love. To go alongside his 25 Grammy Awards, Wonder has routinely tackled social issues through his music and appearances.

He successfully spearheaded a movement to create a national holiday recognizing the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a celebration he sang about in the track “Happy Birthday” from Hotter Than July. (“Happy Birthday” became a major U.K. hit as well, reaching No. 2.

 

 60. James Brown

I feel good about this one. ( did you see what I did there)? James Brown, to date is still the most sampled musician of popular music. He started out as a self-taught musician,  in 1953 he began his professional musical career with Bobby Byrd’s group the Gospel Starlighters, who later changed their name to The Flames. In the late 1950s the group became better known as James Brown. As an innovative performer, prolific songwriter, and record producer, Brown changed the music industry forever and paved the way for many performers, particularly hip hop and rap artists. Along with Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry. Brown was one of the first three artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. On December 7, 2003, Brown was a recipient of Kennedy Center Honors for his lifetime of contributions to the arts and American culture.

 

    59. Phillis Wheatley-Peters

One of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. She is widely considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Educated and enslaved in the household of prominent Boston commercialist John Wheatley, lionized in New England and England, with presses in both places publishing her poems, and paraded before the new republic’s political leadership and the old empire’s aristocracy, Wheatley was the abolitionists’ illustrative testimony that blacks could be both artistic and intellectual. Her name was a household word among literate colonists and her achievements a catalyst for the fledgling antislavery movement.

 

  58. Paul Robeson

Accomplished as a scholar, athlete, actor, singer, and global activist, Paul Robeson is one of Rutgers University’s most distinguished alumni and the quintessential 20th century Renaissance man. As an actor, Robeson was one of the first black men to play serious roles in the primarily white American theater. During the 1940s, Robeson’s black nationalist and anti-colonialist activities brought him to the attention of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Despite his contributions as an entertainer to the Allied forces during World War II, Robeson was singled out as a major threat to American democracy. Every attempt was made to silence and discredit him. This has widely been the reason for why his role in the history of civil rights and as a spokesperson for the oppressed of other nations remains relatively unknown.

 

  57. Madam C.J. Walker

As the wealthiest Black woman of her time, Walker used her prominent position to oppose racial discrimination, and her massive wealth to support civic, educational and social institutions to assist Black Americans. 

Madam C.J. Walker encouraged women’s economic independence by training others and by serving as a powerful role model. She  is best known for founding the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company, specializing in hair care and beauty products for African American women. Walker’s business grew rapidly, with sales exceeding $500,000 in the final year of her life. Her total worth topped $1 million dollars, and included a mansion in Irvington, New York dubbed “Villa Lewaro;” and properties in Harlem, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. That would be over $18 million in today’s economy.

As her wealth increased, so did her philanthropic and political outreach. Walker contributed to the YMCA, covered tuition for six African American students at Tuskegee Institute, and became active in the anti-lynching movement, donating $5,000 to the NAACP’s efforts. Just prior to dying of kidney failure, Walker revised her will, bequeathing two-thirds of future net profits to charity, as well as thousands of dollars to various individuals and schools.

 

   56. Coretta Scott King

Jonathan Majors wasn’t wrong for wanting a woman like Corretta Scott King. She may have been known mainly as the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but Corretta proved to still be about that life after the death of her husband. King continued to support several issues, marching in a labor strike only days after his funeral. She traveled internationally, lecturing about racism and economic issues in the United States and abroad. In 1969, King was awarded the Universal Love Award, becoming the first non-Italian to hold the distinction. The same year, she published her memoirs entitled My Life with Martin Luther King Jr.

King also went on to establish the King Center, a memorial which focused on protecting and advancing her husband’s legacy. Her hard work eventually materialized in a federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which was signed into law in 1983. 

 

   55. Warren Washington 

Warren M. Washington became one of the first developers of groundbreaking atmospheric computer models in collaboration with Akira Kasahara when he came to NCAR in the early 1960s. These models, which use fundamental laws of physics to predict future states of the atmosphere, have helped scientists understand climate change. His work has made available the possibility for other black boys and men to enter the tech world. As the second African-American to earn a doctorate in the atmospheric sciences, Washington has served as a role model for generations of young researchers from many backgrounds. He has mentored dozens of graduate students, as well as undergraduates in the UCAR-based SOARS program (Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science).

 

54. John Singleton

John Singleton, was the billboard for young, Black and Gifted. The filmmaker will be remembered in history as the producer behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies, significant for both the industry and the black community. Singleton at just 23 years of age became known as a  film director and screenwriter whose films often examined urban and racial tensions. He was best known for his directorial debut, Boyz n the Hood (1991). He would go on to also do films such as Poetic Justice and Higher learning. Singleton, for Boyz n the Hood,  received an Academy Award nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, making him simultaneously the first African-American and the youngest person to be nominated for an award in those categories. Also in 1991, Singleton directed a music video for Michael Jackson’s recording “Remember The Time,” which features Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Earvin “Magic” Johnson. 

