Chicago Black History
This former U.S. President began his political career as a community organizer in Chicago.
Who is Barack Obama
This singer and entertainer helped introduce jazz to European audiences and performed in Paris.
Who is Josephine Baker
This contemporary author wrote The Hate U Give.
Who is Angie Thomas
This artist known as the “King of Pop” released Thriller, one of the best-selling albums ever
Who is Michael Jackson?
This gymnast became the most decorated gymnast in history, dominating the Olympics in the 2010s–2020s.
Who is Simone Biles
This Chicago-born talk show host built a media empire and filmed her show in the city
Who is Oprah Winfrey
This blues singer became one of the most popular performers connected to the era.
Who is Bessie Smith
This poet wrote “Still I Rise” and the memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Who is Maya Angelou
This “Queen of Soul” recorded classics like “Respect.”
Who is Aretha Franklin
This Marvel film celebrated Afrofuturism and became a cultural phenomenon
What is Black Panther
This South Side neighborhood became a center of Black culture and business in the early 1900s.
What is Bronzeville
This photographer documented Black life and culture in Harlem with striking portraits.
Who is James Van Der Zee
This contemporary poet wrote The Tradition and won the Pulitzer Prize.
Who is Jericho Brown
This Detroit singer-songwriter helped define Motown with “Superstition.
Who is Stevie Wonder
This author became the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1993)
Who is Toni Morrison
This activist founded the Rainbow Coalition and led the Illinois Black Panther Party chapter.
Who is Fred Hampton?
This magazine served as an important literary outlet for Harlem Renaissance writers.
What is Opportunity
This essayist and activist wrote The Fire Next Time
Who is James Baldwin
This Chicago-born artist blended gospel, soul, and hip-hop on The College Dropout
Who is Kanye West
This poet performed at the 2021 presidential inauguration
Who is Amanda Gorman
This influential Chicago house music DJ is considered one of the genre’s founders.
Who is Frankie Knuckles
This philosopher and writer edited The New Negro, an influential anthology of the era
Who is Alain Locke
This Chicago poet became the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize.
Who is Gwendolyn Brooks
This jazz trumpeter revolutionized cool jazz and released the album Kind of Blue
Who is Miles Davis
This filmmaker directed Selma and became the first Black woman nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
Who is Ava DuVernay