African-American Firsts
This pioneering African American woman became the first Black woman to be elected to the U.S. Congress in 1968, where she served for 12 terms and was a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Shirley Chisholm
This African American woman was a mathematician and physicist who helped calculate flight paths for NASA, playing a crucial role in the success of the space program.
Katherine Johnson
This African American woman invented a hair care product that revolutionized the beauty industry, including the "hot comb" and a variety of other hair care tools.
Madame C.J. Walker
What is the highest-grossing film in history by a black director?
“Black Panther” directed by Ryan Coogler
This woman’s refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
This man became the first African American to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1967.
Thurgood Marshall
This physician and researcher is credited with developing the first effective polio vaccine, saving millions of lives worldwide.
Dr. Jonas Salk
This African American inventor created the "peanut butter" machine and developed many uses for peanuts, including a form of rubber.
George Washington Carver
This groundbreaking entertainer, known for songs like "Purple Rain" and "When Doves Cry," was a highly influential musician and cultural icon, known for his unique blend of rock, funk, and pop.
Prince
This African American activist co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and became one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In 2008, this man became the first African American president of the United States.
Barack Obama
This physicist and engineer became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from MIT in 1973. She is known for her work in both academia and industry, contributing to advancements in technology.
This African American inventor is known for his development of a highly effective early version of the gas mask, which saved lives during both World War I and in mining.
Garrett Morgan
This "Queen Bey" is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, known for her groundbreaking work as a member of Destiny’s Child and for solo hits like "Single Ladies" and "Formation."
Beyoncé
This activist was a key figure in the fight for voting rights, helping to organize the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965.
John Lewis
This individual became the first African American woman to travel in space, in 1992, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Dr. Mae Jemison
This groundbreaking African American medical researcher made important discoveries in the study of sickle cell anemia, contributing to the understanding of the genetic nature of the disease
Dr. Roland Scott
This African American inventor developed the first practical and effective method of making the rubber tire, contributing to the growth of the automotive industry.
Dr. Patricia Bath
This groundbreaking African American actress became the first to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Monster’s Ball in 2002.
Halle Berry
This influential civil rights leader, known for his powerful speeches and advocacy for Black self-determination, was born Malcolm Little and later changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam.
Malcolm X
This African American became the first to earn a doctorate at Harvard University in 1895.
W.E.B. Du Bois
This African American inventor and mechanical engineer is credited with developing an improved device for operating railway switches and invented the "safety brake" for trains.
Elijah McCoy
This African American inventor patented a method for improving the shoe-making process, including the creation of a more efficient shoe-polishing machine.
Jan Matzeliger
This groundbreaking African American actress and singer became the first Black woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2015
Viola Davis
This influential figure was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and became an important voice in the Black Power movement.
Ann Atwater