 

  53. Mary McLeod Bethune

The often unsung hero who set the tone for the Civil Rights movement was a passionate educator and presidential advisor. In her long career of public service, she became one of the earliest black female activists that helped lay the foundation to the modern civil rights movement.In 1923, Bethune successfully negotiated the merger of her school in Daytona with the Cookman Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Together, they created the coeducational four year Bethune-Cookman College. By the time of the merger, she was already a highly respected leader in Black education and among Black women’s clubs.

   

  52. Phylicia Rashad

Black America’s mother first gained fame for her work in the television series The Cosby Show (1984–92). Her role as Clair—graceful but assertive, dignified but devoted—became a defining one for Rashad and earned her two Emmy Award nominations. 

Later, Rashad would become the first African American woman to win a Tony Award for best actress in 2004 for her performance of A raisin in the sun. In 2007 Rashad made her directorial debut at the helm of the Seattle Repertory Theatre’s production of Gem of the Ocean. The following year she again made history on Broadway when Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opened with its first all-Black cast. The Actress and activist who previously campaigned to protect the Brainerd Institute in South Carolina, a school established in 1866 for freed slaves, also served as an advisor and ambassador for The African-American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. She also became the Dean at Howard University Chadwick Boseman school of fine arts.

 

   51. Garrett Morgan

A prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison,” But we say Edison was the White Garrett Morgan. Morgan was the inventor of a life-saving device, mechanical traffic signals, and more. Garrett Morgan’s safety hood saved the lives of countless firefighters and others.His breathing device, known as a safety hood, later provided the blueprint for World War I gas masks. Throughout his life, Morgan broke barriers and was an advocate for racial equality. In addition to forming one of the first Black fraternities in the country at Cleveland’s Case Western Reserve University, he remained committed to progress during a time in America when Jim Crow era discrimination ran rampant.

 

  50. Regina King 

To this day, we are certain, LL Cool J’ s song, Around the Way girl, had to be inspired by Regina King. The actress, writer and director has contributed to the image and expression of Black culture since her 1980’s role in the hit sitcom, 227. 

King’s breakout role in film came from her critically-acclaimed supporting role in the feature film Jerry Maguire. Before that she could be seen stealing scenes in many of John Singleton’s early  films including Boyz n the Hood (1991), Poetic Justice (1993) and Higher Learning (1995). 

In 1995, she was featured in the hit comedy Friday. Showing she is a dual threat she voiced both main characters in the show, the Boondocks and has directed episodes of television series such as “Scandal,” “This Is Us,” and “Insecure,”.  Also under her belt of this versatile portfolio King directed DC’s Watchmen, The Harder they fall and Last Night in Miami. She is the recipient of several awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and four acting Primetime Emmy Awards, the most for an African-American performer. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019.

 

  49. Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes is a highly successful television producer, screenwriter, and author known for her groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry. One of her most notable accomplishments is creating and producing several hit television series, including Bridgerton,  “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal,” and “How to Get Away with Murder.” In 2017, Rhimes signed a multi-year deal with Netflix, reportedly worth $150 million, to produce content exclusively for the streaming platform, marking a significant milestone in her career and indicating her continued influence in the entertainment industry. 

Rhymes has been so intentional and prolific in telling unique perspectives of the Black American interest and experience that of the television creators whose work possesses the juice and social weight of an elephant in the room needed to stand out in an academic conference, as well as the fan devotion required to make them household names, Shonda Rhimes is in tier with the likes of only Glen A. Larson and Norman Lear. She is also the CEO of Shondaland, the global media company that encompasses brand partnerships, merchandise, theatrical and streaming content and a digital division.

 

  48. Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who was the most popular entertainer in the world in the early and mid-1980s. Even today he is widely regarded as the “King of Pop.” Not only was Michael one of the most influential and successful entertainers in the history of popular music, his impact extended beyond music and entertainment. As an African-American artist, he shattered racial barriers and became a global icon, transcending cultural boundaries. His success opened doors for future generations of artists, proving that talent and artistry know no color or race. His influence extended to inspiring fashion trends and raising awareness for social causes around the world, during his life Jackson was received by over 30 different world leaders.  

 

  47. Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones has had a prolific career that spans 70 years and includes significant achievements in multiple artistic mediums, such as becoming one of the first African Americans to hold a top executive position at a major American record label, producing Michael Jackson’s all-time best-selling album Thriller (1982).  In 1964, he was named a vice president of Mercury Records, the first African American to hold such an executive position in a white-owned record company. In that same year, Quincy Jones turned his attention to another musical area that had long been closed to blacks — the world of film scores. The 1960s and ’70s were also years of social activism for Quincy Jones. He was a major supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Operation Breadbasket, an effort to promote economic development in the inner cities. Jones is also responsible for one of the most iconic tv sitcoms of all time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

 

   46. Sammy Davis Jr.

Davis is known as the youngest member of the iconic Rat Pack. The highly successful singer, dancer, comedian, actor, and civil rights activist was a constellation amongst stars. One of the pioneering acts that led to Vegas as we know it today for its many acts and shows. 

