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35 Famous Black Americans Everyone Should Know

An integral part of American history.

America’s story is a rich but complex one in which a select few people have taken center stage in the struggle for equal rights for Black people. Their strength, courage, and determination have left an indelible mark on the fabric of American history, culture, and society. We’ve put together this list of just some of the inspiring famous Black Americans everyone should know for their representation and contributions to the struggle for equality. Use this list for class discussions during Black History Month or anytime of year.

Famous Black Americans

1. martin luther king jr. (1929-1968).

Martin Luther King Jr. was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. He continues to be celebrated for his profound influence in advocating for nonviolent resistance and racial equality. His leadership in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and other key events of the movement brought significant attention to the struggle for civil rights in the United States. King’s eloquent speeches, including the iconic “ I Have a Dream speech,” and his receipt of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, cemented his legacy as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in American history.

Learn more: Martin Luther King Jr. for Kids at We Are Teachers

2. Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)

An abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman is best known for helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad. A former slave herself, Tubman’s bravery and determination in conducting numerous missions to rescue enslaved individuals, coupled with her efforts in the women’s suffrage movement, made her an enduring symbol of courage and freedom in American history.

Learn more: Harriet Tubman Biography at the National Women’s History Museum

3. Barack Obama (b. 1961)

Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, made history as the first Black American to hold the office. He served two terms from 2009 to 2017. His presidency was marked by significant milestones including the Affordable Care Act, the legalization of same-sex marriage, and a focus on progressive domestic and foreign policies.

Learn more: Barack Obama at The White House

4. Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

Maya Angelou was an influential poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist, celebrated for her series of seven autobiographies. Her works focused on her childhood and early adult experiences, with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings being the most famous. She explored themes of economic, racial, and sexual oppression, earning wide acclaim for her lyrical prose and powerful depiction of the Black experience.

Learn more: Maya Angelou (official site)

5. Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)

Frederick Douglass was a social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York. Known for his eloquence, Douglass wrote several autobiographies describing his experiences in slavery and his life after the Civil War. He was a powerful voice for human rights and social justice.

Learn more: Frederick Douglass at The White House Historical Association

6. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

“The first lady of civil rights,” Rosa Parks was an iconic figure who became one of the most famous Black Americans in the struggle against racial segregation. When she refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, her act of defiance and the ensuing Montgomery Bus Boycott became powerful symbols of the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the injustices of segregation and inspiring further actions toward racial equality.

Learn more: Rosa Parks: Bus Boycott, Civil Rights & Facts at History.com

7. Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was a legendary boxer and social activist. Known for his charismatic personality, poetic trash talk, and principled opposition to the Vietnam War, Ali’s prowess in the ring and his commitment to social and racial justice made him an iconic figure both in and out of the boxing world.

Learn more: Meet Ali at Muhammad Ali Center

8. Ice Cube (b. 1969)

Born O’Shea Jackson Sr., Ice Cube is an influential rapper, actor, and filmmaker, known for his powerful impact on rap and hip-hop culture. Rising to fame with the group N.W.A. in the late 1980s, he later pursued a successful solo career. He transitioned into film, starring in and producing several popular movies like Friday and Barbershop and earning him a spot as one of the most famous Black Americans of the 21st century.

Learn more: Ice Cube (official site)

9. George Washington Carver (1860-1943)

A prominent scientist and inventor in the early 20th century, George Washington Carver was renowned for his innovative agricultural research and advocacy for sustainable farming. Best known for his work with peanuts, including developing over 100 products from them, Carver played a significant role in revolutionizing agricultural practices in the southern United States, especially for struggling Black farmers.

Learn more: Legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver at Tuskegee University

10. Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993)

Thurgood Marshall was a groundbreaking lawyer and civil rights activist who became the first Black appointee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Before his appointment, he achieved national acclaim for his work with the NAACP, particularly for his success in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the desegregation of public schools in America.

Learn more: Solicitor General: Thurgood Marshall at the U.S. Department of Justice

11. Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

Katherine Johnson was a pioneering Black mathematician whose work at NASA was crucial in the success of many of its space missions, including the first American-manned spaceflight and the Apollo 11 moon landing. Her exceptional skills in celestial navigation and computational mathematics broke racial and gender barriers in a field dominated by white men, earning her widespread recognition and accolades later in her life.

Learn more: Katherine Johnson Biography at NASA

12. Langston Hughes (1901-1967)

Langston Hughes was a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, a poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist celebrated for his insightful, colorful portrayals of life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. His work highlighted the Black community and culture, with works like The Weary Blue s and Montage of a Dream Deferred earning him a significant place in American literature.

Learn more: Langston Hughes at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

13. Michael Jordan (b. 1963)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan is known for his phenomenal athleticism, competitive spirit, and leadership on the court. His illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls includes six NBA championships and five Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, and he has significantly influenced both the popularity of the NBA globally and the marketing of athletes as endorsers of commercial products. He made us want to “ Be Like Mike! “

Learn more: Legends Profile: Michael Jordan at NBA.com

14. Serena Williams (b. 1981)

Serena Williams is celebrated as one of the greatest athletes of all time, dominating women’s tennis with her powerful style of play and winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era. Beyond her remarkable sports achievements, she is also known for her advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights in sports and beyond.

Learn more: Serena’s World (official site)

15. W.E.B. Du Bois (1868-1963)

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist, widely recognized for his profound impact on the struggle for racial equality in the United States. His seminal work “The Souls of Black Folk” and his co-founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) positioned him as a key intellectual leader in the early 20th-century fight against segregation and racial discrimination.

Learn more: W.E.B. Du Bois at NAACP

16. Toni Morrison (1931-2019)

Toni Morrison was an acclaimed American novelist, essayist, editor, and professor, celebrated for her powerful narratives that explore Black identity and experience. Her profound and beautifully crafted works, including her Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Beloved , have earned her a Nobel Prize in Literature, making her the first Black woman to receive this honor.

Learn more: The Official Website of The Toni Morrison Society

17. Neil deGrasse Tyson (b. 1958)

Neil deGrasse Tyson is a prominent American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, widely known for his ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to the public. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the host of the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey , he has played a key role in popularizing astronomy and science across various media platforms.

Learn more: Neil deGrasse Tyson (official site)

18. Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005)

Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazing American politician and educator, known for being the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, where she served seven terms. Her 1972 presidential campaign made her the first major-party black candidate for president of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination, breaking significant gender and racial barriers in American politics.

Learn more: Shirley A. Chisholm Biography at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

19. Mae Jemison (b. 1956)

An American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison made history in 1992 as the first Black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, earning her a spot as one of the most famous Black Americans. An advocate for science education, particularly for minorities and girls, Jemison’s groundbreaking journey into space and her subsequent work have served as an inspiration to many in the fields of science and technology.

Learn more: Mae Jemison Biography at National Women’s History Museum

20. James Baldwin (1924-1987)

James Baldwin was an influential Black writer and social critic, known for his essays, novels, and plays that explored intricate aspects of race, sexuality, and class in mid-20th-century America. His works, including “Go Tell It On the Mountain” and “Giovanni’s Room,” are celebrated for their insightful and poignant examinations of complex social and personal dilemmas.

Learn more: An Introduction to James Baldwin National Museum of African American History & Culture

21. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (b. 1981)

A groundbreaking singer, songwriter, and actress, Beyoncé is adored by fans around the world for her powerful vocals, dynamic performances, and cultural impact, making her one of the world’s bestselling music artists. Beyond her successful music career, she is also celebrated for her role in empowering women and advocating for racial equality through her artistry and public influence. All hail Queen Bey!

Learn more: Beyoncé (official site)

22. LeBron James (b. 1984)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James is a professional basketball player known for his exceptional skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Playing in the NBA, he has earned numerous accolades, including multiple NBA championships and MVP awards. James is also recognized for his philanthropy and activism off the court.

Learn more: LeBron James (official site)

23. Colin Powell (1937–2021)

A distinguished American statesman and a four-star general in the U.S. Army, Colin Powell was known for being the first Black American to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State. His extensive military and diplomatic career, which included roles such as National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marked him as a pioneering figure in American history.

Learn more: Biographies of the Secretaries of State: Colin Luther Powell at Department of State

24. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)

Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth was a Black abolitionist and women’s rights activist renowned for her unyielding advocacy for equality and justice in the 19th century. She gained her freedom and became one of the most famous Black Americans for her eloquent and powerful speeches, including her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” address, which challenged prevailing notions of racial and gender inferiority and inequality.

Learn more: Sojourner Truth at the Library of Congress

25. Alvin Ailey (1931-1989)

Alvin Ailey was an influential Black choreographer and activist who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City in 1958. His work revolutionized modern dance by infusing it with expressions of Black culture and social commentary, with his most famous piece, “ Revelations ,” becoming a celebrated classic in contemporary dance.

Learn more: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (official site)

26. Aretha Franklin (1942-2018)

Aretha Franklin, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist celebrated for her powerful, soulful voice, which earned her 18 Grammy Awards. She was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her influential music, which includes iconic songs like “Respect” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” played a significant role in both the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights Movements.

Learn more: The Official Site of Aretha Franklin

27. John Lewis (1940-2020)

As a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, John Lewis played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches and served as a U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 5th congressional district for over three decades, advocating for human rights and equality.

Learn more: John Lewis at the National Archives

28. Miles Davis (1926-1991)

Miles Davis was an innovative and influential American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. He was renowned for his exploratory approach to jazz and his role in developing several of its key styles, including bebop, cool jazz, and jazz fusion. His groundbreaking album Kind of Blue , remains one of the most acclaimed and bestselling jazz records of all time.

