Notable Black Figures in History

An influential Civil Rights Leader of the 20th century, who gave the infamous "I Have A Dream" speech.

Known as the famous conductor of the Underground Railroad where she led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom.

A political activist and minister, he is one of the most important leaders of the Civil Rights Movement.

Named Rookie of the Year in 1947, he is the first African-American baseball player to see his team to the World Series.

Track and field star who took home four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics.

First black millionaire businesswoman -- created the world's first hair-straightening formula and the hot comb.

An agricultural scientist who invented over 400 peanut and sweet potato products.

The first African American President of the USA who was elected in 2008.

The 1st black woman to be admitted into NASA's astronaut training program and eventually the 1st black female astronaut.

This woman refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white woman, thus sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Nicknamed the Black Mamba, he won five titles as a Los Angeles Lakers and a member of the US Olympic basketball team.

Made history at the 2012 London Olympics as the first black gymnast to win Individual All-Around Champion.

She has won 23 major singles tennis titles, the most of any man or woman in the Open Era.

Titled the Queen of Soul, she has won 18 Grammys & is the first female inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Hailed as the "greatest instrumentalist of all time" this musician changed the face of music.

A leader of the Harlem Renaissance, he wrote countless poems, novels, plays, and more.

At 6 years old, she was the first black student to integrate into a white elementary school in 1960.

"Arguably the greatest fighter of all time", he is the only man to win three boxing heavyweight titles.

First African American to write a play to be produced on Broadway; author of "A Raisin in the Sun."

Famous trumpet player who revolutionized jazz music.

She made history as the first female, African American, & Southeast Asian vice president elected to office.

Her 1st book, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," made literary history as the 1st Nonfiction Bestseller by a black woman