Modern Trailblazers
Innovation & Tech
Creative Influence
Workplace & Community
Excellence in Food & Culinary Arts
100

The youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, this artist uses her words to inspire change.

Who is Amanda Gorman?

100

This inventor revolutionized road safety by patenting the modern three-position traffic signal.

Who is Garrett Morgan?

100

This Grammy-winning artist redefined Black artistry with her visual album Lemonade.

Who is Beyoncé?

100

One of the largest student-run organizations in the U.S., this group empowers Black engineers through education, mentorship, and career opportunities.

What is the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)?

100

This entrepreneur turned her plant-based burger concept into a multimillion-dollar brand with a cult following, known as Slutty Vegan.

Who is Pinky Cole?

200

This actress and producer made history by securing a $100M deal with Netflix, pushing for greater diversity in Hollywood.

Who is Shonda Rhimes?

200

This tech leader created an organization that teaches coding and STEM skills to young Black girls, preparing them for future careers in technology.

Who is Kimberly Bryant?

200

The first Black designer to lead a luxury fashion house, he left a lasting impact on Louis Vuitton.

Who is Virgil Abloh?

200

This term describes the invisible barriers Black professionals face when trying to advance in corporate spaces.

What is the glass ceiling?

200

This popular Netflix show highlights Black food culture and history in America, hosted by Stephen Satterfield.

What is High on the Hog?

300

This billionaire and venture capitalist made headlines when he paid off student loans for Morehouse College’s 2019 graduating class.

Who is Robert F. Smith?

300

The first Black astronaut to visit the International Space Station.

Who is Victor Glover?

300

This Afrobeats artist became the first African artist to sell out a stadium in the U.S.

Who is Burna Boy?

300

The Black professional network on LinkedIn launched to provide mentorship, career advice, and networking opportunities.

What is AfroTech?

300

This inventor revolutionized food transportation by creating the first portable refrigeration system, which made fresh food more accessible worldwide.

Who is Frederick McKinley Jones?

400

This writer, actress, and entrepreneur turned her viral web series into a hit HBO show and has since launched multiple business ventures, including a record label.

Who is Issa Rae?

400

This engineer and inventor created the Super Soaker and went on to develop advanced aerospace technologies.

Who is Lonnie Johnson?

400

This Black film director won an Oscar for Get Out and has reshaped the horror genre.

Who is Jordan Peele?

400

This trailblazer became the first Black woman to serve as CEO of a Fortune 500 company when she led Xerox.

Who is Ursula Burns?

400

The first African American to earn a Michelin star, this chef is known for his fine dining approach to soul food.

Who is Kwame Onwuachi?

500

The creator of Savage X Fenty, this entrepreneur disrupted the beauty and fashion industry with inclusive products.

Who is Rihanna?

500

This roboticist and AI expert worked with NASA to create smart robots and now serves as the first Black woman to lead a U.S. engineering school.

Who is Dr. Ayanna Howard?

500

This jazz pioneer used his platform to speak out against racial injustice, releasing What’s Going On? in 1971.

Who is Marvin Gaye?

500

This initiative was created by Tristan Walker to ensure more Black representation in the grooming and beauty industry.

What is Bevel?

500

This 19th-century chef, known as "The King of Chefs," was formerly enslaved but went on to be the first Black executive chef at the White House.

Who is James Hemings?