Learn more: Miles Davis Official Site

29. Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806)

An almanac author, surveyor, naturalist, and farmer, Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught polymath who made significant contributions in the 18th century. He gained recognition for his work in astronomy and for his role in surveying the boundaries of the newly designed capital of the United States, Washington D.C.

Learn more: Benjamin Banneker at the White House Historical Association

30. Jackie Robinson (1919-1972)

One of the most famous Black Americans in sports, Jackie Robinson was the first Black athlete to play Major League Baseball in the modern era, in 1947. His signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers and his subsequent success challenged the segregation that had relegated Black players to the Negro Leagues . By breaking the sport’s color barrier, he emerged as a symbol of racial integration and progress in America.

Learn more: Jackie Robinson Foundation (official site)

31. Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960)

A prolific Black writer and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston was central to the Harlem Renaissance. Known for her portrayal of racial struggles in the early 20th-century American South, her most famous work, Their Eyes Were Watching God , is celebrated for its rich narrative and unique use of language.

Learn more: Zora Neale Hurston (official site)

32. Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919)

Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, was a pioneering entrepreneur and philanthropist, renowned as the first female self-made millionaire in America. She built her fortune through the development and marketing of a line of beauty and hair products for Black women. This revolutionized the hair-care industry and created opportunities for Black women in business.

Learn more: Madam C.J. Walker (official site)

33. Louis Armstrong (1901–1971)

An iconic figure in jazz music, Louis Armstrong was known for his charismatic stage presence and his innovative contributions to the genre. His distinctively gravelly voice and remarkable trumpet playing made him one of the most influential artists in jazz history. He is undoubtedly one of the most famous Black Americans in the music industry.

Learn more: Biography – Louis Armstrong House Museum (official site)

34. Marian Anderson (1897–1993)

Marian Anderson was a celebrated contralto whose exceptional vocal talent broke barriers in the world of classical music. She became an important figure in the struggle for Black artists to overcome racial prejudice, particularly with her historic 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Learn more: Marian Anderson: Voice of the Century at Smithsonian Institute

35. Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)

An educator, author, orator, and advisor to multiple presidents of the United States, Booker T. Washington played a significant role in the development of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

Learn more: Booker T. Washington at Tuskegee University

Want to learn more about famous Black Americans? Explore these  Black History Videos for Students in Every Grade Level .

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Biography Online

Famous black people who changed the world

A list of inspirational black people who played a key role in the world and American history.

Bob Marley (1945 – 1981)   Jamaican singer-songwriter. Cultural icon and global music star. A committed Rastafari who helped make reggae an international phenomenon.

Famous Black women

Deratu Tulu (1972 – ) (Ethiopia, athlete) The first Ethiopian female athlete to win Olympic gold. Tulu won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the 10,000m.

Beyonce (1981 – ) (US, singer) American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. One of the best selling artists of the modern era. Also noted for positions on women and civil rights.

Citation:  Pettinger, Tejvan . “Famous black people who changed the world”, Oxford, UK –  www.biographyonline.net . Published 12th Aug 2014. Last updated 1 February 2019.

50 Famous Black People who changed the world

50 Famous Black People who changed the world at Amazon

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31 History-Making Black Americans Everyone Should Know

These pioneering figures deserve to be celebrated.

“Those that populated the colonies were free people from communities in Africa with large-scale civilizations that had tax systems, that had irrigation systems, that had universities—they came from civilized nations that were advanced,” Daina Ramey Berry, a University of Texas at Austin history professor, told NBC. “That’s where the curriculum should begin; that’s the biggest omission, from my perspective.”

We're shining a long-overdue spotlight on the hidden figures of untaught history who deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to civil rights, politics, the arts, and beyond. And remember to acknowledge their impact outside of Black History Month , as they've made way for many of the 21st century's most famous faces to shine today.

Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005)

Congress is more diverse now than it's ever been. However, when Chisholm was attempting to shatter the glass ceiling, the same couldn't be said. During the racially contentious period in the late '60s, she became the first Black woman elected to Congress . She represented New York's 12th District from 1969 to 1983, and in 1972, she became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her campaign slogan "Unbought and unbossed" rings even louder today. Senator Kamala Harris paid tribute to Chisholm in her 2020 presidential campaign announcement by using a similar logo to Chisholm's.

Bayard Rustin (1912-1987)

Dr. King is usually credited for the March on Washington in August 1963. But it was Rustin who organized and strategized in the shadows. As a gay man who had controversial ties to Communism, he was considered too much of a liability to be on the front lines of the movement. Nonetheless, he was considered to be one of the most brilliant minds, and served his community tirelessly while pushing for more jobs and better wages.

Claudette Colvin (1939- )

Before Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955, there was a brave 15-year-old who chose not to sit at the back of the bus. That young girl was Colvin . Touting her constitutional rights to remain seated near the middle of the vehicle, Colvin challenged the driver and was subsequently arrested. She was the first woman to be detained for her resistance. However, her story isn't nearly as well-known as Parks's.

Annie Lee Cooper (1910-2010)

The Selma, Alabama, native played a crucial part in the 1965 Selma Voting Rights Movement. But it wasn't until Oprah played her in the 2014 Oscar-nominated film Selma that people really took notice of Cooper's activism. She is lauded for punching Alabama Sheriff Jim Clark in the face, but she really deserves to be celebrated for fighting to restore and protect voting rights.

Dorothy Height (1912-2010)

Hailed the “ godmother of the women’s movement ,” Height used her background in education and social work to advance women’s rights. She was a leader in the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and the president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for more than 40 years. She was also among the few women present at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. King delivered his famous “ I Have a Dream” speech .

Jesse Owens (1913-1980)

Owens was a track-and-field athlete who set a world record in the long jump at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin—and went unrivaled for 25 years. He won four gold medals at the Olympics that year in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, along with the 100-meter relay and other events off the track. In 1976, Owens received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1990.

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

Despite being the first licensed Black pilot in the world, Coleman wasn’t recognized as a pioneer in aviation until after her death. Though history has favored Amelia Earhart or the Wright brothers, Coleman—who went to flight school in France in 1920—paved the way for a new generation of diverse fliers like the Tuskegee Airmen, Blackbirds, and Flying Hobos.

Robert Sengstacke Abbott (1868-1940)

Without Abbott's creative vision, many of the Black publications of today—such as Ebony , Essence , Black Enterprise , and Upscale— wouldn't exist. In 1905, Abbott founded the Chicago Defender weekly newspaper. The paper originally started out as a four-page pamphlet, increasing its circulation with every edition. Abbott and his newspaper played an integral part in encouraging African Americans to migrate from the South for better economic opportunities.

Ethel Waters (1896-1977)

Waters first entered the entertainment business in the 1920s as a blues singer and then became a Broadway star. Later in life, she made history for her work in television—she was the first African American to star in her own TV show, The Ethel Waters Show , and she was nominated for an Emmy in 1962.

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000)

Today, Brooks is considered to be one of the most revered poets of the 20th century. She was the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize (in 1950, for Annie Allen ), and she served as poetry consultant to the Library of Congress, becoming the first Black woman to hold that position. She was also the poet laureate of the State of Illinois, and many of her works reflected the political and social landscape of the 1960s, including the civil rights movement and the economic climate.

Alice Coachman (1923-2014)

Growing up in Albany, Georgia, the soon-to-be track star got an early start running on dirt roads and jumping over makeshift hurdles. She became the first African American woman from any country to win an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. She set the record for the high jump, leaping to 5 feet and 6 1/8 inches. Throughout her athletic career, she won 25 national titles—10 of which were in the high jump. She was officially inducted into the National Track-and-Field Hall of Fame in 1975 and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Gordon Parks (1912-2006)

Parks was the first African American photographer on the staff of Life magazine , and later helped found Essence . He also was the first Black writer and director of a studio film, and his second movie, Shaft , helping to shape the blaxploitation era in the '70s. Parks famously told Life in 1999: "I saw that the camera could be a weapon against poverty, against racism, against all sorts of social wrongs. I knew at that point I had to have a camera."

Jane Bolin (1908-2007)

A pioneer in law, Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to attend Yale Law School in 1931. In 1939, she became the first Black female judge in the United States. One of her significant contributions throughout her career was working with private employers to hire people based on their skills, as opposed to discriminating against them because of their race. She served on the boards of the NAACP, Child Welfare League of America, and the Neighborhood Children’s Center.

Maria P. Williams (1866-1932)

Thanks to the early accomplishments of Williams, who has been called the first woman of color producer, we have female directors and producers like Oprah, Ava DuVernay , and Shonda Rhimes. Williams's 1923 film The Flames of Wrath had a team of all people of color, and beyond that, the former Kansas City teacher was an activist and writer (she detailed her leadership skills in My Work and Public Sentiment in 1916).

Marsha P. Johnson (1945-1992)

Before Netflix brought Johnson's story to life with the documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson , many people were unfamiliar with the influential role she had on drag and queer culture. Johnson, a Black trans woman and activist, was at the forefront of fighting for LGBTQ rights in the 1960s and 70s (including partaking in the resistance at Stonewall). In addition to being the cofounder of STAR, an organization that housed homeless queer youth, Johnson also fought for equality through the Gay Liberation Front.

Minnie Riperton (1947-1979)

Mariah Carey is heralded for her whistle register, which is the highest the human voice is capable of reaching. But Riperton perfected the singing technique years before and was best known for her five-octave vocal range . The whistling can be heard on her biggest hit to date, “ Lovin’ You .” The infectious ballad was originally created as an ode to her daughter, Maya Rudolph (of Bridesmaids and Saturday Night Live fame). However, before she could become a household name, Riperton died from breast cancer at the age of 31.

Ruby Bridges (1954- )

Bridges probably had no idea that the bold act she committed in 1960 would set off a chain reaction leading to the integration of schools in the South. She was just 6 years old when she became the first African American student to attend William Frantz Elementary in Louisiana at the height of desegregation. Now the Ruby Bridges Foundation exists to "inspire the next generation of leaders to end racism together one step at a time."

