Historics Firsts
In 2008, this person became the first Black president of the United States.
Who is Barack Obama?
This African American woman co-founded the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) in 1896 to improve social conditions for Black women and children.
Who is Mary Church Terrell?
This Black woman became the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. with her haircare empire.
Who is Madam C.J. Walker?
This civil rights leader delivered the famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the 1963 March on Washington
Who is Martin Luther King Jr.?
This legendary singer and activist sang Respect, which became an anthem for both the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights Movements.
Who is Aretha Franklin?
In 1947, this athlete broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier by playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who is Jackie Robinson?
The first Black person to earn a PhD from Columbia University, this social worker co-founded the National Urban League.
Who is George Edmund Haynes?
This NASA mathematician, whose calculations helped send astronauts to space, was featured in the film Hidden Figures
Who is Katherine Johnson?
In 1955, this woman was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama
Who is Rosa Parks?
Known as the "King of Pop," this artist became one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
Who is Michael Jackson?
In 2002, this actress became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Who is Halle Berry?
This African American social worker and activist helped establish the Children's Defense Fund to advocate for the rights of children, particularly those of color.
Who is Marian Wright Edelman?
This scientist and inventor developed over 300 products from peanuts, including peanut oil, soap, and paint—but not peanut butter!
Who is George Washington Carver?
This civil rights activist and six-year-old girl became one of the first Black students to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960.
Who is Ruby Bridges?
This reggae icon recorded War, a song based on a speech by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie, calling for an end to racial oppression worldwide.
Who is Bob Marley?
Who was the first African American Olympian to win the all-around title in gymnastics?
Who is Gabby Douglas?
This Black social worker and educator was a strong advocate for racial justice and was one of the first African American faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work.
Who is Dr. Viola P. Muse?
Who invented the traffic signal?
Who is Garret Morgan?
This co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) played a key role in organizing the Freedom Rides and voter registration drives in the South.
Who is John Lewis?
This signature dance move, first performed on TV in 1983, became one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic moves.
What is the Moonwalk?
Who was the first African American to travel into space?
Guion Stewart Bluford
This African American social worker was a major force in integrating social work services in hospitals and was the first Black president of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Who is Bernice Catherine Harper?
Who invented the horse shoe?
Who is Oscar E. Brown?
This activist and lawyer was the first African American Supreme Court Justice and successfully argued the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.
Who is Thurgood Marshall?
This genre of music, originating from African American communities, played a major role in uniting people during the Civil Rights Movement with artists like Sam Cooke and Mahalia Jackson.
What is gospel music?