Trailblazing women
She was the first African American woman elected to Congress as well as the first to seek nomination on a major party's ticket for President of the United States.
Who is Shirley Chisholm?
She was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992, representing Illinois, becoming the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Who is Carol Moseley Braun?
This Philadelphia born boxer and former heavyweight champion of the world was the first to defeat Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century”
Who is Joe Frazier?
This comedian and actor was a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1980s before starring in hit movies like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America.
Who is Eddie Murphy?
This poet, who became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history in 2021, wrote "The Hill We Climb."
Who is Amanda Gorman?
An engineer, physician and astronaut, she was the first African American woman to travel to space on the space shuttle Endeavor
Who is Mae Jemison?
She is an American labor union official who served as a U.S. Senator representing California from 2023-2024.
Who is Laphonza Butler?
This Overbrook High graduate once famously scored 100 points in a NBA game for the Philadelphia Warriors. He also played professionally for the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers.
Who is Wilt Chamberlain?
This legendary singer, known as the “Queen of Soul,” was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Who is Aretha Franklin?
She is often considered to be the first published African American poet, challenging views of slavery and celebrating the American Revolution through her writing.
Who is Phillis Wheatley?
She was awarded a patent in 1885 for her invention of the folding cabinet bed
Who is Sarah E. Goode?
He was the first African American to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Who is Robert N.C. Nix, Sr.?
This quarterback led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory earning him MVP in Super Bowl LIX
Who is Jalen Hurts?
This director made history by becoming the first African American filmmaker to have a movie earn over $1 billion at the box office.
Who is Ryan Coogler?
This artist is known for her striking portraits with vibrant floral backgrounds including her most famous work, the portrait of former First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Who is Amy Sherald?
She refused to give up her seat on a bus in Virginia leading to the Supreme Court case, Keys v. Carolina Coach Company, which outlawed segregation on buses crossing state lines
Who is Sarah Keys?
She is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives who currently serves in the U.S. Senate representing Delaware.
Who is Lisa Blunt Rochester?
This Philadelphia born basketball player earned an olympic gold medal, a WNBA championship and WNBA finals MVP in 2021 for the Phoenix Mercury.
Who is Kahleah Copper?
This EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) award winner is famously known for starring in films such as The Help and Fences.
Who is Viola Davis?
This playwright wrote "A Raisin in the Sun", making her the first Black woman to have a play performed on Broadway.
Who is Lorraine Hansberry?
She was the first African American woman to own a bank in the United States.
Who is Maggie Lena Walker?
He is the former mayor of Newark, NJ who currently serves as a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey, the first African American to represent that state.
Who is Corey Booker?
This 2006 National League MVP was known for his towering homeruns which helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series championship in 2008.
Who is Ryan Howard?
This singer and songwriter is the founding member and lead vocalist of the O’Jays.
Who is Eddie Levert?
This professor and writer was an influential member of the Black Artist Movement and is best known for her poetry that focused on race and societal issues in the 1960s and 1970s.
Who is Nikki Giovanni?