Coming up in the 40’s, Davis was stained by the battle of racism, like most Black Americans. Mr. Davis used his fame and fortune to fight the evils of racism. He joined in many of the marches for freedom walking with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the other warriors of justice.

 By the time of King’s assassination, he was transformed into an impassioned apostle for the struggle, helping to raise more money for the cause than any other celebrity, black or white. He contributed endless hours of time and money to right the wrongs in our society.  “I’m going to get so big, so powerful, so famous, that the day will come when they’ll look at me and see a man—and then somewhere along the way, they’ll notice he’s a Negro.”

   

  45. Ice Cube

Ice Cube is a multi-talented artist who has made significant contributions to the music, film, television industries and sports. He is also an entrepreneur and political activist who is passionate about addressing social and political issues and rose to prominence as one of the founding members of the groundbreaking rap group N.W.A. (Niggaz Wit Attitude) in the late 1980s. As a rapper and lyricist, he played a vital role in shaping the HipHop, rap genre and is regarded as one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time. 

He continued to show off Black excellence through film, with his breakout comedy Friday and his role in John Singleton’s Boyz n Tha Hood. He continued to spawn film franchises including ” “Friday,” “Barbershop,” and “Are We There Yet?” The only Black Director to have three successful film franchises. In 2017, Ice Cube took on the sports world, creating the BIG 3 basketball league, featuring halfcourt, three-on-three competition with an innovative four-point line. 

 

  44. Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen is the woman that saved Cosby’s spin off show A Different World. Allen is a multi-talented artist whose accomplishments span the realms of dance, choreography, acting, directing, producing, and advocacy. But her role in saving one of the most important television shows of all time cannot go overlooked. The show’s first season centered around the eldest child Denise Huxtable’s freshman year in college. Despite the appeal of its central character, played by Lisa Bonet, the show didn’t land with Black viewers as producers hoped. Debbie Allen was brought in to save the day, since she knew all about HBCU life, for she was a Howard University graduate. And save the day, she did.  She later joined the Broadway production of “Purlie” and earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance. She directed the critically acclaimed Broadway revival of “Cat on a Hot.

 

  43. Serena Williams

Considered the greatest women’s tennis player of all time, and perhaps the greatest athlete of all time, Serena Williams has revolutionized women’s tennis. Not only in style of play, but in style, and body type. She proved that Tennis players could come in all different body types. 

Serena has won 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles, the most in the Open Era, and the second-most of all time. She is the only player to accomplish a Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles. Serena has always made statements to further the fight for gender equality. Serena along with her sister Venus, inspired more diversity within sports and the community. African-American children, from poor areas growing up with a poor home life have been inspired to begin playing tennis. She has devoted time and money to the development of a tennis center in Washington, DC.  

 

  42. Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was a groundbreaking American tennis player and social activist whose achievements and impact extend far beyond the tennis court. He pushed for higher academic standards for athletes, particularly for minorities. He raised millions of dollars for inner-city tennis centers and the United Negro College Fund, started the African- American Athletic Association and wrote A Hard Road to Glory, a definitive, three-volume work on black sports history.  

Ashe was the first black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, and the only black man ever to win the singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.

 

   41. Magic Johnson

Erving ‘Magic’ Johnson is cemented as one of the greatest and more influential athletes in history and in NBA history. A five time NBA champion that ushered in the popularity of the league in the late 80’s. Many consider Magic to be the greatest Laker of all time, and greatest point guard of all time. 

With all of that success his greatest contribution perhaps was involuntarily at first, he helped change the way America viewed AIDS/HIV.  When Magic contracted the virus in the 90’s, the country knew very little about it. Magic talking and living a healthy life for decades has helped change the stigma around the disease forever. Magic would become an incredible advocate for the cause. He is Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, which focuses on scholarship, transformation and community empowerment through HIV/AIDS awareness & prevention programs, Community Empowerment Centers, and the Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program. Magic has also gone on to be one of the most successful Black business athletes of all time. With a net worth of $1.6 Billion through Magic Johnson enterprise.  

 

  40. Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is one of a very elite group of artists. The EGOT group where there are Only 19 people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony award. Goldberg was the first Black woman to achieve all four awards.  Whoopi was the female equivalent to Eddie Murphy in the 90’s. 

She is equally well-known for her humanitarian efforts on behalf of children, the homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse, and the battle against AIDS, as well as many other causes and charities. Among her many charitable activities, Whoopi is a Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations. Goldberg was also an activist on behalf of several causes, including human rights, AIDS research, and children’s issues. A Different World producer credits Whoopi Goldberg’s HIV/AIDS episode with saving ‘millions of lives’.  

