Literature
The first African American to publish a book of poetry in 1773, including works like "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral
Phillis Wheatley
Celebrated as the "Father of Black History," credited with creating Black History Month and was the second African American to earn a doctorate from Harvard University
Carter G. Woodson
The first Black American to host a TV show, leading "The Nat King Cole Show
Nat King Cole
Became the first female African American self-made millionaire by creating a line of hair care products for African American women
Madam C.J. Walker
Broke the color barrier in professional baseball with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, later becoming the first Black player to receive several major MLB awards
Jackie Robinson
The first Black woman to serve as Vice President of the United States?
Kamala Harris
Who was the poet kidnapped and enslaved as a child in Rhode Island, later becoming free, and is known for writing "Bars Fight," the first known poem written by a Black American, describing a violent incident in Deerfield in 1746
Lucy Terry
Made history as the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, nominated in 1967.
Thurgood Marshall
The "Hip-Hop’s First Godmother," who produced the first-ever commercially successful rap record, "Rapper’s Delight.
Sylvia Robinson
The computer scientist who played a key role in creating Shockwave technology in 1995, leading to the development of web animation
Lisa Gelobter
In 1960, she became the first woman to win multiple medals in a single Olympic Games, capturing three golds in track and field
Wilma Rudolph
Film did Beyoncé create to celebrate Black culture, tradition, and excellence?
Black is King
Authored "Clotel: The President’s Daughter," recognized as the first novel published by an African American in 1853
William Wells Brown
At what age did Martin Luther King, Jr. start his freshman year at Morehouse College?
15
The first Black person to host a network morning show, joining NBC’s Today show in 1981
Bryant Gumbel
The agricultural scientist responsible for creating over 500 products from peanuts and sweet potatoes
George Washington Carver
the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, awarded in 1961?
Ernie Davis
Number of people in the U.S. participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations since the death of George Floyd, making it the largest movement in U.S. history?
20 million
Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style, best exemplified by her world-famous work "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
The abolitionist and political activist known for her role in leading numerous enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad during the 19th century.
Harriet Tubman
Who is the first African American actor to receive three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for his leading performance in the drama series "I Spy" from 1966 to 1968
Bill Cosby
Invented modern carbon filaments which made the light bulb more practical and affordable
Lewis Latimer
The first African-Americans to play in the NFL in 1920, with one later becoming the league's first Black coach
Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall
The first Black-owned 24-hour News channel that launched on February 10, 2020.
Black News Channel (BNC)
The activist who The title of the first known poem written by a Black American, penned by poet and activist Lucy Terry in 1746
Lucy Terry
44th president of the United States and the very first African American president.
Barack Obama
holds the record of longest span of number ones for a male act in the Billboard Hot 100 with a span of 25 years and seven month
Micheal Jackson
Invented the refrigerated truck in 1940, revolutionizing the transportation of perishable goods and playing a critical role during World War II?
Frederick McKinley Jones
First Black Coach in the NBA
Bill Russell
Three of the 10 Black quarterbacks who started for the first time in NFL history to kick off the 2020-21 season.
first player in NBA history to accumulate $1 billion in earnings as an active player
Lebron James