Black Leaders STEM
This engineer and inventor created a revolutionary method for improving the quality of seeds, including the development of the ‘peanut-based’ products that made him famous
Who is George Washington Carver?
This former RPI president was the first African American and the first woman to lead the university, significantly expanding research and campus initiatives
Who is Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson?
This 'King of Pop,' who revolutionized music, dance, and music videos, is known for his groundbreaking albums like 'Thriller' and 'Bad,' and his charity work supporting racial equality
Who is Michael Jackson?
This 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul' released the album 'What's the 411?' in 1992, marking the start of her legendary music career
Who is Mary J. Blige?
This civil rights icon is famous for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, which sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Who is Rosa Parks?
This aerospace engineer became the first African American woman to work as a NASA flight director and played a key role in the Apollo missions.
Who is Mary W. Jackson?
This scholarship, named after the first Black graduate of RPI, supports students of color pursuing careers in engineering and other STEM fields
What is the Garnet D. Baltimore Scholarship?
This celebrated poet and activist, known for works such as 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,' became the first African American woman to write and direct a major motion picture
Who is Maya Angelou?
This actress made history as the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'Monsters Ball' in 2002.
Who is Halle Berry?
This leader of the Nation of Islam and Black empowerment activist was assassinated in 1965, just after returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca
Who is Malcolm X?
This pioneering African American surgeon was the first person to successfully separate conjoined twins in a groundbreaking procedure
Who is Dr. Ben Carson?
This annual RPI event, aimed at introducing Black students and their families to the world of technology and engineering, emphasizes education and family engagement.
What is Black Family Tech Day?
This Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote the novel 'The Color Purple,' which tells the story of an African American woman named Celie and explores themes of race, gender, and resilience
Who is Alice Walker?
This rapper turned actor starred in the 1991 film 'Boyz n the Hood' and went on to build an iconic career in both music and acting.
Who is Ice Cube?
This prominent civil rights activist co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and was instrumental in the March on Washington in 1963.
Who is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?
This inventor is best known for developing the modern-day gas mask and the traffic light system, as well as a range of other innovations in safety devices.
Who is Garrett Morgan?
This creative Troy-Based agency, founded by RPI Alumnus, focuses on storytelling, branding, and media production
What is Collectiveffort?
This influential poet and social activist, known for his works like 'The Negro Speaks of Rivers,' was a leading figure of the Harlem Renaissance
Who is Langston Hughes?
This actor, known for his roles in 'Django Unchained' and '12 Years a Slave,' won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2013
Who is Lupita Nyong’o?
his African American woman became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her work in advancing human rights and advocating for the empowerment of women worldwide
Who is Dr. Dorothy Height?
This computer scientist and mathematician is known for her role in helping develop the algorithms that led to the creation of the GPS system we use today.
Who is Dr. Gladys West?
This 1960 RPI graduate became the first Black student to be inducted into the RPI Hall of Fame for his exceptional achievements in the field of engineering
Who is Dr. Reginald DesRoches?
This influential author and activist wrote the groundbreaking book 'The Souls of Black Folk,' and was a co-founder of the NAACP
Who is W.E.B. Du Bois?
This actress, known for her role as Shuri in 'Black Panther,' is also a prominent advocate for innovation and technology in the Black community.
Who is Letitia Wright?
This activist and leader is best known for his role in founding the Black Panther Party in 1966, which focused on self-defense and empowerment for Black communities.
Who is Huey P. Newton?