 

   39. Angela Y. Davis

An activist. An author. A scholar. An abolitionist. A legend, as revered by a generation of millennials as she is her own. She is Angela Y. Davis. In 1971, Davis became America’s most famous “political prisoner” as she awaited trial. After being acquitted of all charges in 1972, Davis moved from defended to defender, consistently resisting the structural causes of inequity and injustice as others took the bigoted way out and victim blamed. For decades, she has unflinchingly defended black women, black prisoners, the black poor—and all women, all prisoners, all poor people—when few Americans would. She has defended America from the clutches of imperialism, exploitation, racism, sexism, poverty and incarceration when few Americans would.

 

   38. Spike Lee

The person responsible for making Air Jordans a staple in Black culture apart from Michael Jordan himself, is the one and only Spike Lee.   Spike Lee is a film director, producer and screenwriter, renowned for a body of work that explores African American experience, challenges racial stereotypes, and addresses controversial subjects. Lee is also credited with opening up the American film industry–to an unprecedented degree–to the contributions of black talent.  The Morehouse man and NYU grad alum won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for “BlacKkKlansman” and an Honorary Academy Award for his lifetime achievement in filmmaking. He has also received honorary degrees from several universities and has been honored with prestigious awards from film festivals and organizations around the world.

 

  37. Huey P. Newton

Huey P. Newton was an African American revolutionary and political activist who founded the Black Panther Party for Self Defense (BPP). He ran the party as its first leader and crafted its ten-point manifesto with Bobby Seale in 1966; during his tenure at Merritt College. The Panthers were started in response to incidents of alleged police brutality and racism and as an illustration of the need for Black self-reliance. At the height of its popularity during the late 1960s, the party had 2,000 members in chapters in several cities.

 

   36. Dr. Cornel West

An American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist. His influential book Race Matters(1993) one year after the Los Angeles Riots of 1992, which were sparked by the acquittal of four white policemen on charges of aggravated assault in the beating of Rodney King, an African American motorist. The book lamented what he saw as the spiritual impoverishment of the African American underclass and critically examined the “crisis” of Black leadership in the United States.

West graduated magna cum laude in three years from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern languages and literature. He attended graduate school in philosophy at Princeton University, and earned his PHD from Princeton in 1980. He became the first African American to earn a PhD in philosophy from Princeton.

 

    35. Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth, born Isabella Baumfree, was a remarkable African American abolitionist, women’s rights activist, and orator. Sojourner Truth became one of the most prominent voices in the abolitionist movement, fighting and advocating for the end of slavery and the rights of enslaved people. She became well known for giving speeches about slavery and rights. 

Her most famous speech is “Ain’t I A Woman?” In 1851, she toured Ohio until 1853. She spoke about the abolitionist movement and women’s rights, as well as, challenging abolitionists for not speaking out for equality of black men and women.

 

   34. Nikole Hannah-Jones

Nikole Hannah-Jones is the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. She has spent her career investigating racial inequality and injustice, and her reporting has earned her the MacArthur Fellowship, known as the Genius grant; a Peabody Award; two George Polk Awards and three National Magazine Awards. 

Hannah-Jones also earned the John Chancellor Award for Distinguished Journalism and was named Journalist of the Year by the National Association of Black Journalists and the Newswomen’s Club of New York. She was inducted into the Society of American Historians in 2020 and into the North Carolina Media Hall of Fame in 2021.

 

   33. Edward Lewis

Edward Lewis is the co-founder of Essence magazine. For 35 years, he led Essence, one of the largest African-American-owned communications companies in the United States. Essence dominated the sphere of Black media for beauty and fashion in the 90’s and early 2000’s. 

Making Essence the leading voice for African American women since its inception in 1970. Decided that this magazine would address the interests and concerns of African American women who were largely ignored by mainstream media. Edwards is the former Chairman of the Magazine Publishers of America and was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2014.

 

  32. Cathy Hughes

The 2010 Radio Hall of Fame inductee changed radio forever. She founded the media company Radio One (Urban One), and when the company went public in 1999, she became the first African-American woman to head a publicly traded corporation. Hughes, who purchased her first radio station in 1980 is listed as the second richest Black woman in the United State, only behind Oprah Winfrey.

 

    31. Richard Allen 

Richard Allen was a minister, educator, writer and outspoken advocate of racial equality and a founder of the African Methodist Church (AME). One of the largest independent African American denominations in the country. At age 17, Allen converted to Methodism. After hearing a white itinerant Methodist preacher. Allen’s owner, a Delaware planter.

Also converted and allowed Allen to buy his freedom in 1783. Allen bought his freedom for $2,000 and received a bill of manumission. He gave himself a last name, “Allen.” Bethel Church was enormously successful.

By 1810, membership rose from the original 40 members to almost 400. The church had become black Philadelphia’s most important institution.

The success of Bethel angered and worried white Methodist preachers.  Who were incensed by Allen’s refusal to allow them to control the church. They attempted to take over Bethel. When that failed, they went to court. And in 1815 won a lawsuit that permitted them to sell the building and the land.

Allen was incensed, but was determined not to lose. Good financial planning and enthusiasm for fundraising enabled him to quickly raise $10,125. And he bought back the very church that he had built. Allen’s vision has echoed throughout history, influencing activists and thinkers. Including Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr.