Mae Jemison (1956- )

Mae Jemison isn’t just the first African American woman who orbited into space aboard the shuttle Endeavour . She's also a physician, teacher, and Peace Corps volunteer; after her work with NASA, she founded the Jemison Group, which develops scientific and technological advancements. Jemison continues to work toward helping young women of color get more involved in technology, engineering, and math careers.

Marian Anderson (1897-1993)

Though she’s considered one of the greatest contralto singers in the world, Anderson was often denied the opportunity to show off her unique vocal range because of her race. However, in 1955, she became the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, and in 1957, she went on a 12-nation tour sponsored by the Department of State and the American National Theatre and Academy. She documented the experience in her autobiography, My Lord What a Morning . In 1963, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her last major accomplishment before her death was receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 1991.

Rose Marie McCoy (1922-2015)

McCoy’s name may not be instantly recognizable, but she wrote and produced some of the biggest pop songs in the 1950s. In an industry dominated by white males, McCoy was able to make her mark through her pen, even if she couldn’t through her own voice. Her songs “After All” and “ Gabbin’ Blues ” never quite took off on the charts, but she was courted by music labels to write for other artists, including hit singles for Big Maybelle, Elvis Presley, and Big Joe Turner. So now when you hear Presley’s “ Trying to Get You ,” you’ll remember the name of the African American woman who wrote it.

Michelle is the Culture & News Writer for OprahMag.com, where she writes about celebrities (she considers herself an expert on Beyoncé and Reese Witherspoon), plus the latest in pop-culture news, binge-worthy TV shows, and movies. The transplanted Southerner turned ambitious New Yorker lives her best life by listening to hip-hop and Pod Save America, watching The Office on repeat, quoting Oprah-isms, eating dessert before dinner, and avoiding avocado. Seriously, she doesn’t get the hype.

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Carlie Cooper is an Editorial Assistant at Hearst Autos. Lover of memes, good TV, and books.

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14 People Who Broke Barriers to Make Black History

In honor of Black History Month, here's a look at 14 people who broke color barriers to become the first Black Americans to achieve historic accomplishments in politics, academics, aviation, entertainment and more.

Alain Leroy Locke

First Black Rhodes Scholar

Alain LeRoy Locke was an American philosopher, educator and writer. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, Locke became the first Black Rhodes Scholar . He later returned to the U.S. to complete his doctoral studies at Harvard where he got a PhD in philosophy in 1918.

Locke later earned the title “Father of the Harlem Renaissance," the period of social, cultural and artistic rebirth that took place in Harlem, New York, throughout the 1920s to the mid-1930s.

Locke continued to mold minds at Howard University as the Philosophy department chair, a role he would keep until his retirement in 1953. In fact, there is a New York City school, Alain L. Locke Magnet School for Environmental Stewardship, named after the educator.

Alexander L. Twilight

First Black person to graduate from a U.S. college

Alexander Twilight grew up in Corinth, Vermont during the turn of the 18th century where he worked on a neighbor's farm while learning to read and write. He was able to finally put himself through school at Randolph’s Orange County Grammar School at the age of 20. Six years later he transferred as a junior to Vermont's Middlebury College, where he graduated from in 1823, becoming the first Black person to earn a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college.

Twilight went on to become a teacher, molding the minds of students for generations to come. In 1836, during a stint teaching in Brownington, Vermont, he became part of the state legislature.

Bessie Coleman

First Black civilian to become a licensed pilot

Bessie Coleman was born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892 and grew up in a family of 13 children. Coleman had dreams of soaring through the air, so she went to France in 1919 to find a flight school willing to teach her.

When she returned to the U.S. in 1921 — as the first Black civilian to be a licensed pilot in the world — Coleman was met with press coverage and attention. She used her platform to do events, like parachute jumps, and give lectures, all with the aim of opening an African-American flying school. Coleman would only perform for desegregated crowds. She died in 1926 during a test flight.

Dr. Charles Hamilton Houston

First Black editor of Harvard Law Review

Charles Hamilton Houston went to Amherst and taught English at Howard University before attending Harvard Law School, where he would make history. Houston started law school in the fall of 1919 and in 1922 he became the first Black editor of the Harvard Law Review .

As a lawyer he went on to play a role in a majority of the civil rights cases before the Supreme Court between 1930 and the Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954. In fact his work working to dismantling the Jim Crow laws earned him the name “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow.”

RELATED: The ‘Green Book’ Was a Travel Guide Just for Black Motorists

Constance Baker Motley

First Black women to become a federal judge

When Constance Baker Motley was 15 she was turned away from a public beach because she was Black and it sparked her interest in civil rights. After obtaining her law degree from Columbia Law School, Motley went on to represent Martin Luther King Jr . as a young lawyer and become a law clerk for Thurgood Marshall.

She took an interest in politics and because the first Black woman to serve in the New York Senate, but her political career was cut short when she became the first Black woman to be appointed a federal judge in 1966.

Eugene Jacques Bullard

First Black combat pilot

Georgia native Eugene Jacques Bullard, born in 1895, was unhappy with his life in the U.S. and fled to Europe in 1912. Bullard joined the French Foreign Legion after the start of World War I and enlisted in the French flying service after betting a friend on leave he could despite being Black.

In 1916, Bullard entered Aeronautique Militaire, French Air Force where he became the first Black military pilot to fly in combat. He was also only Black American pilot in World War I, although he never flew for the U.S.

Fritz Pollard

First Black NFL coach

Fritz Pollard was small, but he loved football and went on to have a historic football career at Brown University. Pollard played before attending the Ivy League school, but being on the university’s team put him on the map. Many firsts were ahead of him, starting with being the first Black player to be selected for the Walter Camp All-America team and play in the Rose Bowl.

He went on to join the American Professional Football League — which later became the NFL — as a member of the Akron Pros in 1920. Pollard faced adversity and racism at every turn, but he persevered and became the first Black coach when he took the reins of the Pros a year after the team won their first title.

Gwendolyn Brooks

First Black author to win Pulitzer Prize

Gwendolyn Brooks was a writer who was recognized for her work in poetry. Her poems, like those in her book “A Street in Bronzeville,” were about the black experience in America at the time. In 1950, Brooks won a Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry “Annie Allen.” The award made her the first Black author to win the prestige prize .

Brooks wrote several other works before passing away in 2000, "Maud Martha," "We Real Cool" and "Blacks. She is one of the most highly regarded poets of 20th-century American poetry.

Gordon Parks

First Black director of Hollywood studio film

Gordon Parks did not begin his career as a filmmaker until he was 55, after a long career as a photographer and writer. In fact, he was the first Black staff photographer at Life Magazine. Parks signed a contract to make 1969's “The Learning Tree," earning him a place in history as the first Black director of a Hollywood studio film.

Park followed the film up with movies including 1971's “Shaft,” one of the first Blaxploitation films. Famous filmmakers like Spike Lee and John Singleton have referred to Park’s achievement as inspiration for their own careers. Singleton directed the 2000 remake of "Shaft," starring Samuel L. Jackson.

RELATED: Today in History: Earl Lloyd Became First Black NBA Player

Joseph Rainey

First Black person to win seat in U.S. House of Representatives

Joseph Rainey, a South Carolina native, was called to serve the Confederate Army during the Civil War. In 1862, he fled the United States with his wife and went to Bermuda, where the couple accumulated a notable amount of wealth.

When he returned to the U.S. years later, Rainey utilized his new status to become an active participant in the Republican Party. He won a seat in the North Carolina state senate in 1870 and went on to become the first Black person to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives .

William Carney

First Black Medal of Honor recipient

William Carney was a member of the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry during the Civil War. Carney and his fellow soldiers were in the Battle of Fort Wagner in July of 1863. When his regiment's color bearer was shot down during the battle, an already wounded Carney struggled to retrieve the banner himself. As he brought the flag back to his fellow soldiers, Carney was shot several more times. For his heroic actions the soldier received a Medal of Honor, making him the first Black soldier to receive the honor.

Marian Anderson

First Black artist to join the Metropolitan Opera

Born in Philadelphia, Marian Anderson was a staple at her church’s choir starting at a very young age. She traveled around with her choir performing, which led to increased notary in the community. Other churches asked her to sing at their events, including the National Baptist Convention in 1919. When Anderson was unable to afford formal training, her church held a fundraiser to get the necessary funds.

Anderson gained national notoriety in 1939 when she performed to an audience of 75,000 from the Lincoln Memorial on Easter Sunday. The performance came after she had been denied a stage at D.C.'s Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution because of the color of her skin, a decision that led to first lady Eleanor Roosevelt resigning from the group.

In 1955, Anderson joined the Metropolitan Opera , the first Black artist join the company.

Ruth Simmons

First Black Ivy League president

During her undergraduate education at Wellesley College, Ruth Simmons viewed the institution’s president Margaret Clapp as proof that women could obtain leadership positions. After continuing her education in France on a Fulbright fellowship and later at Harvard where she received her PhD, Simmons continued to work in education.

Starting in 1983, Simmons worked at universities across the country, including University of Southern California, Spelman and Princeton. Simmons became the first Black woman to be president of an Ivy League institution when she became president of Brown in 2001. She stepped down in 2012, but is still a professor at the university.

Dr. Ralph J. Bunche

First Black Nobel Peace Prize winner

Ralph Bunche was a social science graduate who had studied colonial policy in West Africa before going into service with the United Nations. The diplomat went to the Middle East to develop a plan for the divisive situation between Arabic and Jewish communities. Unfortunately the U.N. resolution was rejected and a conflict began, which included the murder of the U.N.’s chief negotiator Folke Bernadotte in 1948. Bunche was named as Bernadotte's replacement and succeeded in achieving a ceasefire with the signing of the Armistice Agreements in 1949.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize the following year, becoming the first Black person to receive the prestigious award.

