African-American Firsts
America’s first black President
Who is Barack Obama?
This author wrote a book that was later turned into a movie starring Whoopi Goldberg
Who was Alice Walker?
This person surpassed Babe Ruth’s record in baseball
Who was Hank Aaron Hank Aaron (1934-2021)?
This comedic actor starred in Beverly Hills cop, coming to America, and voice Donkey in Shrek, becoming one of the highest grossing actors of all time
Who is Eddie Murphy?
Before her Oscar winning role in Dreamgirls, this powerhouse singer became the first black woman to win American Idol and later starred as Aretha Franklin in Respect
Who is Jennifer Hudson
The first African-American to run for president of the United States
Who is Shirley Chislom?
This person is the author of: Beloved, The Bluest Eye & a Pulitzer Prize winner
Who is Toni Morrison (1931-2019)?
This person is known as the GOAT of gymnastics
Who is Simone Biles-Owens (1997- )?
This actor became the first black man to win an Academy award for best actor in 1964 for Lilies of the Field
Who is Sidney Poitier (1927-2022)?
This rapper-turned actor played Ice Cube's cousin in Barbershop, but is ]best known for hosting Wild 'N Out. He was once married to Mariah Carey
Who is Nick Cannon
This person led the brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; the first successful African-American led labor union.
Who was Asa Phillip Randolph (What 1889–1979)?
This person was an American multi talented, author, poet, civil rights activist, singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood first black female Director. She recited the poem “On the Pulse of the Morning” (1993) At the first inauguration of Bill Clinton.
Who was Maya Angelou (1928-2014)?
This person is known to be the GOAT of tennis
Who is Serena Williams (1981- )?
Robert L. Johnson, the first African-American billionaire launched this cable network back in 1980
What is BET (Black Entertainment Television)?
This legendary member of the Rat Pack, known for his singing, dancing, acting, and groundbreaking career in Las Vegas
Who was Sammy Davis Jr.?
This was the first African-American to win a Noble Peace Prize
Who was Ralph Bunch(1904-1971)?
This author was an American writer, anthropologist, folklorist, and documentary filmmaker. She wrote the title Their Eyes Were Watching God
Who was Zora Neil Hurston?
This person is an eight time Mr. Olympia winner and former professional bodybuilder. He won the title consecutively from 1984 to 1991. He is also a Fayette county resident.
Who is Lee Haney (1959- )?
Before his tragic death in 2020, this actor starred as T'challain Black Panther and portrayed historical figures like Jackie Robinson and Thurgood Marshall
Who is Chadwick Boseman?
In 2024, this global superstar became the first black woman to win a Country Music Association Award, with her hit Texas Hold 'EM
Who is Beyonce' Knowles?
IN 2002, this person is the first African-American to achieve an EGOT award: (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, TonY)
Who is Whoopi Goldberg?
This person was an American poet, playwright, and social activist who was a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. He was a key figure in the 1920s and is known for his work that focus on the lives of Black people
Who was Langston Hughes (1901-1967)?
This person was the first black player to put on the jersey and make the teams roster at University of Georgia in 1967
Who is James “Jim” Hurley?
This actress won an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony and made history as the first black woman to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a drama series for How to Get Away with Murder
Who is Viola Davis?
Dubbed the "Queen of All Media" this talk show host, actress, and philanthropist became one of the most influential figures in
Who is Oprah Winfrey?