 

   30. Micheal Jordan

Michael Jordan changed the game of basketball forever. Jordan who became the first professional athlete to become a billionaire also, almost singlehanded is responsible for the global appeal and marketability of the NBA in the 90’s. He made basketball famous worldwide, inspired players to improve, and changed sneaker culture forever with the Air Jordan brand. 

He also paved the way for athletes to become global icons and influenced fashion trends that persist today. Widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan’s accomplishments include six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls; two three-peats and winning both the MVP and DPOY award in the same year. Jordan would go on to become the only Black majority owner in the league after acquiring the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson. His partnership with Nike led to the creation of the iconic Air Jordan brand, which remains one of the most recognizable and successful athletic shoe lines to this day.

 

    29. Ida B. Wells-Barnett

A remarkable journalist, speaker, activist, and lifelong fighter for truth and justice. Wells was a journalist and newspaper editor at the turn of the 20th century who documented civil rights abuses and worked toward women’s suffrage. She was editor of two papers in Memphis by the time she was 25, and later moved to Chicago where she ran the Chicago Conservator. She also  led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. In addition to fighting for woman suffrage.

 

   28. Kamala Harris

The first woman Vice President, and first Black American Vice President and first South Asian American woman Vice President, made history and then made great impact.

The Oakland native is a former Attorney General of California and United States and in the 2016 Senate election became the second African American woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the U.S. Senate. There she championed legislation to fight hunger, provide rent relief, improve maternal health care, expand access to capital for small businesses, revitalize America’s infrastructure, and combat the climate crisis.

 

    27. Bob Johnson

Always BET on Black, personified. Johnson built BET from a tiny cable outlet, airing only two hours of programming a week in 1980, to a broadcasting giant that claimed an audience of more than 70 million households. In 1991 BET became the first Black-controlled company to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Black Entertainment Television (BET), became the first television network targeting African American audiences owned by an African American. After studying public affairs at Princeton University (M.A., 1972), Johnson moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the National Urban League. There is where he made the connections that later helped him bankroll his vision of creating a Black-owned cable television company. Johnson and his partners sold BET Holdings to the giant media group Viacom in 2001 for some $3 billion, though he remained at BET as its chief executive officer until 2005. The sale made him the first African American billionaire. Johnson also became the first African American to own an NBA team.

 

 

 26. James Baldwin

One of the greatest literaries of our time, Baldwin’s works helped to raise public awareness of racial and sexual oppression. His honest portrayal of his personal experiences in a national context challenged America to uphold the values it promised on equality and justice. 

An award winner for his outstanding contribution to the literature world. Baldwin was best known for his semi-autobiographical novels and plays that center on race, politics, and sexuality. His 1953 novel Go Tell It on the Mountain has been ranked among the best English-language novels. He was also awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship in 1954, Saxton memorial trust award, and many more throughout his career. 

 

    25. Oprah Winfrey

Oprah, America’s first “rich auntie.” Winfrey is best known for being the host of her wildly popular program, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired for 25 seasons, from 1986 to 2011. Its success helped her become the world’s first Black woman billionaire in 2003. Her accolades and resume are longer than a Target receipt after going there to buy toothpaste. 

Winfrey’s media empire  includes a TV network, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and a lifestyle magazine brand; O Daily. In 1994, she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, and in 2018, became the first Black woman to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes for her outstanding contributions to entertainment. She was also awarded the presidential medal of freedom. Oprah has used her name and platform to talk and bring awareness about issues in our nation and tell our stories through her network. 

 

     24. John H. Johnson

John H. Johnson lead entrepreneur and publisher who founded Ebony magazine, one of the most influential publications in African American history. With the focus on African American culture, achievements, and issues, Ebony quickly became a guide in Black households across the United States. His accomplishments revolutionized the media landscape and provided a platform for Black voices and perspectives. His work contributed hugely to the evolution of the black community, and For 55 years, the magazine has been the nation’s number one African-American oriented magazine with a circulation of 1.7 million and a monthly readership of 11 million. With numerous awards, as one of the most outstanding black publishers in history. His magazines continued to set trends for the African American community. There would be no InClub Magazine without Ebony Magazine. 

 

    23. Florence Griffith Joyner

Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, better known as “Flo-Jo,” was a track and field rock star. Known for her style — long painted nails and colorful one-legged running suits — Griffith Joyner was also celebrated for being the fastest woman to run the 100 meter and 200 meter sprints Still to this day, Deontay Wilder voice. Flo-Jo broke the 100-meter world record with a time of 10.49 seconds during the Olympic qualifiers in 1988. Then went on to break the 200 meter world record during the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea rocking gold bracelets and gold earrings. Hashtag swag on 200.

 

 

   22. Michelle Obama

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, who is arguably the most famous and most active first lady of all time, became the first African-American First Lady of the United States. Through her four main initiatives, she has become a role model for women and an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls education.

