Black Athletes
Known for his quiet strength, this tennis legend remains the only African American male to win singles titles at the U.S. Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon. Beyond his Grand Slam achievements, he became a passionate civil rights advocate, organizing programs for inner-city youth and speaking out against apartheid, all while raising awareness about HIV/AIDS after his own diagnosis.
Arthur Ashe
This groundbreaking politician was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first to run for president in a major political party. Known for her fierce advocacy for social justice, education, and civil rights, she broke barriers and inspired future generations of women and people of color in politics.
Shirley Chisholm
She’s the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” and won nine Grammy Awards, which gave us classics like Real Love, Be Without You, and Family Affair. With her powerful voice and raw, emotional lyrics, she’s been running the R&B game for decades.
Mary J. Blige
This 2004 movie comedy follows two FBI agents who go undercover as high-society socialites after a kidnapping plot targets a pair of wealthy sisters.
Iconic line: "Oh my God, you wanna talk about mothers?"
White Chicks
The number one rule when you are fighting at school in a black household is to say:
I.S.H.Y.F.H.T.B
If. Someone. Hits. You. First. Hit. Them. Back.
Known for his incredible defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking, this Hall of Famer helped lead the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. As the first Black coach in NBA history, he also became the first to win an NBA championship while coaching and led the U.S. national team to gold at the 1956 Olympics.
Bill Russell
This fearless 6-year-old made history in 1960 when she became the first Black student to attend an all-white elementary school in the South, facing protests and threats every day. Her bravery helped push the movement for desegregation forward and made her a symbol of strength and change.
Ruby Bridges
This singer, songwriter, and producer gave us classics like Whip Appeal and Every Time I Close My Eyes, while also writing hits for legends like Toni Braxton, Boyz II Men, and Whitney Houston. With his smooth sound and timeless love songs, he helped shape R&B in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Babyface
In this 1991 drama, Tre is sent to live with his father, Furious Styles, in South Central Los Angeles, where he learns discipline and values. Meanwhile, his friends Doughboy and Ricky struggle against the harsh realities of gang violence and street life.
Iconic line: "We got a problem here? We got a problem, ni**a?"
Boyz n the Hood
When you went on to raise your hand at your momma. And she goes to tell you:
I.B.Y.I.T.W.A.I.T.Y.R.O
I. Brought. You. In. This. World. And. I'll. Take. You. Right. Out
Known as the "Galveston Giant," this boxing champion's 1910 victory over James J. Jeffries in the "Fight of the Century" sparked nationwide race riots. A fearless and scandalous figure, he broke racial barriers in the sport while also facing legal battles due to his relationships and defiance of racist laws.
Jack Johnson?
This legal legend made history as the first African American Supreme Court Justice, but before that, he was a powerhouse lawyer who argued and won the game-changing Brown v. Board of Education case, which led to the end of school segregation. His career was all about fighting for justice and equality, leaving a major mark on American law and civil rights.
Thurgood Marshall
This legendary artist’s soulful voice earned him eight Grammy Awards, including Best R&B Vocal Performance, and his influence extends beyond music to shaping the sound of modern R&B. Known for his smooth ballads and incredible vocal control, he was not only a successful solo artist but also a sought-after producer and backing vocalist for artists like David Bowie and Chaka Khan. He's never too much
Luther Vandross
In this 2003 film, a high school science whiz makes a deal with a popular girl to fix her car in exchange for a two-week faux relationship, only to discover that popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
Iconic line: "You were poppin' all that yin-yang yesterday, but now you actin' like a little bi—"
Love Don't Cost A Thing
Your momma's friends are about to come over, so she tells you for some odd reason:
C.Y.R.W.F.H.C.
Clean. Your. Room. We. Finna. Have. Company
Known as "The Man of Steal," this baseball icon holds the record for the most stolen bases in MLB history, with over 1,400 stolen bases throughout his legendary career. His speed, athleticism, and ability to disrupt opposing teams made him one of the most feared players in the game.
Ricky Henderson
Known as the "Father of Black History," this scholar established Negro History Week in 1926, which eventually became Black History Month. His dedication to documenting and promoting African American history led to groundbreaking works like The Mis-Education of the Negro, shaping how history is taught in schools today.
Carter G. Woodson
This legendary producer, composer, and musician has worked with icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin. From Thriller to We Are the World, his influence on music spans over six decades, making him one of the most important figures in music history.
Quincy Jones
In this 2005 road trip comedy, a man trying to impress a newly divorced woman takes on the challenge of driving her two mischievous kids from Portland to Canada, leading to a chaotic and hilarious journey.
Iconic line: "Nick, I'm thirsty... Nick, I gotta go to the bathroom... Nick, I'm hungry!"
Are We There Yet?
You got in trouble at school, and you said, "I did it 'cause James did it." So your momma say:
I.Y.F.J.O.A.B.A.Y.G.J.T
If. Your. Friends. Jump. Off. A. Bridge. Are. You. Gonna. Jump. Too.
Despite battling polio as a child, this track and field icon became the fastest woman of her generation, winning three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics. She made history as the first American woman to achieve this feat in a single Olympics and later became a strong advocate for women’s rights and civil rights.
Wilma Rudolph
This poet became the first African American woman to have a book of poetry published in 1773, despite being enslaved. Her work, which often explored themes of freedom, religion, and the human experience, made her a key figure in American literature and a symbol of intellectual resilience.
Phillis Wheatley
This iconic artist is celebrated for her innovative contributions to both hip-hop and R&B, earning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Gaining popularity in the 90s and early 2000s, her groundbreaking work as a rapper, singer, and producer has earned her widespread acclaim and influenced generations of artists across genres. She's. Super Dupa Fly
Missy Elliott
In this 2007 comedy, a timid man raised in a Chinese restaurant and orphanage finds himself trapped in a miserable marriage—until his childhood sweetheart returns, giving him hope for a second chance at love.
Iconic line: "How YOU doin'?"
Norbit
When you was a kid, and you were rapping lyrics in car, our parents would always say:
Y.B.K.T.S.W.L.Y.K.T.S
You. Better. Know. That. School. Work. Like. You. Know. That. Song