SAP 2022 Black Historical Figures

Michael Sam retired in 2015.

Marsha B. Johnson was a famous writer.

Gladys Bentley was escpecially known for her iconic top hat and tuxedo.

Key advisor to MLK, organized the 1963 March on Washington. Arrested in 1953 for having sex with two men.

American author, feminist, professor, and social activist. Wrote on intersectionality of race, capitalism, gender, etc.

Bell Hooks was a famous author.

Audre Lorde was a famous writer.

Played football for the Missouri Tigers and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams. Came out as gay shortly after draft.

Biracial. Toured the Black theater circuit as the MC and only drag king. Leader in the Stonewall Veterans’ Association.

Nina Simone was called the "Goddess of Jazz."

Bayard Rustin was one of MLK's closest advisors.

Was a famous Jazz singer, civil rights activist. Bisexual. Was named “The High Priestess of Soul."

Spearheaded the Stonewall uprising in 1969 , created a group to help trans homless youth in NYC.

Bayard Rustin was a key figure during the Stonewall Protests.

Elected the mayor of Palm Springs, California in 2003, was the first openly gay African American mayor in the U.S.

Ron Oden was elected as the first openly gay African American mayor of a U.S. city.

Called Harlem's most famous lesbian. Dressed in a tuxedo + top hat and sang the blues during the Harlem Renaissance.

Stormé DeLarverie was a drag queen and protested NYC's clothing laws by dressing in traditionally feminine clothes.

Lesbian civil rights activist from 1934-1992. Made major contributions to feminist and racial theories.