Michelle Obama is easily also the most accomplished and decorated first lady in American history. The former FLOTUS studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988, she joined the Chicago law firm Sidley & Austin before meeting her future husband who would go on to become the first African American president of the United States, Barack Obama.               

During her time as first lady she promoted “let’s move campaign” which is advocacy and awareness for healthy food in schools and outside. In addition to her political accomplishments, she emerged as a global role model, inspiring women worldwide to pursue education, serve their communities, and prioritize health. She was named Time Magazine most influential in 2019.  

 

  21. Muhammad Ali

Arguably the most influential athlete of all time. And by his own account, the prettiest too. Muhammad Ali is regarded as the greatest boxer in history. He is also the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions. In addition, he was known for his social message of black pride. As well as black resistance to white supremacy. In addtion  for his refusal of induction into the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam War. Muhammad Ali was an early advocate against apartheid in South Africa. Muhammad Ali used his platform as a famed athlete. To build awareness of racial and global inequities. He went to the United Nations to campaign against apartheid with a message of peace and spirituality

   

    20. Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens. The Black man credited with breaking Hilter’s iron fist beliefs of Aryan Supremacy.  To his face, at that.

Owens as an Olympian in 1936 manufactured a brand of social capital. That tied people together in commonality—as Americans. He is best remembered for his performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won gold medals in the long jump, the 100- and 200-meter dashes. And also the 4 x 100-meter relay. He was the first American track and field athlete to win four gold medals at a single Olympic Games.

 

 

    19. Katherine Johnson

Mathematician Katherine Johnson was a trailblazer at NASA. Shaping the success of early space missions with her exceptional mathematics skills. Her pivotal role in guiding astronauts to the moon and back. Not only showcased her talent but also shattered racial and gender barriers. Propelling humanity forward.

Her remarkable leadership in mapping the trajectory for the historic 1969 Apollo 11 mission. Stands as a testament to her immense contribution. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Johnson’s impact was so profound that it inspired the creation of the acclaimed film “Hidden Figures,”. Which highlights her extraordinary achievements. Have you had the chance to watch it?

 

 

    18. Mae Carol Jemison

The first Black woman to say I need space. Mae is an engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. Jemison became the first African-American woman to travel into space. When she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. In June 1987, she achieved a lifelong dream. When she became the first Black woman to be admitted into NASA’s astronaut training program. She was 1 of 15 accepted out of 2,000 applicants. Jemison completed her training as a mission specialist with NASA in 1988.

 

    17. Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era. Breaking the color line in the sports industry. He also was the first African American baseball player to be inducted into the baseball hall of fame. Robinson would go on to win the NL MVP in 1949. By that standard, few people — and no athlete — in the 20th century have impacted more lives. Robinson lit the torch and passed it on to several generations of African-American athletes.

 In 1955, he played for the Dodgers and contributed to their victory over the New York Yankees, securing their inaugural World Series championship. Robinson also played a part in the  civil rights movement. One demonstration included his refusal to give up his seat on a segregated army bus. Robinson later chaired the NAACP’s million-dollar Freedom Fund Drive in 1957 and was a member of the board of directors until 1967.

 

  16. Rosa Parks

“The mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Rosa Parks may be the most recognized Black woman in American history. Her decision to not give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked campaigns around the country, which eventually led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Parks inspired tens of thousands of black citizens to boycott the Montgomery city buses for over a year. During that period she served as a dispatcher to coordinate rides for protesters and was indicted, along with King and over 80 others, for participation in the boycott.

 

     15. Shirley Chisolm

The Original Big Shirley! In 1968, Chisholm stood on business and made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress. 

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing African American politician, educator, and author who made significant contributions to American politics and social justice throughout her life. In 1964, Chisholm ran for and became the second African American in the New York State Legislature. After court-ordered redistricting created a new, heavily Democratic, district in her neighborhood, in 1968 Chisholm sought—and won—a seat in Congress. There, “Fighting Shirley” introduced more than 50 pieces of legislation and championed racial and gender equality, the plight of the poor, and ending the Vietnam War. She was a co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus in 1971, and in 1977 became the first Black woman and second woman ever to serve on the powerful House Rules Committee. 

 

    14. Lena Horne

Singer Lena Horne, in the 1940’s was a renowned singer, actress, and civil rights activist. Beyond her musical achievements, she used her platform to advocate for racial equality, refusing to perform for segregated audiences and participating in civil rights marches.Horne sued a number of restaurants and theaters for race discrimination and also became politically allied with Paul Robeson in the liberal organization Progressive Citizens of America.

She carved her name in the stone of Black history by not only being a famous jazz singer, she has fought against racism in the entertainment industry throughout her career and against racial discrimination in this country throughout her life. She entered show business at the age of sixteen, and in 1942, became the first African American performer to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio (Metro Goldwyn Mayer). Horne’s 1981-82 Broadway show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” won a Tony Award. She has won three Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award (1989). She was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 1984. Her album Seasons of a Life, which was recorded in 1999, was released on January 24, 2006.

