SCIENCE AND INVENTIONS
A pioneer in the electric lighting industry; the only black member of Thomas Edison's team of inventors; his carbon filament creation made the light bulb practical for everyday use 1848 - 1928
First African American woman to speak publicly against slavery; worked with freed slaves and nursed wounded black soldiers; asked, "And ain't I a woman?" 1797 - 1883
Author of BELOVED and THE BLUEST EYE who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993 1931 -- ____
Toni Morrison
Nicknamed "Lady Day"... her composition included "God Bless the Child", "Don't Explain", and the haunting "Strange Fruit"; her autobiography was titled LADY SINGS THE BLUES 1915- 1959
Billie Holiday
Agricultural scientist who invented over 400 peanut and sweet potato products
George Washington Carver
Was president of Tuskegee Institute; founded National Negro Business League; author of UP FROM SLAVERY 1856 - 1915
Booker T. Washington
She became the first black woman to travel in space when she went into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992.
Mae Jemison
Nicknamed "Satchmo"; famous trumpet player; revolutionized jazz; sang about it being "...a wonderful world" 1901-1971
Louis Armstrong
Invented a new haircare process using a straightening comb and pomade; marketed a line of cosmetics for black women; first black millionaire businesswoman
Madame C.J. Walker
Famous abolitionist who published the abolitionist newspaper, NORTH STAR; wrote his famous autobiography in 1845; often called "father of the civil rights movement" 1817 - 1895
Frederick Douglass
In 1940 wrote NATIVE SON and became the leading black U.S. author; also wrote UNCLE TOM's CHILDREN and his autobiography, BLACK BOY 1908 - 1960
Richard Wright
Famous Jazz Pianist and composer who composed musicals, reviews, an opera, film scores, and television productions... may have taken the A train! 1899 - 1974
Duke Ellington
Regarded as a brilliant surgeon, he was the first doctor to successfully perform open-heart sugery; founded the National Medical Association
Daniel Hale William
First African American woman elected to U.S. Congress; first African American to launch a campaign for a major party presidential nomination (happened in the 1960s); founded National Political Congress of Black Women 1924 - 2004
Shirley Chisholm
Named U.S. poet laureate during Bill Clinton's administration; author of I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS 1928 -- ____
Maya Angelou
At age 18, moved to Paris to dance with "La Revue Negre"; in 1951, she visited the U.S. to perform to rave reviews; famous for her risque yet elaborate costumes, and flair 1906-1975
Josephine Baker
Some consider her the "Moses" of her people; known for her use of the "underground railroad"; led some 300 African slaves out of slavery in the south; was a cook, nurse, scout, and spy for the Union Army 1820 - 1913
Harriet Tubman
First African American to write a play to be produced on Broadway; author of RAISIN IN THE SUN; playwright who died of cancer in 1965
Lorraine Hansberry
First black singer to perform in a production at The Metropolitan Opera in New York City; gave a memorable concert at the Lincoln Memorial; was banned from singing in Washington D.C.'s Constitution Hall 1897 - 1993
Marian Anderson