1st to do it!
In 1947, this MLB player became the first black player in modern Major League Baseball
Jackie Robinson
This organization’s leaders were known for wearing black berets and advocating for community self-defense. They also had a free breakfast program for youth.
Black Panther Party
First Black independent filmmaker who has a prestigious award named after him.
Oscar Micheaux
This global celebration honors the end of slavery in the U.S
Juneteenth
This athlete became a billionaire through sports, endorsements, and ownership
Michael Jordan
The first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968, representing New York's 12 District
Shirley Chisolm
As a 6-year-old, this young girl entered an ALL-white school
Ruby Bridges
This singer became the first Black woman to headline Coachella
Beyoncé
This Caribbean nation was formed after the first successful slave revolt
Haiti
This rapper became the first hip-hop billionaire
Jay Z
The first Black Heavyweight Boxing Champion
Jack Johsnon
This activist famously said, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything
Malcolm X
This singer is known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul
Mary J. Blige
The first black president of South Africa
Nelson Mandela
This billionaire talk-show host turned media powerhouse became one of the most influential figures in entertainment
Oprah Winfrey
She was the first black woman in space
Mae C. Jemison
LGBTQ Activist known for her central role in the Stonewall Uprising and her work with houseless LGBTQ+ youth and people affected by AIDS.
Marsha P. Johnson
This actress became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress
Halle Berry
This West African King is Famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed so much gold that it caused inflation in Egypt
Mansa Musa
Black Wall Street was located in this city
Tulsa, Oklahoma
First Black woman to win Olympic gold for the high jump
Alice Coachman
This abolitionist freed enslaved people and was never caught. They later served as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War
Harriet Tubman
This rapper became the first hip-hop artist to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music
Kendrick Lamar
This African nation has never been colonized by a European power
Ethiopia
This child inherited oil-rich land due to birthright as a grandchild of Creek Indians. By age 11, she received more than $11k in royalties, and by 18 she was a millionaire.
Sarah Rector