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40 Famous Black People Who Changed the World

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4. barack obama.

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5. Aretha Franklin

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Harriet Tubman photo by Horatio Seymour – Wikimedia commons

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A photo of Lupita Nyong’o by Daniel Benavides – Wikimedia commons

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14. rashida jones, 15. chadwick boseman.

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26. diane abbott, 27. idi amin dada.

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28. Mary Chinery-Hesse

29. john baxter taylor jr., 30. roger w. ferguson jr., 31. mae jemison.

A photo of Mae Jemison by NASA – Wikimedia Commons

32. Shirley Chisholm

33. fannie lou hamer, 34. malcolm gladwell, 35. alice walker, 36. langston hughes.

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37. Rosa Parks

38. colin powell, 39. oprah winfrey.

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40. Malcolm X

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• black history month

13 people who made a big impact on Black history in the U.S. and Houston

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- "Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better." That is just one of the quotes from Carter G. Woodson, who is credited with creating the event that would evolve into the Black History Month we celebrate today.

Black History Month was designated in 1976 and has been recognized by every U.S. president in the month of February since. Woodson was a historian, whom with minister Jesse E. Moorland, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). It's known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) . But the mission remains the same: to research, recognize and promote the achievements of Black Americans and those of African descent.

To honor that, here are 13 people who have made an impact on Black history in the U.S. and right here in Houston.

Rosa Parks stood up for civil rights by sitting down. On Dec. 1, 1955, she refused to move to the back of a city bus. Little did the 42-year-old know that her act would help end segregation laws in the South. "Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today's mighty oak is yesterday's nut that held its ground."

Parks' actions would go on to trigger a 381-day boycott of the bus systems by Black Americans that was organized by Martin Luther King Jr., who was 26 years old at the time. The boycott led to a Supreme Court ruling that desegregated public transportation in Montgomery. But it wasn't until the 1964 Civil Rights Act that all public accommodations nationwide were desegregated.

Parks died at the age of 92 in Oct. 2005.

MORE: How Rosa Parks stood up for civil rights by sitting down

REV. BILL LAWSON

The pastor emeritus of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, Rev. Bill Lawson was a pioneer in the the civil rights movement and helped to lead the battle to end segregation in Houston. He helped lead local sit-ins and marches to integrate the city. His philosophy in life: "I believe in bringing people to the table together. Even if we don't all agree, at least we're able to hear one another."

Lawson hasn't slowed down when it comes to activism. In the summer of 2020, after George Floyd's murder, Lawson joined the march honoring Floyd in Houston . ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson said her father felt that it was important and insisted on attending the march in person, even at age 91.

FROM THE ABC13 VAULT: Rev. Bill Lawson urges city to honor MLK birthday

OVIDE DUNCANTELL

Founder of the country's first Martin Luther King Jr. parade in 1978 and the Black Heritage Society, Duncantell fought for equal rights for African Americans for many years in Houston. He dedicated his life to preserving the legacy of Dr. King. He was a fighter for the community and was willing to die for what's right. Duncantell died in Nov. 2018.

Speakers at his funeral described him as a warrior. "I'm going to remember that he chained himself to a tree that he had planted years ago in the memory of Dr. King," said Houston City Councilman Michael Kubosh at the time.

Duncantell was also the catalyst for the renaming of South Park Boulevard to Martin Luther King Boulevard and the creation of a statue of Dr. King in MacGregor Park.

Follow this link for more on Duncantell's life and contributions.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

While Martin Luther King Jr needs no introduction, his impact will forever bear repeating. A Baptist minister and activist, King became the most powerful leader in the civil rights movement until his death in 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. King was going to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers in the city when he was assassinated. He reminded the world of a dream filled with hope, change and equality. "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

King was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize at just 35 years old. According to nobelprize.org , when notified of his selection, he said he would turn over the prize money, $54,123, to furthering the civil rights movement.

And did you know? His iconic "I Have A Dream Speech" wasn't first delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Its first run occurred in North Carolina .

Reflect more on King's legacy with these stories:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes: Remembering the civil rights leader with his own words
• Former Neo-Nazi and Martin Luther King Jr's daughter start new friendship
• HISD students share powerful speeches inspired by MLK

MONICA ROBERTS

A Houston trans rights advocate, Monica Roberts worked with local law enforcement to make sure murders in the transgender community were investigated fairly and with journalists to ensure victims were correctly identified after their deaths and were reported with empathy and sensitivity. Her groundbreaking blog "TransGriot" celebrated Black trans women and men and gave a voice to those who did not have one.

At the time of her death in Oct. 2020, Mayor Sylvester Turner reflected on Roberts' work and impact on Houston saying in part that she "walked every hall of government with professionalism, grace, and toughness to ensure transgender individuals and everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community would not be forgotten or overlooked." She was also one of the original board members of the Mayor's LGBTQ Advisory Board.

READ MORE: Popular LGBT rights advocate honored on day dedicated to her

MAYA ANGELOU

Civil rights activist, poet and award-winning author. Maya Angelou became Hollywood's first female Black director, but is best known for her 1969 memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." "Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you."

In a celebrated life and career, Angelou also made history outside of the arts when in the 1940s, she became the first Black female street car conductor in San Francisco.

Look back at the life of Maya Angelou:

• Maya Angelou quotes: Inspiring words to mark anniversary of her birthday
• Melanie Lawson's talk with Maya Angelou

MARSHA P. JOHNSON

Self-identified drag queen, activist, performer and survivor, Marsha P. Johnson played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. The "P" stands for "Pay it No Mind," which is what Johnson would say when asked about her gender. Johnson also founded the Street Transgender Action Revolutionaries, a group that worked to help homeless transgender youth.

Sadly, Johnson died in 1996 at just 46 years old. But her legacy lives on, especially in her home state of New Jersey. In August 2020, officials approved a piece of land to build a monument dedicated to Johnson. Union County officials said it would be the first in the country to honor a transgender person.

An icon in the LGBTQ+ community, Johnson continues to inspire trans activism.

MORE: Pride Started as a Riot: The LGBTQ+ Community Rallies Together with the Black Lives Matter Movement

A lion of the civil rights movement, John Lewis put his life on the line to fight racism. The beating he endured in 1965 by Alabama state troopers helped galvanize opposition to racial segregation. "You cannot be afraid to speak up and speak out for what you believe. You have to have courage, raw courage." Lewis died on July 17, 2020, but his legacy is as alive as ever.

After his death, his body was carried across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the very place that helped define his life. It was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge where Lewis led hundreds of marchers demanding equal voting rights.

ABC13 remembers John Lewis:

• A look back: John Lewis talks to ABC13 about 'Bloody Sunday'
• Rep. John Lewis remembered with last crossing over Edmund Pettus Bridge
• Rep. John Lewis in posthumous New York Times essay: 'Your turn to let freedom ring'

JACKIE ROBINSON

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, becoming the first Black athlete to play Major League Baseball. "I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... all I ask is that you respect me as a human being." The league now celebrates Robinson's life annually with Jackie Robinson Day on April 15.

Robinson's first game occurred more than a year before President Harry Truman desegregated the U.S. military and seven years before the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision that ruled state laws requiring segregated public schools were unconstitutional.

But even before his professional baseball career, Robinson stood up for equal rights. He'd been arrested and court martialed while he served in the Army for refusing to move to the back of a segregated bus. He was eventually acquitted and received an honorable discharge.

Robinson was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.

LEARN MORE: Jackie Robinson Day: April 15 celebrates baseball legend's impact

FANNIE LOU HAMER

The youngest of 20 children in a family of sharecroppers in Mississippi, Fannie Lou Hamer has been known as the woman who changed the South. She fought for Black voting rights and became a powerful voice in efforts for greater economic opportunities for African Americans. "Nobody's free until everybody's free."

Hamer's push for voting rights for Black people began when she attended a meeting led by civil rights activists who belonged to Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She would go on to become a SNCC organizer and would even lead a group of volunteers to vote. Though they were denied due to an unfair literacy test and harassed on the way home, Hamer pressed on.

She successfully registered to vote in June 1963. A year later, she would also organize the Freedom Summer voting drive, bringing college students, Black and white, together to help with voter registration in the segregated South.

Hamer died of breast cancer at age 59 in 1977.

Read more on this crusader's life.

DELOYD PARKER

Co-founder and executive director of S.H.A.P.E. Community Center in Houston, Deloyd Parker has helped lead the way toward justice, equal opportunity and human rights across the globe. His parents instilled in him a sense of humility, a willingness to help, the courage to face adversity, and the strength to fight injustice.

S.H.A.P.E. stands for Self-help for African people through education. It was founded in 1969 as a place for people to come together in support of civil rights.

"A lot of people know SHAPE as the 'United Nations of the community,'" said Parker, who explained in 2020 that the fight for racial justice, a key part of the group's mission, is far from over.

S.H.A.P.E Community Center in Third Ward celebrated 51 years of service in 2020.

CARTER G. WOODSON

Known as the "Father of Black History," Carter G. Woodson in 1926 launched the annual February observance "Negro History Week," which became "Black History Month" in 1976. "Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history."

Woodson was also considered a champion of women and a mentor. His Washington D.C. home is recognized as a National Historic Site .

Check out this biography on Woodson.

BARBARA JORDAN

A Houston native, Barbara Jordan was the first Black woman elected to the Texas state senate and first Black Texan in Congress. She helped manage a get-out-the-vote program that served Houston's 40 African-American precincts in the 1960s.

Born in the city's Fifth Ward, Jordan would also go on to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994.

More on Jordan's life:

A day in Black History: Barbara Jordan 4 Texas Southern University graduates turned Black history trailblazers

Learning about Black history doesn't have to be reserved for the month of February.

