Notable Women
Who was the first black woman to serve as the First Lady of the United States?
Michelle Obama
The first African American to become the Olympic individual all-around champion, and the first U.S. gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics.
Gabby Douglas
A comedian and actor who has had a thriving acting career starring in other movies like “The Nutty Professor,” “Dr. Dolittle,” the voice of Donkey in “Shrek,” and “Dreamgirls.”
Eddie Murphy
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the generation, he was known for his flamboyant, androgynous persona and wide vocal range, which included a far-reaching falsetto and high-pitched screams.
Prince
First African American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century.
Jackie Robinson
She was a civil rights activist who also was leader in black feminism. Also a Pulitzer prize-nominated poet who wrote an autobiography titled "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"
Maya Angelou
Is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990.
Mike Tyson
American comedian, actress, and producer known for her work in theatre, film, television, and recordings. She also garnered attention as a cohost of the TV talk show The View.
Whoopi Goldberg
American singer-songwriter and actress who is one of the best female recording artists of our time. She was known for her strong ballads, wide vocal range, powerful vocal abilities.
Whitney Houston
Rapper and record producer who worked alongside Timbaland on projects with other groups in the 90's. Solo career began in 1997 with her debut album Supa Dupa Fly, which spawned the top 20 single "Sock It 2 Me" and album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, the highest charting debut for a female rapper at the time.
Missy Elliot
Who was a jazz as a pianist and singer who rose to fame and possessed a unique raspy voice. She had a massive impact on the jazz community and rose to fame.
Nina Simone
An American ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre, one of the three leading classical ballet companies in the US. The first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in ABT's 75-year history.
Misty Copeland
Was the first Black woman to headline a network TV drama since 1974. Starred in her own drama series about the secrets and behind the scenes of politics.
Kerry Washington
A singer-songwriter who was mainly influenced by R&B but soon went on to be the "Queen of Neo-Soul" and lead an entire new genre of music.
Erykah Badu
“the first Black woman millionaire in America” and made her fortune thanks to her homemade line of hair care products for Black women.
Madame C.J. Walker
Who was the first black woman to be admitted to the astronaut training program, and later became the first black woman to fly to space.
Mae Jemison
Female American track and field athlete, who specialized in the 200 meters sprint from 2003 to 2013 and then gradually shifted to the 400 meters sprint later in her career. She is the 2012 Olympic champion, a three-time world champion (2005–2009), a two-time Olympic silver medalist (2004 and 2008).
Allyson Felix
American actress, singer, television host, producer and director who starred in her own sitcom about a group of girls who are navigating their lives being friends.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Motown quartet of men had the magic touch during the 1990s, with five #1 songs that spent a total of 50 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Boys II Men
Female actor who played on the television series Suits in 2011 and married a prince and is now a member of the British royal family.
Meghan Markle
She is a radical black educator and activist for civil rights and other social issues who was also a member of the Black Panther Party. She is well known for her work and influence on racial justice, women's rights, and criminal justice reform.
Angela Davis
Tennis player and professional golfer, and one of the first Black athletes to cross the color line of international tennis. In 1956, she became the first African American to win a Grand Slam title (the French Championships).
Althea Gibson
English actor, producer and musician. He is known for roles including Stringer Bell in the HBO series The Wire, DCI John Luther in the BBC One series Luther, and Nelson Mandela in the biographical film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Idris Elba
Known for his innovative electric guitar playing which helped shape rock music in the 1960s. Was a musician playing backup for major acts like Little Richard, B.B. King and Sam Cooke before going on to become a pioneer of the electric guitar using aspects of rock, blues and soul.
Dubbed the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and author. A seven-time Grammy Award-winner. Is known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her group The Pips,
Gladys Knight