Athletes
She has won more world medals than any other U.S. gymnast.
Simone Biles
This Black American scientist showed farmers how to use peanuts to make cheese, ink, and soap.
George Washington Carver
This American singer and actress played Ariel in Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
Halle Bailey
She was the first black woman to be Secretary of State.
Condoleezza Rice
In 2015, she became the American Ballet Theater's first African American prima ballerina.
Misty Copeland
This African American inventor and NASA engineer invented the Super Soaker in 1982.
Lonnie Johnson
This singer and pianist became the first Black man to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards).
John Legend
This civil rights leader spoke at the 1963 March on Washington and, in 1986, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for the rest of his life.
John Lewis
She was the first Black American gymnast to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the Olympics.
Gabby Douglas
This Black American inventor successfully sold her own hair care products and became the first self-made female millionaire.
Madam C.J. Walker
This "Queen of Soul" won 18 Grammy awards and was the first female performer invited into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Aretha Franklin
She was the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President.
Kamala Harris
He won five NBA MVP awards during his career and went on to become the first Black coach in the NBA.
Bill Russell
This TV host, actor, producer, and publisher is the first Black American woman to become a billionaire.
Oprah Winfrey
This Black American pianist, composer, and bandleader, called the "King of Jazz," wrote thousands of songs that he played all over the world.
Duke Ellington
She was the first Black woman in Congress and the first Black woman to run for President.
Shirley Chisholm
After winning the World Series for the second time in 1971, he became the first Latino and Black baseball player to reach 3,000 hits in 1972.
Roberto Clemente
This Black American director, actor, producer, and screenwriter has directed more than 20 movies which have earned over one billion dollars.
Tyler Perry
This Black Cuban American singer, called the Queen of Salsa, earned 23 gold albums and won 3 Grammys and 4 Latin Grammys.
Celia Cruz
She is the first Black woman to be a justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ketanji Brown Jackson