 

 

   13. William Jefferson White

William Jefferson White, the original Morehouse man. In 1867 he helped found the Augusta Institute, which became Morehouse College; he also helped found Atlanta University and was a trustee of both schools. He was a founder in 1880 and the managing editor of the Georgia Baptist, a leading African American newspaper for many years. He was an outspoken civil-rights leader. This was significant in of itself, but is also due to his background, as he was born into slavery with a white father and black mother.  He was also a co-founder and trustee at the Spelman Seminary, which was formed in 1882. Today, it is known as Spelman College. 

 

    12. Bill Cosby

Cosby’s most-successful work was The Cosby Show, which appeared on NBC from 1984 to 1992 and was one of the most-popular situation comedies in television history. The Cosby Show depicted a stable, prosperous Black family—Cosby’s character was a doctor whose wife was a lawyer—and avoided racial stereotypes. The Cosby show not only revisioned the typical black families but also set a standard as to what a family can look like. His TV appearances inspired future generations and his work challenged stereotypes about black people. His level of intentionality spawned even more accurate and aspiring depictions of the  Black community, when he introduced the world to the spin off show, titled, A Different World. The first show to center around Black people in college. Which ended up creating  an explosion in applications, enrollment and graduation rates at black colleges,” wrote HBCUDigest.com’s Jarrett L. Carter. 

Cosby himself donated to many schools, most notably a $20 million bequest to Atlanta’s Spelman College.

He revolutionized the stunt industry for Black performers by insisting his stunts be done by a Black man and not by a white man who was painted black. (crazy to think that was a thing.) Cosby made sure to hire Black people behind the scenes before we all understood how important that is. Though the Cosby Show is what most remember, Cosby was a pioneer long before the show came along.

 

   11. Malcolm X

Malcolm X was a visionary leader who devoted his life to the fight for civil rights. As the nation’s most visible proponent of Black Nationalism, Malcolm X’s challenge to the multiracial, nonviolent approach of Martin Luther King, Jr., helped set the tone for the ideological and tactical conflicts that took place within the black freedom struggle of the 1960s.

Malcolm X emerged as the principal spokesman of the Nation of Islam during the 1950s and early 1960s. He organized temples; founded a newspaper; and led Temple No. 7 in New York City’s Harlem. Elijah Muhammad appointed him the national representative of Islam, the second most powerful position in the NOI.

His martyrdom, ideas, and speeches contributed to the development of Black nationalist ideology and the Black Power movement and helped to popularize the values of autonomy and independence among African Americans in the 1960s and ’70s.

 

   10.Toni Morrison

The first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Proof of her revolutionary oeuvre that attracted critical acclaim in the United States and around the world, In 1987, Morrison released her novel called Beloved, based on the true story of an African-American enslaved woman. This book was a bestseller for 25 weeks and won countless awards.

Morrison was a Nobel Prize winning novelist, editor and professor. Her novels are known for their epic themes, exquisite language and richly detailed African American characters who are central to their narratives. Among her best-known novels are The Bluest Eye, Sula, Song of Solomon, Beloved, Jazz, Love and A Mercy. Morrison earned a plethora of book-world accolades and honorary degrees, also receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. 

   

   9. Harriet Tubman

The woman, the myth, the historical figure that is Harriet Tubman; maybe the most bad ass Black woman in history. And easily  the most well-known of all the Underground Railroad’s “conductors.” During a ten-year span she made 19 trips into the South and escorted over 300 slaves to freedom. And, as she once proudly pointed out to Frederick Douglass, in all of her journeys she “never lost a single passenger.”

During her time in New York, she helped establish schools for the freed blacks in the South. In 1896, she co founded of the National Association of Colored Women that demanded equality and suffrage for African American women. If that was not enough, Harriet Tubman helped ensure the final defeat of slavery in the United States by aiding the Union during the American Civil War.

 

    8. Maya Angelou

Angelou’s writings have altered society for the better, bringing greater diversity into the theater and literature. Her autobiographical works provide powerful insights into the evolution of Black women in the 20th century. She rose to fame in 1969 after the publication of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Maya also  constantly devoted her time establishing progress and equal opportunities within the lives of African Americans. As a civil rights activist, Angelou kept close ties with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and penned down brilliant work that encouraged and inspired young African American men and women.

In 1971 she became the first Black woman to have a screenplay produced as a film – Georgia, Georgia. Her writings have brought her numerous awards and have been nominated for a Tony Award, an Emmy Award and a Pulitzer Prize. Her influence reaches across generations, influencing the likes of Orpah, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton, Kanye West and many others.

 

   7. Barack Obama

Maybe the most influential person of the 21st century is Barack Hussein Obama. Who in 2008, made history becoming the 44th President of the United States, and the first of African American descent. His presidency was not only historic but has made an impact that still heavily continues in society today. The former POUTS is a Columbia University  graduate.

 With a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and a Harvard Law School grad. Where he was the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. He became a civil rights attorney and an academic. Teaching constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1992 to 2004. Before he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate. And In the 2008 presidential election, after a close primary campaign against Hillary Clinton.

