African Americans, one of the largest of the many ethnic groups in the United States. Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom before assassination in 1968; known for advocating non-violence, racial equality; peacemaker, martyr. A list of famous African people who made a significant contribution to the world. The individuals that make up the whole of the black population, have offered up their talents to forward the cause of peace and prosperity in America. Others, like Black journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett and scholar W.E.B. Read more Advertising. Garrett Morgan Garrett Morgan. Some, like Sidney Poitier, challenged racial attitudes with his role in popular films like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," while others, such as Oprah Winfrey, have become media moguls and cultural icons. Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Despite the fact that African Americans have been suppressed in every possible way for many centuries, they have a rich culture and history. June Bacon-Bercey: meteorology: 1932-Believed to be the first African-American woman to gain a degree in meteorology and confirmed to be the first African-American woman to be a televised meteorologist. Whether you are researching a topic for Black History Month or just want to learn more, this listing of famous African Americans will help you find people who truly achieved greatness. Books like Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison are masterpieces of fiction, while Maya Angelou and Alex Haley have made major contributions to literature, poetry, autobiography, and pop culture. Innovations and advancements of Black scientists and educations transformed life in the 20th century. Second African American to serve on U.S. Supreme Court. Shuffle Along (with Noble Sissle), in 1921, was the first Broadway musical ever to be written and directed by African Americans. Best known for his comic strip Krazy Kat. Collection Highlights: African American Artists . The son of an enslaved black woman and a white man, Johnson was born into slavery around 1763. Year and City of Birth: 1985, Winston-Salem, N.C. “Endia Beal is amongst a crop of young African American photographers that I have had the privilege of mentoring through the … Black men and women made great contributions to American society throughout the 20th century, advancing civil rights as well as science, government, sports, and entertainment. Most noted for inventing the multiple-effect evaporator, an energy-efficient means of evaporating water. In 1944, an African American soldier, Samuel L. Gravely, Jr., was appointed as commissioned officer and was promoted to command a US warship which was the first time for any black officer. Known for deep bass voice, suave delivery. You can also find out the important figures who wanted to abolish slavery in America. College All-American in football, lacrosse; Pro Football Hall of Fame running back. Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) Known For: Being the first African-American in Major League Baseball. Often referred to as a spokesman for African Americans and … Poet, memoirist, actress, civil rights activist. There would be no jazz music today were it not for the contributions of artists like Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong, who were instrumental in the evolution of this uniquely American music genre. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader, Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1951 to 1959, 5 Men Who Inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. to Be a Leader, 6 Revealing Autobiographies by African American Thinkers, Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1960 to 1964, Civil Rights Movement Timeline From 1965 to 1969, 10 of the Most Important Black Women in U.S. History, B.A., History, University of California at Davis. Vaudeville singer, dancer, pianist, actress, blues singer. African Americans played an important role in the military during World War 2. St Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Augustine was born near Hippo (modern-day Algeria). Walker Manufacturing Company to sell hair care products and cosmetics. Leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X are two of the best-known civil rights leaders of the 20th century. First African American to serve as diplomatic minister to a foreign country. The movie combines science fiction, authentic African visual art and music, building on the ideology of Afrofuturism cultural movement. Inventor. Particularly known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. One O`Clock Jump and Jumpin` at the Woodside were among his more popular numbers. Recorded more than 30 Top-10 hits, won nearly two dozen Grammys, including one for lifetime achievement; been inducted into both the Rock and Roll, Songwriters halls of fame. One of the key figures behind the formation of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). This was a major event in the history of Civil Rights in the United States. Image Name Field(s) Dates Notes Ref. Entertainer, actor, comic, educator, television producer, philanthropist. First African-American umpire in Major League Baseball. First African American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. Kennedy Center Honors recipient, most known for her frenetic interpretation of "Proud Mary" by Credence Clearwater Revival. W.E.B. Isabel Wilkerson, the first African-American woman to win a Pulitzer Prize in journalism, documented these movements in her 2010 book, which involved 15 years of … George Washington Carver was an African American scientist and educator. Also the first African-American to be appointed United States Marine Corps officer was Frederick C. Branch, in 1945. First African-American general in the U.S. Army. Best known as founder of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration following Christmas. Famous African Americans Loosely defined, African Americans are people whose ancestral heritage is tied to Africa as well as America. Best known for her autobiographical writings I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969); All God`s Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986). So, I put together a list of black historical figures. Carney was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Considered "The Father of Chicago Blues.". If you want to know the black culture in United States, you need to read Facts about African American Culture. First black Congressman from the Democratic Party. First baseman; called the "Black Lou Gehrig" as a result of hitting prowess, defensive position. Fought in the Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War. Prominent member of the Black Panther party; author of Soul on Ice. 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