Stream a variety of stories about the change makers and people inspiring communities within our Black History Month collection on ABC13's free apps for devices including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV. Just search ABC13 Houston wherever you stream. Follow this link to get started .

You can also explore every aspect of Black history all year long. Check out these resources:

Our America: Living While Black

Houston Museum of African American culture

Houston has the country's only museum dedicated to Black military accomplishments

How you can support Black-owned businesses in Houston

Books to read by Black authors

The Next Generation Project on a mission to save Black trans lives

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Black History Month at NYPL: Biographies & Memoirs

The New York Public Library celebrates Black History Month throughout February with events and programs, recommended reading, blog posts, and a wide array of resources for all ages.

These biographies and memoirs uncover the life stories and enduring legacies of some of the most prominent and influential Black Americans in U.S. history, from the pioneering abolitionist Frederick Douglass to the first Black president of the United States, Barack Obama. Including both contemporaneous accounts and biographies written with a longer historical view of their subjects, these titles are a great place to start for those looking to find out more about major moments in American history and the people behind them.

Explore everything the Library has to offer for Black History Month , and discover more recommended reads with the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List .

Some of these titles are also available in accessible formats including talking books (DB), braille (BR), and through Bookshare (BK), as indicated below. See The New York Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Library for more information.

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By martin luther king, jr. and clayborne carson (ed.).

Request Book

Accessible editions: BK

Drawing on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s unpublished writings and other materials housed in the archives of Stanford University, civil rights scholar Clayborne Carson assembles a continuous first-person narrative of King's life.

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X

By les payne and tamara payne.

Accessible editions:  BK

This epic new biography, which won the 2020 National Book Award for Nonfiction, draws on hundreds of hours of interviews, rewriting much of the known narrative.

Ida: A Sword Among Lions: Ida B. Wells and the Campaign Against Lynching

By paula j. giddings.

Giddings traces the life and legacy of nineteenth-century activist and pioneer Ida B. Wells, documenting her birth into slavery, her career as a journalist and a pioneer for civil rights and suffrage, and her determination to counter lynching.

Jane Crow: The Life of Pauli Murray

By rosalind rosenberg.

Accessible editions: DB

In this definitive biography, Rosenberg offers a poignant portrait of a figure who played pivotal roles in both the modern civil rights and women's movements.

Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry

By imani perry.

Accessible editions: DB | BK

A revealing portrait of playwright and activist Lorraine Hansberry, best known for A Raisin in the Sun , focusing on how she used her prominence to support the civil rights movement and confront the romantic racism of the Beat generation.

My Bondage and My Freedom

By frederick douglass.

World languages: Deutsch

Former slave and pioneering abolitionist Frederick Douglass's second autobiography was written 10 years after his legal emancipation in 1846.

A Promised Land

By barack obama.

World languages: Español

This first of a projected two-volume memoir of the Obama presidency is a riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making.

Thurgood Marshall: A Life in American History

By spencer r. crew.

Through a study of the career of attorney and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who believed in the power of the law to change society, Crew introduces readers to the constant and multifarious battles for equity faced by Black Americans.

Up from Slavery

By booker t. washington.

Accessible editions: BR | DB | BK

World languages: 中文

In this memoir, Washington documents his struggle for freedom and self-respect and his fight to establish industrial training and educational programs for Black Americans.

W.E.B. Du Bois: A Biography

By david levering lewis.

Du Bois, an architect of the civil rights movement in America, was a fiercely proud individual blessed with the language of the poet and the impatience of the agitator. Discover his life in this condensed and updated edition of Pulitzer Prize winner David Levering Lewis’s epic two-volume biography.

Discover Black History Month at NYPL

Browse book recommendations, the Schomburg Center’s Black Liberation Reading List, more than 100 free events, blog posts, research resources, and more as part of the Library’s Black History Month celebrations.

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Famous African-Americans

Throughout history many famous African-American men and women have contributed significantly to society as far as civil rights, music, science, sports, equality are concerned. Their remarkable efforts and achievements, and life stories are often are quite worthy of high recognition. Below is a list of some of the most famous African-Americans of all time.

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• Famous Philosophers
• Famous Authors
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• Famous Explorers

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African Americans

• Muhammad Ali - Championship boxer and civil rights activist
• Maya Angelou - Author and poet
• Louis Armstrong - One of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music
• Josephine Baker - Dancer and singer who fought for racial integration

• Benjamin Banneker - Scientist and astronomer from the 1700s who wrote a popular almanac
• Ruby Bridges - The first African-American child to attend an all-white elementary school in the South
• George Washington Carver - Scientist who helped farmers in the south and discovered many ways to use the peanut
• Frederick Douglass - Former slave who became an advisor to presidents
• Charles Drew - Doctor and scientist who helped create blood banks for World War II
• Michael Jackson - One of the most popular singers and performers of all time

• Michael Jordan - Considered the greatest basketball player in history
• Martin Luther King, Jr. - Civil rights leader who brought about change through non-violent protest
• Thurgood Marshall - The first African-American justice of the United States Supreme Court
• Barack Obama - First African-American president of the United States
• Jesse Owens - Track and field Olympic gold medalist
• Rosa Parks - Rosa was a civil rights activist famous for not giving up her seat on the bus
• Colin Powell - General who became the first African-American Secretary of State

• Jackie Robinson - First African-American to play in Major League Baseball
• Augusta Savage - Artist during the Harlem Renaissance
• Robert Smalls - Civil War hero who later became a Congressman
• Sojourner Truth - An escaped slave who fought for the end of the slavery and women's rights
• Harriet Tubman - An escaped slave who became a leader in the Underground Railroad helping more slaves to escape from the South
• Madam C.J. Walker - Known as the first woman self-made millionaire
• Booker T. Washington - Civil rights leader who opened the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama
• Ida B. Wells - A journalist and civil rights activist, Ida B. Wells led a campaign against lynching

• Oprah Winfrey - Became one of the most successful businesswomen in the world through her TV show The Oprah Winfrey Show
• Malcolm X - Famous leader and member of the Nation of Islam

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8 Black Inventors Who Made Daily Life Easier

By: Thaddeus Morgan

Updated: February 21, 2024 | Original: February 20, 2019

Most people have heard about famous inventions like the light bulb , the  cotton gin and the iPhone . But there are countless other, often overlooked inventions that make our daily lives easier. Among the creative innovators behind these devices are African American inventors. From the traffic light to the ironing board, see a list of products that have sprung from the minds of Black inventors. 

Improved Ironing Board, Invented by Sarah Boone in 1892

The ironing board is a product that’s used possibly just as much as it’s overlooked. In the late 19th century, it was improved upon by Sarah Boone , an African American woman who was born enslaved. One of the first Black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she expanded upon the original ironing board, which was essentially a horizontal wooden block initially patented in 1858. With Boone’s 1892 additions, the board featured a narrower and curved design, making it easier to iron garments, particularly women’s clothing. Boone’s design would morph into the modern ironing board that we use today.

Home Security System, Co-Invented by Marie Van Brittan Brown in 1966

Before security systems became a fixture in homes, an African American nurse Marie Van Brittan Brown, devised an early security unit for her own home. She spent many nights at home alone in Queens, New York while her husband was away, and felt unsafe with high rates of crime in her neighborhood. On top of that, the police were unreliable and unresponsive. So she created a device that would help put her mind at ease.

In 1966, Brown invented a system that used a camera that could slide into and look through four peepholes in her front door. The camera’s view would then appear on a monitor in her home so she could survey any potentially unwanted guests.

She added other features to the system, including a microphone to speak to anyone at the door, a button to unlock the door, and a button to contact the police. She and her husband took out a patent for the system in the same year, and they were awarded the patent three years later in 1969. Home security systems commonly used today took various elements from her design.

The Three-Light Traffic Signal, Invented by Garrett Morgan in 1923

With only an elementary school education, Black inventor (and son of an enslaved parent),  Garrett Morgan came up with several significant inventions, including an improved sewing machine and the gas mask. However, one of Morgan's most influential inventions was the improved traffic light. Morgan's was one of the first three-light systems that were invented in the 1920s, resulting in the widespread adoption of the traffic lights we take for granted today.

Thanks to the successes of his other inventions, Morgan bought and car and, as a motorist, he witnessed a severe car accident at an intersection in his city of Cleveland, Ohio. In response, he decided to expand on the current traffic light by adding a “yield” component, warning oncoming drivers of an impending stop. He took out the patent for the creation in 1923 , and it was granted to him the following year.

Refrigerated Trucks, Invented by Frederick McKinley Jones in 1940

If your refrigerator has any produce from your local grocery store, then you can credit African American inventor Frederick McKinley Jones . Jones took out more than 60 patents throughout his life, including a patent for the roof-mounted cooling system that was used to refrigerate goods on trucks during extended transportation in the mid-1930s. He received a patent for his invention in 1940 and co-founded the U.S. Thermo Control Company, later known as Thermo King. The company was critical during World War II , helping to preserve blood, food and supplies during the war.

Automatic Elevator Doors, Invented by Alexander Miles in 1887

The use of elevators in everyday life keeps people from facing long climbs up several flights of stairs. However, before the creation of elevator doors that close automatically, riding a lift was both complicated and risky.

Before automatic doors, people had to manually shut both the shaft and elevator doors before riding. Forgetting to do so led to multiple accidents as people fell down elevator shafts. As the story goes, when the daughter of African American inventor Alexander Miles almost fatally fell down the shaft, he took it upon himself to develop a solution. In 1887 he took out a patent for a mechanism that automatically opens and closes elevator shaft doors and his designs are largely reflected in elevators used today.