He was nominated by the Democratic Party for president. The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to him.  For his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples”. He is also celebrated for ordering Operation Neptune Spear. The raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Who was responsible for the September 11 attacks.

 

    6. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

One of the most famous and well-known Black men in modern history, even today. He was a leader of the American civil rights movement.     He organized a number of peaceful protests as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, including the March on Washington in 1963. His adoption of nonviolent resistance to achieve equal rights for Black Americans. Earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. At the time, he was the youngest person to have done so. King’s leadership contributed to the overall success of the civil rights movement in the mid-1900s. It continues to impact civil rights movements in the present.

King is remembered for his masterful oratorical skills.  Most memorably in his “I Have a Dream” speech. He stands as one of the most historically influential figures in U.S. history. 

 

   5. W.E.B. Du Bois

Du Bois was well known as one of the foremost Black intellectuals of his era. The first Black American to earn a PhD from Harvard University. He would later go on to be the founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. (NAACP)in 1909.

Which remains one of the most influential civil rights organizations in the United States to this day.

The sociologist, historian, author, editor, and activist.  Who was the most important Black protest leader in the United States during the first half of the 20th century.  Through the NAACP, Du Bois worked tirelessly to combat racial discrimination. As well as lynching, and segregation.

He has actively made unthinkable contributions to the black community. Such as in organizing the Pan-African Congresses.  Which brought together African and diasporic leaders to discuss issues of colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination. Not to mention his contributions to the world of sociology. He performed sociological field research in Philadelphia’s African-American neighborhoods.  Forming the foundation for his landmark study, The Philadelphia Negro. Published in 1899 while he was teaching at Atlanta University. It was the first case study of a black community in the United States.

 

   4. Thurgood Marshall

 Thurgood was HIM long before the term was coined.

As a civil rights lawyer who used the courts to fight Jim Crow and dismantle segregation in the U.S. Marshall was a towering figure who became the nation’s first Black United States Supreme Court Justice. Big flex.

He is best known for arguing the historic 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case, in which the Supreme Court declared “separate but equal” unconstitutional in public schools. The Lincoln University and Howard University graduate would become one of the nation’s leading attorneys. He argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning 29. Some of his notable cases include:

Smith v. Allwright (1944), which found that states could not exclude Black voters from primaries

Shelley v. Kraemer (1948), which struck down race-based restrictive housing covenants

Sweatt v. Painter(1950), which deemed separate facilities for Black professional and graduate students unconstitutional.

     

     3. Fredrick Douglass

Frederick Douglass, is an American hero. Who became the most important leader of the movement for African American civil rights in the 19th century. After escaping from slavery in Maryland. Douglass became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York. During which he gained fame for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings. Which embraced the women’s rights movement, helped people on the Underground Railroad, and supported anti-slavery political parties.

He was the first African American to be nominated for Vice President of the United States.

His nomination came on the Equal Rights Party ticket in 1872. Douglass has achieved numerous remarkable accomplishments during his lifetime. Which significantly impacted the abolitionist movement and the fight for civil rights. He attended the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and supported the cause of women’s suffrage throughout his life. Frederick is responsible for helping 400 enslaved to freedom with his wife. Frederick Douglass also assisted with the railroad and civil war.  Thus being one of the most influential members to build the foundation for African Americans today.

   

    2. Booker T. Washington

If TikTok existed in the 1800’s, Washingtoin would have been the most followed Black person. Booker was born into slavery and rose to become a leading African American intellectual of the 19 century. Founding Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute (Now Tuskegee University) in 1881. Then the National Negro Business League two decades later. Washington advised Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Washington is remembered as the most influential African American speaker of his time. 

 

   1. Carter G. Woodson

If “fine, I’ll do it myself” was a person it would be Carter G. Woodson. Perhaps, singularly the most important man in American history for fighting to preserve all of our history, authentically, and accurately.  Woodson, a scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black people. Led to the establishment of Black History Month. Marked every February since 1976. Due to racism, Woodson realized for Black scholars to study and preserve Black history. He would have to create a separate institutional structure. With funding from several philanthropic foundations. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 in Chicago. Carter describing its mission as the scientific study of the “neglected aspects of Negro life and history.” The next year, he started the scholarly Journal of Negro History, which is published to this day under the name Journal of African American History.

 

Le this be your reminder, that, they not like us.

Sources:

www.naacp.com, https://britannica.com, www.pbs.org, www.newgeorgiaencyclopedia.com, Wikipedia, bowiestate.edu, nps.gov, womenshistory.org, npg.si.edu, poetryfoundation.org, encyclopediavirginia.org, history.com, tuskegee.edu, wiki tree.com, whitehouse.gov, empireonline.com

Contributors:

Dion Ringgold, Kassidy Baptiste, Alexandria Brooks, Ticora Adams, Keely Ajuga, Rosamelia Sanchez Lara, Epiphany Hines, Timothy N. Welbeck Esq, Nyoka Ringgold M.A, M.ED., Angelo Revell.