Civil Rights
This Civil Rights leader led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott, advocated for nonviolent protest, and delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C. in 1963, envisioning a future where all people of all races would live together equally, judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
This inventor invented the three-position traffic signal in 1923. Also developed a safety hood for firefighters, a precursor to the gas mask. His inventions saved countless lives in industry and public safety.
Garrett A. Morgan
Known as the “King of Pop.” Released Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. Famous for the moonwalk dance move. Won 13 Grammy Awards in his lifetime.
Michael Jackson
The two Black African American women dominated women’s tennis with multiple Grand Slam titles. They are also pioneers in tennis for power and athleticism. Additionally, they are advocates for equality in sports and beyond.
Venus and Serena Williams
Network of secret routes, safe houses, and allies. Used by enslaved people to escape to free states or Canada. Operated in the early to mid-19th century.
The Underground Railroad
Arrested on December 1, 1955, for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger. This Civil Right leader became known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Worked with the NAACP as a secretary and youth advisor. Her act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, lasting over a year.
Rosa Parks
Invented an improved pencil sharpener in the late 19th century. Focused on simple, practical designs for everyday use.
John Love
Know as the “Queen of Soul” with hits like Respect and Natural Woman. First woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Active in the civil rights movement; sang at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral.
Areatha Franklin
Six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls. This superstar of basketball, won 5 MVP awards. Revolutionized basketball with scoring ability and global fame. He also has a very popular shoe line that many of you wear today.
Michael Jordan
Travel guide for African Americans to find safe lodging, restaurants, and services during segregation. Published annually from 1936 to 1966.
The Green Book
For extra points: Who black African American man was the creator and editor of "The Green Book"?
Born Malcolm Little, he later became a leader in the Nation of Islam. Advocated for Black pride, self-defense, and human rights. Traveled to Mecca and shifted toward a more inclusive approach to civil rights. Assassinated in 1965 in New York City.
Malcolm X
One of the few African American women inventors of the 19th century. This inventor patented an improved ironing board in 1892. Made ironing sleeves and tight clothing easier and safer.
Sarah Boone
Jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader. Composed over 1,000 pieces of music. Performed at Carnegie Hall and helped elevate jazz as a respected art form. DCPS also named a High School for performing arts after this pioneering musician.
Duke Ellington
Record-breaking Olympic gymnast with 32 medals. Known for performing highly difficult and innovative skills. Advocate for mental health in sports.
Simon Biles
Known as the “Mother of the Underground Railroad.” Escaped slavery and became a conductor on the Underground Railroad. Helped over 300 enslaved people escape to freedom. Served as a spy for the Union during the Civil War.
Harriet Tubman
Elected in 2008, The First Black African American President of the United States and the 44th President. He also served as the U.S. Senator from Illinois before becoming president. He is known for the Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law in 2010. Additionally, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
Barack Obama
This inventor worked with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison. He improved the carbon filament, making electric lighting practical. Also wrote a book on electric lighting and contributed to patents.
Lewis H. Latimer
I was a famous jazz trumpeter and vocalist. I helped popularize jazz worldwide. I was known for hits like What a Wonderful World and Hello, Dolly!
Louis Armstrong
Broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947. Rookie of the Year in 1947; six-time All-Star. Advocated for civil rights and equality in sports.
Jackie Robinson
This African American mathematician, astronomer, and inventor helped survey the land for Washington, D.C., advocated for civil rights, and challenged Thomas Jefferson on racial equality.
Benjamin Banneker
Escaped from slavery in 1838. Became a famous orator, writer, and abolitionist. Published the newspaper The North Star. Served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
Frederick Douglas
Known as the “Black Edison.” This inventor invented the automatic air brake and telegraph systems for trains. Held more than 50 patents and revolutionized rail transportation.
Granville T. Woods
I was the First African American to host a national television variety show. I am known for songs like Unforgettable and Mona Lisa. I also helped break racial barriers in entertainment.
Nat King Cole
First African American to play in an NBA game (1950). Won an NBA championship with the Washington Capitols. Paved the way for integration in professional basketball.
Earl Lloyd
Known as the “Father of the Underground Railroad. Documented the stories of hundreds of escaped enslaved people. Worked in Philadelphia as a leading abolitionist.
William Still