History
She was an African American abolitionist and women’s rights campaigner. She gave an extemporaneous speech “Ain’t I a woman?” which supported equal rights for Black people and women.
Sojourner Truth
She was the first Black Congresswoman who was elected to the House of Representatives for New York in 1968.
Shirley Chisholm
Started by Charles Johnson for the National Urban League and W.E.B. DuBois for the NAACP, these two newspapers were dedicated to Black readers.
The Opportunity and The Crisis
She was the first woman to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda.
Rosa Parks
This book by Richard Wright was a main selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club in 1940.
Native Son
He became the first African American to preside over the House of Representatives in December of 1870.
Joseph H. Rainey
He was admired for his forgiveness after over 20 years in prison, and his willingness to reach out to the white community.
Nelson Mandela
This distinguished gospel singer performed at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961.
Mahalia Jackson
A fearless civil rights activist and female suffrage campaigner, she was a founding member of the NAACP.
Ida B. Wells
She was the first African American President of an Ivy League Institution.
Ruth Simmons
She was the first Black woman ever named to the cabinet of a U.S. President.
Patricia R. Harris