Electret Microphone, Co-Invented by James E. West in 1964

Even for those who aren’t quick to pick up the mic during karaoke, microphones are used every day to communicate over distances far and wide. And the vast majority of microphones used today, including the microphones used in phones and cameras, use a microphone co-invented by a Black man. Dr. James E. West was tasked with creating a more sensitive and compact microphone while working at Bell Labs in 1960.

Along with his German colleague Gerhard Sessler, West invented the foil electret microphone, which was considerably less expensive to produce than the typically used condenser microphones. Two years after it was invented, the final model of the microphone was developed and in 1964 they patented the landmark invention. Only four years later, the new microphone was in wide production and was being used in hearing aids, tape recorders, most telephones and baby monitors.

Carbon Light Bulb Filament, Invented by Lewis Latimer in 1881

The light bulb itself was perfected by Thomas Edison , but the innovation used to create longer-lasting light bulbs with a carbon filament came from African American inventor Lewis Latimer . Latimer, the son of formerly enslaved people, began work in a patent law firm after serving in the military for the Union during the Civil War . He was recognized for his talent in drafting patents and was promoted to head draftsman, where he co-invented an improved bathroom for railroad trains.

His successes would garner him further attention from the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, putting him at a company in direct competition with Edison, in 1880. While there, Latimer patented a new filament for the light bulb, using carbon instead of more combustible materials, like bamboo, that was commonly used for filaments. The addition of the carbon filament increased the life span and practicality of light bulbs, which had previously died after just a few days. In 1884, he went on to work with Edison at the Edison Electric Light Company.

Color IBM PC Monitor and Gigahertz Chip, Co-Invented by Mark Dean c. 1980 and 1999

Before flat screens and high-definition LCD monitors were the norm, PC displays were limited to screens with no color that was tethered to computers with limited processing power. That all changed thanks to Black inventor and engineer Mark Dean . Dean began working for IBM as a chief engineer in the early 1980s, making up a team of 12 people who would develop the first IBM PC. In addition to helping create IBM’s original machine in his early years with the company, he also worked to develop the color monitor and led the team that developed the first gigahertz processor. The massive chip, built in 1999, would allow for higher processing rates at faster speeds within PCs.

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15 Black Scientists That Changed Our Understanding Of The World

T he work and pioneering done by Black Americans has historically gone unrecognized across many areas/fields, including science. Black Americans make up 12% of the US population and have experienced the most disadvantages and setbacks in education than any other group in the country. For this reason, it is believed that there are not many Black scientists or Black people in STEM of note; however, this is not true historically nor in the present day. The work of Black scientists has led to discoveries that have changed our understanding in areas including health, space travel, public safety and more.

Many of these Black scientists faced the added challenge of navigating racism, discrimination and segregation, on top of the challenging work they accomplished . These individuals defied all doubt, prejudice and other obstacles in their way to make ground breaking discoveries that help us learn more about the world and prove how vital Black scientists’ contributions in STEM are.

Here are 15 Black scientists of the past and present.

George Washington Carver (1860s-1943)

George Washington Carver was born into slavery but went on to become one of the most prominent agricultural scientists and inventors of his time. He developed hundreds of products from peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes, including food products, dyes, cosmetics, and biofuels. Carver’s work not only improved agricultural practices but also contributed to the economic empowerment of Southern farmers. Carver is best known for his work with peanuts and soybeans. This led to the common misconception that he was the inventor of peanut butter. However, he developed hundreds of products from these crops, including plastics, dyes and even gasoline. He is remembered as a pioneer in agricultural science and a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

Mae Jemison (b. 1956)

Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician and former NASA astronaut. In 1992, she became the first African American woman to travel in space. During her eight-day mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-47), Jemison conducted experiments on bone cell research in space, contributing to our understanding of how space travel affects the human body. Throughout her career, she has been an advocate for science education and diversity in STEM fields. Jemison’s historic spaceflight shattered barriers for Black women and other BIPOC individuals. She continues to be a role model for aspiring scientists and astronauts around the world.

Percy Lavon Julian (1899-1975)

Percy Lavon Julian was a pioneering chemist known for his groundbreaking research on the synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants. Julian’s most significant contributions include the synthesis of physostigmine, a drug used to treat glaucoma, and cortisone, a steroid hormone used to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases. His research played a crucial role in making these drugs more affordable and accessible to patients. Despite facing discrimination throughout his career, Julian’s perseverance and scientific achievements earned him recognition as one of the leading chemists of his time. He is remembered as a trailblazer who overcame racial barriers to make lasting contributions to science and medicine.

Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946)

Dr. Shirley Jackson is a physicist and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Jackson’s research has primarily focused on theoretical physics, semiconductor physics and condensed matter physics. She conducted groundbreaking research in the field of semiconductors, leading to advancements in telecommunications and computing. Her work laid the foundation for technologies such as fiber optics, solar cells and the portable fax machine. Jackson also served as the chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1995 to 1999, becoming the first woman and first Black American to hold this position.

Garrett Morgan (1877-1963)

Garrett Morgan was an inventor, entrepreneur, and community leader known for his innovations in traffic safety and respiratory protection. Many know that a black scientist was the creator of the traffic light, but do not know Morgan is the man behind the invention. Morgan’s most famous invention is the three-position traffic signal, which he patented in 1923. His design included a warning light to alert drivers before the signal changed, improving road safety and reducing traffic accidents. He also invented the safety hood, a precursor to the modern gas mask, which was used to protect workers from inhaling toxic fumes. Morgan’s inventions saved countless lives and had a significant impact on public safety. He persevered through the discrimination he faced as a Black man to impact the world forever.

Neil deGrasse Tyson (b. 1958)

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator known for his efforts to popularize science and make complex concepts accessible to the public. yson has made significant contributions to astrophysics through his research on star formation, galaxy evolution, and the structure of the Milky Way. However, he is perhaps best known for his work in science communication. Tyson has hosted several television series, including “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey” and “StarTalk,” where he discusses scientific topics in an engaging and entertaining manner. He has also authored numerous books aimed at making science understandable and engaging for people of all ages. Tyson’s ability to convey complex scientific concepts with enthusiasm and clarity has made him a beloved figure in the world of science and education.

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020)

Katherine Johnson was a mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of NASA’s early space missions. She is one of the most famous Black scientists in history. Johnson’s mathematical genius played a pivotal role in the Mercury and Apollo space programs. She calculated trajectories, launch windows and re-entry paths for many of NASA’s missions, including Alan Shepard’s 1961 flight and John Glenn’s historic orbit around the Earth in 1962. Her calculations were so accurate that Glenn specifically requested her verification before his flight. Johnson’s work was instrumental in ensuring the safety and success of NASA’s missions during the space race.

Katherine Johnson’s contributions to space exploration were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her story gained widespread attention following the publication of the book “Hidden Figures” and the subsequent film adaptation, bringing her achievements to a broader audience. She is celebrated not only for her groundbreaking work as a mathematician but also for breaking barriers as an African American woman in a male-dominated field.

Emmett W. Chappelle (1925-2013)

Emmett W. Chappelle is a biochemist who has made significant contributions to the field of bioluminescence and astrobiology. Chappelle’s research focused on understanding the biochemical processes underlying bioluminescence, the production of light by living organisms. He developed techniques to measure and analyze bioluminescence, leading to advancements in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and space exploration. Chappelle’s work has applications in diverse fields, from detecting microbial contamination in water to studying extraterrestrial life on other planets. His research has had a lasting impact on science and technology, earning him numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923)

Charles Henry Turner was a pioneering zoologist and behaviorist who conducted groundbreaking research on insect behavior. Turner’s research challenged prevailing notions about animal intelligence and behavior. He conducted experiments demonstrating that insects are capable of learning and problem-solving, findings that were revolutionary at the time. Turner’s experiments with ants, bees, and other insects provided valuable insights into their sensory perception, communication, and social behavior. His work laid the foundation for modern studies of animal behavior and cognition. Turner faced racial discrimination and limited opportunities for academic recognition throughout his entire career. His contributions have finally been receiving recognition in recent years, and are more proof that the contributions of Black scientists are so crucial.

James West (b. 1931)

James West is an American inventor and acoustical scientist known for his pioneering work in the field of electret transducers. Along with his colleague Gerhard Sessler, West co-invented the electret microphone in 1962 while working at Bell Laboratories. The electret microphone is a type of condenser microphone that uses a permanently charged material to convert sound waves into electrical signals. It is widely used in various applications, including telephones, hearing aids, recording studios and medical devices. West’s work has had a profound impact on audio technology, making it possible for millions of people around the world to communicate and enjoy music more effectively. West’s contributions to acoustical science have earned him numerous awards and honors, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He continues to inspire aspiring scientists and engineers with his innovative spirit and dedication to scientific discovery.

Kizzmekia Corbett (b. 1986)

Kizzmekia Corbett is an American viral immunologist who played a key role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Corbett’s research focuses on understanding the immune response to viral infections and developing vaccines to prevent them. As a female Black scientist, she led the National Institutes of Health (NIH) team that worked with Moderna to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Corbett’s expertise in vaccine development and her leadership in coordinating clinical trials were instrumental in the rapid development and testing of the Moderna vaccine. She has become a role model for aspiring scientists, particularly young female Black scientists, and an advocate for vaccine equity and public health.

Marie Maynard Daly (1921-2003)

Marie Maynard Daly was an American biochemist and the first Black American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Daly’s research focused on understanding the biochemical mechanisms underlying heart disease, particularly the role of cholesterol in atherosclerosis. She made significant contributions to our understanding of how diet and lifestyle affect cardiovascular health. Daly’s research laid the foundation for the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs and dietary interventions to reduce the risk of heart disease. This pioneering work has had an understated, lasting impact on cardiovascular research and public health.

