ICONS
A Bahamian-American retired actor, film director, and ambassador. In 1964, won the Academy Award for Best Actor becoming the first black male and Afro-Bahamian actor to win that award. ASU recently named their "New American Film School" after him
Sidney Poitier
He was an author of novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction. Much of his literature concerns racial themes, especially related to the plight of Blacks during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, who suffered discrimination and violence in the South and the North. One of the first to protest in print, injustices against Blacks in his well known book, Native Son.
Richard Wright
He is the first commercially successful Black Rapper and the first to sign with a major record label.
Kurtis "Blow" Walker
On February 25, 1837, this School became the nation's first Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Cheyney University of PA
He became the first Black President of the United States of America.
Barack Obama
She was an American actress and fashion model with an Oscar nomination for Sounder and a Tony Award at the age of 88. In a career spanning more than seven decades, she became known for her portrayals and roles as a strong Black Woman. Recently passed away January 28, 2021.
Cicely Tyson
An African American writer and the author of the 1976 book Roots: The Saga of an American Family and the Autobiography of Malcom X
Alex Haley
In 1958, this iconic singer was the first Black artist to win a Grammy Award.
Ella Fitzgerald
Airmen from this University, were the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force.
Tuskegee University
The first Black Man to win the coveted EGOT!
John Legend
She is a Media mogul, Philanthropist, Actress who has a net worth of 2.6 Billion. Founded a production Company and a media and business empire
Oprah Winfrey
An African American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist who in 1982, published the novel The Color Purple, for which she won the National Book Award for hardcover fiction, and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Alice Walker
She is the most important woman in the history of popular music, the “Queen of Soul,” . Originally a gospel singer, she would merge her church singing background with an R&B style that would rule over the pop charts. It would serve as the blueprint for female pop singers and modern stars like Beyonce, Adele and Christina Aguilera.
Aretha Franklin
Ranked #3 by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Colleges" for Historically Black College and Universities in 2021, the only Catholic HBCU.
Xavier University, LA
The first Black Artist to win a Grammy Award on April 25, 1917
Ella Fitzgerald
He holds the top position for Black Actors in the theater and on the big screen. An American actor, director and narrator who has appeared in a range of film genres portraying character roles and is particularly known for his distinctive deep voice. A recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award
Morgan Freeman
An African American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. Most famous book, "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"
Maya Angelou
Labeled "The Genius", this legend was a soul music pioneer and the first to fuse together R & B, Gospel and Country music. In spite of his blindness, was one of the world’s greatest artists.
Ray Charles
Ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Colleges" for Historically Black College and Universities in 2021, it's where Vice President Kamala Harris is an Alum.
Howard University
Ralph Johnson Bunche
She was an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. The United States Congress has called her "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement".
Rosa Parks
An American novelist, essayist, book editor, and college professor. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970. The critically acclaimed Song of Solomon brought her national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. Also Won a Nobel Peace Prize and wrote "Beloved"
Toni Morrison
He was African American singer, songwriter, civil rights activist and entrepreneur. He was also influential as a composer, writer and producer, and is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocals and significance in popular music. His song, "A Change is Gonna Come" is still used today for inspiration!
Sam Cooke
Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report in "Best Colleges" for Historically Black College and Universities in 2021, it's where our own Angela Robles is an Alum.
Spelman College
She was the first African American actress to win an Oscar. On February 29, 1940, Gone with the Wind.
Hattie McDaniel