Ernest Everett Just (1883-1941)

Ernest Everett Just was an American biologist and pioneer in the field of embryology. Just conducted groundbreaking research on the fertilization and development of marine organisms, particularly sea urchins. His research focused on understanding the role of cell surface interactions in embryonic development, and he made significant discoveries about the mechanisms of fertilization and cell division. Just’s meticulous experimental techniques and observations laid the foundation for modern developmental biology. He is another of these remarkable Black scientists that had overcome to racial discrimination, as well as financial challenges, to become one of the leaders in their field.

Patricia Bath (1942-2019)

Patricia Bath was an American ophthalmologist, inventor, and academic known for her game-changing contributions to the field of ophthalmology. Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device used in laser cataract surgery to remove cataracts with greater precision and less damage to surrounding tissue. Her invention revolutionized cataract surgery, making it safer and more effective, particularly for patients in developing countries. Bath was also a passionate advocate for vision care and health equity, founding the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness to provide eye care services and education to underserved communities.

Bath’s pioneering work in ophthalmology and her advocacy for health equity have had a lasting impact on public health and medicine. She broke barriers as the first Black American woman to complete a residency in ophthalmology and the first Black American woman to receive a medical patent. Bath’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, inventors and healthcare professionals.

Aprille Ericsson (b. 1963)

Aprille Ericsson-Jackson is an American aerospace engineer known for her contributions to NASA’s space exploration missions. Ericsson has worked on numerous NASA projects, including the Mars Exploration Rovers, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. She has made significant contributions to spacecraft design, guidance systems, and mission planning. Her contributions to space exploration have also been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Black Engineer of the Year Award and the Women in Aerospace Achievement Award. She is honorably another indicator of how important the role of Black scientists has been for NASA/space exploration.

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The Greatest African American Biopics Of All Time, Ranked

Vote up your favorite Black biopics.

Though we tend to get the most entertainment out of action-packed thrillers, sci-fi flicks, and comedies, a good biopic every now and then can be just as captivating. Not only that, but these biographical films can span a range of genres—no matter the subject at hand. Some of the most moving and interesting of them all, however, are African American biopics. As you can imagine, these typically fall within dramas and period pieces, but they're incredible movies nonetheless. Whether you're talking about breakthrough athlete biopics , notable figures in history, or the greatest musicians, Black biopics are aplenty. 

It's no secret: racial tension has long been a problem in our world and instead of sitting idly by, a great deal of African Americans have made great strides in such difficult circumstances. Considering this, such is often the topic of biopics. From being the first Black baseball player to becoming a leading political rights activist, these moving stories were rightfully made into biopics, and some are simply the greatest biographical films of all time . Jackie Robinson, Malcolm X, Winnie Mandela, and Ray Charles are just a few wonderful subjects of top African American biopics and there are plenty more where that came from. What's your favorite?

Check out the list of African American biopics below and vote up those you think are the best—whether that be the most influential, inspiring, or downright impactful films. Of course, feel free to add any others that may be missing from the list. 

Undeniably influential, this Spike Lee-directed film portrays the life of civil rights activist Malcolm X, played powerfully by Denzel Washington. Erudition and empathy underlie the depiction of the leader's evolution from Malcolm Little - a small-time hustler and street-wise criminal - to his conversion to Islam and his rise as an advocate for African American emancipation. The riveting account of an impassioned voice silenced by assassination is required viewing for those who want to delve into America's historical struggles with racial justice.

• # 148 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
• # 198 of 379 on The Best Movies Of The 1990s
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Ray offers a captivating portrayal of the life of legendary musician Ray Charles, with Jamie Foxx delivering a breathtakingly authentic performance that earned him an Academy Award. The movie chronicles the journey of Ray's life, from his impoverished childhood and tragic loss of sight, to his meteoric rise to fame and his battle against addiction. This elevation of the biopic genre through its powerful storytelling and emotionally charged scenes cements the film's status as a classic.

• # 142 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
• # 40 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 8 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories

Hidden Figures

Unearthing a vital but often overlooked part of history, Hidden Figures tells the story of three brilliant African American women mathematicians - Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson - who defied societal expectations to make invaluable contributions to NASA during the 1960s Space Race. Featuring stand-out performances from Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, this inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance skillfully showcases the brilliance of these three women and their fight for both racial and gender equality. Viewers will leave with a newfound sense of admiration for their groundbreaking work in a predominantly white, male-dominated field.

• # 11 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 1 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 30 of 90 on The 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time

12 Years a Slave

Based on the harrowing true story of Solomon Northup, a free African American man kidnapped and sold into slavery, this devastating film provides a haunting and visceral exploration of the horrors of American chattel slavery. With unforgettable performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, and Michael Fassbender, director Steve McQueen captures the inhumanity, perseverance, and eventual triumph of Northup's spirit in the face of unbelievable adversity. Garnering numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Picture, the film is a necessary reminder of the dehumanizing brutality of America's past and a chilling call to never forget.

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• # 32 of 96 on The Very Best Oscar-Winning Movies For Best Picture
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Straight Outta Compton

A gritty and gripping account of the controversial emergence of gangsta rap group N.W.A., this movie dives into the complex dynamics and social context that shaped their incendiary music. With powerful performances from a young cast, the film portrays the irresistibly defiant spirit of rappers Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, and DJ Yella, capturing the raw energy of their influential rise against the backdrop of racial tension and police brutality in late-1980s Los Angeles. By revealing the captivating stories behind the music, it leaves an indelible mark on viewers who crave authenticity.

• # 109 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 51 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 33 of 99 on The Best Period Movies Set in the '80s

Remember the Titans

Set against the backdrop of racial tensions in early-1970s Virginia, this uplifting sports drama recounts the true story of an African American football coach , played by Denzel Washington, tasked with integrating a racially divided high school team. Aided by a strong ensemble cast, the movie skillfully weaves themes of courage, unity, and acceptance into a larger narrative about overcoming prejudice. By rooting the story in the transformative power of sports, the film manages to effectively address the persistent struggle for racial equality in America.

• # 414 of 769 on The Most Rewatchable Movies
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• # 94 of 278 on 'Old' Movies Every Young Person Needs To Watch In Their Lifetime

Chronicling the life of Jackie Robinson, the first African American Major League Baseball player, 42 tells the inspiring story of a man who broke barriers and changed the game forever. Chadwick Boseman delivers a formidable performance as Robinson, capturing the quiet dignity and determination he displayed while enduring vicious racism and defying expectations. This stirring tribute to a trailblazing legend reminds viewers of the resilience and courage it took for one man to transform America's pastime.

• # 26 of 207 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
• # 126 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 4 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories

Chronicling the story of Joe Clark, a relentless and controversial high school principal who takes over an inner-city school plagued by violence and poor academic performance, Lean on Me showcases Morgan Freeman's captivating portrayal of a man willing to defy convention to make a difference. The film's examination of education as a critical component of social change is as relevant today as it was during Clark's tenure in the 1980s. As a testament to perseverance and tough love, Lean on Me offers a compelling perspective on the power of a determined leader to fight for meaningful change.

• # 22 of 83 on The Best Movies Of 1989, Ranked
• # 7 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 16 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked

Glory chronicles the experiences of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment – the first African American unit to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Andre Braugher deliver riveting performances as soldiers grappling with issues of race, loyalty, and sacrifice on their march to history. The gut-wrenching depiction of an often-overlooked aspect of America's past makes this film a powerful and unforgettable tribute to the courage of those who fought for freedom.

• # 2 of 27 on The 25+ Best Civil War Movies Of All Time, Ranked
• # 13 of 264 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
• # 132 of 399 on The Best Movies Of The 1980s, Ranked

Judas and the Black Messiah

This intense historical drama delves into the betrayal and assassination of Fred Hampton, the charismatic chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, at the hands of an FBI informant. Daniel Kaluuya's electrifying portrayal of Hampton anchors the film, shedding light on the radical politics and enduring impact of a leader cut down before his prime. Driven by dynamic performances and a gripping narrative, the movie forces viewers to confront the lengths governments will go to crush powerful voices advocating for change.

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• # 329 of 460 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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The Tuskegee Airmen

This historical drama chronicles the heroic journey of the pioneering African American pilots known as the Tuskegee Airmen, who defied racism and skepticism to fight for their country during World War II. With powerful performances from a talented ensemble cast, including Laurence Fishburne, Andre Braugher, and Cuba Gooding Jr., the film delves into the harsh realities faced by these fearless men as they battled bigotry on the home front while courageously taking to the skies. The compelling portrayal of their tenacity and patriotism shines a light on an often-forgotten chapter in American military history and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance.

• # 175 of 264 on The 200+ Best War Movies Of All Time
• # 23 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
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Showcasing Chadwick Boseman's dynamic portrayal of James Brown, Get on Up dances through the rise, fall, and ultimately triumphant resurgence of one of the most influential musicians in history. Told using an innovative nonlinear style, the film delves into the Godfather of Soul's troubled childhood, ambitious drive, and groundbreaking performances that both captivated audiences and influenced generations of artists to come. As much a portrait of the man as of his music, the film is a love letter to the lasting legacy of a complex and enduring cultural icon.

• # 183 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 22 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
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Step into the ring with Will Smith's immersive and intense portrayal of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, as the film covers everything from his biggest fights to his personal relationships and political activism. Masterfully directed by Michael Mann, the movie captures the swagger, charisma, and poignancy that made Ali such a beloved and controversial figure beyond the world of sports. Offering an intimate look at the trials and triumphs of a larger-than-life personality, Ali packs a punch that leaves viewers enthralled.

• # 40 of 113 on The Best Movies Of 2001
• # 93 of 207 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
• # 127 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story

Why Do Fools Fall in Love

This poignant drama delves into the life and loves of 1950s doo-wop crooner Frankie Lymon, exploring his rise to fame, his tumultuous relationships with three women, and his tragic downward spiral. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Larenz Tate as Lymon, alongside Halle Berry, Vivica A. Fox, and Lela Rochon. The courtroom scenes form a significant part of the plot, adding a unique twist to the genre by entertainingly revealing scandalous details about Lymon's personal life.

• # 85 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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Introducing Dorothy Dandridge

Embodying the glamour and grace of the first African American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award, Halle Berry delivers a stunning performance in the title role of this television biopic. Chronicling the captivating life of Dorothy Dandridge, the film exposes the racial barriers and pay inequality she faced, while also revealing her resilience, charisma, and groundbreaking accomplishments. A riveting tribute to an iconic figure often forgotten by history, the movie leaves viewers eager to learn more about Dandridge's trailblazing legacy.

• # 158 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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• # 29 of 67 on The Best Movies About Becoming Famous

Fruitvale Station

A heartrending portrayal of the final day in the life of Oscar Grant III, a young African American man who was fatally shot by a police officer in Oakland, California, Fruitvale Station tells a poignant story of injustice and loss. Michael B. Jordan delivers a powerful performance as Grant, humanizing the tragedy through intimate glimpses into his relationships, dreams, and struggles. The film leaves a lasting impression, serving as a sobering reminder of the ongoing issues of racial bias and police violence faced by African Americans.

• # 27 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 272 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
• # 39 of 55 on The Best Movies About Corrupt Cops

Antwone Fisher

Based on the autobiography of Navy sailor Antwone Fisher, this emotionally charged drama follows Fisher's journey as he navigates his traumatic childhood, anger issues, and struggles with self-worth. Derek Luke delivers a powerful performance as the film's resilient protagonist, while director Denzel Washington masterfully guides the narrative as it delves into the power of healing and redemption. A poignant exploration of overcoming past wounds and finding inner strength, the movie serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

• # 37 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 88 of 152 on The Best Movies of 2002
• # 53 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked

The Great Debaters

Inspired by the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, an African American professor in the Jim Crow-era South who coached a debate team to national acclaim, The Great Debaters showcases Denzel Washington's directorial prowess and acting talent. As both behind the camera and in front of it, Washington explores themes of education, perseverance, activism, and racial inequality through the experiences of an underdog team from a small black college. This uplifting drama, punctuated by powerful performances and rousing speeches, highlights the transformative power of learning and eloquence in the face of adversity.

• # 17 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 61 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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Cadillac Records

Cadillac Records delves into the colorful world of Chess Records, the iconic Chicago-based label that cultivated African American artists and popularized the electric blues genre. The stellar cast, including Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, and Beyoncé Knowles, portrays the tumultuous relationships, groundbreaking artists, and racial challenges faced by the company at the height of its success. For music enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the electrifying performances and evocative storytelling make this film a fascinating window into a pivotal moment in American music history.

• # 151 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 25 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 106 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked

American Gangster

Chronicling the rise and fall of drug kingpin Frank Lucas, this compelling crime drama features Denzel Washington as the notorious Harlem crime lord. The film's sharp exploration of the complexities inherent in Lucas' empire - his ruthless ambition juxtaposed against his dedication to family and community - underscores the duality between the American dream and the dark underbelly of criminal enterprise. With strong performances and gripping storytelling, the movie provides a raw and unflinching glimpse into the life of one of the most infamous figures in criminal history.

• # 207 of 675 on The Best Movies Roger Ebert Gave Four Stars
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The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

A groundbreaking television movie that has stood the test of time, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman traces the life of a woman who was born into slavery and survived to participate in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. Cicely Tyson's riveting portrayal of the titular character garnered widespread acclaim, poignantly capturing the resilience and wisdom of someone who has seen the best and worst of humanity. By offering a sweeping look at a century of history through the eyes of one indomitable character, the film remains a must-watch for those exploring the African American experience in cinema.

• # 140 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked
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Based on the 1981 Broadway musical, this dazzling cinematic adaptation weaves a fictional narrative inspired by the rise of Diana Ross and The Supremes. The ensemble cast, including Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy, delivers top-notch performances that capture the ambitions, tribulations, and triumphs of the talented singers striving for stardom in a cutthroat music industry. This glittering spectacle of song and dance, bolstered by its evocative exploration of fame, friendship, and loss, offers a striking glimpse into a pivotal era in African American pop culture.

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• # 104 of 204 on Musical Movies With The Best Songs
• # 42 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories

The New Edition Story

This immersive three-part miniseries captures the exciting rise and tumultuous journey of R&B group New Edition from their humble beginnings in Boston to their global success and subsequent breakup. Entertaining and honest, the series delves into the personal and professional lives of these talented musicians, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges faced by fame and fortune. This engaging biographical drama, bolstered by strong performances from a young cast, takes viewers on an unforgettable ride through the history of a beloved musical act.

The Pursuit of Happyness

This heartrending drama, inspired by the true story of Chris Gardner's struggle to overcome homelessness and become a successful entrepreneur, showcases Will Smith's stirring portrayal of a man determined to build a better life for himself and his son. Through its blend of heartache, humor, and hope, the film expertly captures the resilience of the human spirit and the power of persistence. A classic underdog story, The Pursuit of Happyness resonates with audiences as a reminder that even the most insurmountable obstacles can be conquered with unwavering determination.

• Dig Deeper... The Sad Tale Of Chris Gardner, The Man From The Pursuit of Happyness
• # 50 of 125 on The 100+ Grossest Movies Ever
• # 31 of 133 on The Most Utterly Depressing Movies Ever Made

Focusing on the early career of future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, this riveting courtroom drama sees Chadwick Boseman embodying the fearless attorney who dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights and equality. The film follows Marshall as he defends a young African American man accused of a brutal crime, showcasing his tenacity, wit, and unflinching pursuit of justice. As an inspiring portrait of a legal pioneer who would later change the course of American history, Marshall is a compelling addition to the biopic canon.

• # 153 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 35 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 80 of 90 on The 85+ Most Inspirational Movies Of All Time

Coach Carter

Based on the true story of high school basketball coach Ken Carter, this inspirational sports drama portrays Samuel L. Jackson's titular character as an uncompromising educator who prioritizes academics over athletics to an initially resistant team. Showcasing the transformative power of discipline, teamwork, and mentorship, the movie delves into the impact that a dedicated coach can have on young lives. As an uplifting tale of success beyond the confines of the basketball court, Coach Carter serves as a reminder of the importance of education and personal growth.

• # 37 of 143 on The Best Movies of 2005
• # 52 of 207 on The Best Sports Movies Ever Made
• # 23 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked

Capturing the lightning-in-a-bottle talent of Christopher "Biggie Smalls" Wallace, Notorious offers a poignant and authentic look at the meteoric rise and untimely demise of one of hip-hop's most influential figures. With pitch-perfect casting, particularly in the form of Jamal Woolard's heartfelt portrayal of Wallace, the film delves into the complex man behind the image, from his beginnings as a Brooklyn street hustler to his ascension to the top of the rap game. Ultimately, the movie serves as a fitting tribute to a legend whose life was cut short, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

• # 52 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 80 of 99 on The Best Period Movies Set in the '80s
• # 88 of 472 on The Best Black Movies Ever Made, Ranked

Unfolding the shocking exposé of long-term brain damage in NFL players, Concussion stars Will Smith as Dr. Bennet Omalu, the Nigerian-American forensic pathologist who uncovered the issue despite fierce backlash from the league. As much a story about an individual's crusade for the truth as it is an indictment of powerful institutions, the movie provides a gripping and humanizing look at the risks athletes face in pursuit of glory. Encompassing themes of morality, science, and the American dream, this thought-provoking biopic leaves an indelible mark on viewers.

• # 46 of 80 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 42 of 75 on The Best Football Movies Of All Time
• # 30 of 73 on The Best Doctor Movies

Lady Sings the Blues

A compelling exploration of the tumultuous life and career of jazz legend Billie Holiday, this biopic showcases the raw talent and vulnerability of Diana Ross in her Academy Award-nominated film debut. The movie plunges into the depths of Holiday's struggles with addiction, heartache, and racism, while also capturing the soul-stirring power of her timeless music. This poignant tribute to one of America's most celebrated and tragic artists serves as an enduring reminder of the exceptional talent and perseverance required to create art in the face of adversity.

• # 173 of 240 on The 200+ Best Movies Based On A True Story
• # 26 of 85 on Great Historical Black Movies Based On True Stories
• # 42 of 54 on The Best Movies 'Loosely' Based On True Stories
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Celebrating and going deep in black culture, people, and experiences in the US and beyond.

Famous Artists

Influential black artists.

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Aaron Douglas

Kara Walker

Jacob Lawrence

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Beyond the canvas.

How Pablo Picasso’s Wives and Mistresses Inspired His Art

7 Facts About Vincent van Gogh

How a Horrific Accident Changed Frida Kahlo’s Life

How Andy Warhol and Halston Transformed Art, Fashion and Studio 54

Renaissance artists.

Leonardo da Vinci

Filippo Brunelleschi

.css-1aq4sl:before,.css-1aq4sl:after{visibility:hidden;} Sculptors

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Augusta Savage

Photographers

Annie Leibovitz

Dorothea Lange

Gordon Parks

Ansel Adams

Josephine Baker

Isadora Duncan

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson

Martha Graham

Caravaggio: The Italian Painter Was Also a Notorious Criminal and Murderer

More famous artists.

Georgia O'Keeffe

Bill Watterson

Bill Watterson’s Career Since ‘Calvin and Hobbes’

Fernando Botero

All About Cillian Murphy's Wife Yvonne McGuinness

Henri Matisse: His Final Years and Exhibit

Who Is Karl Lagerfeld?

Gustav Klimt

Salvador Dalí

Margaret Keane