Sylvester Magee: The last living former enslaved African American
Sylvester Magee was an African American who may have been the last living former enslaved American. Although Magee’s claim is undocumented, he received much publicity...
Category : Biographies
Dick Gregory: Activism with Humor
Dick Gregory is the renowned comedian, actor, and civil rights activist (born October 12, 1932) who uses his wit and humor to advance his deep...
Mary Ann Shadd: The first Black woman publisher in North America
Mary Ann Shadd, was the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper and the first woman to study for a law degree...
Powhatan Beaty: Soldier of Valor
Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Powhatan Beaty served as a First Sergeant in the Union Army in Company G, 5th U.S. Colored Infantry....
Faith Ringgold: Acclaimed Story Quilt Maker
Faith Ringgold is an African-American painter, writer, speaker, mixed media sculptor and performance artist best known for her large, painted story quilts. Born Faith Willi...
William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad
“It was my good fortune to lend a helping hand to the weary travelers flying from the land of bondage.” William Still was an African-American...
John Armstrong Howard: The First Black Canadian Olympic Athlete
John Armstrong Howard was the first Black Olympic athlete from Canada, competing in the 1912 Summer Olympics. The Winnipeg-raised First World War veteran dominated Canadian...
Fannie Lou Hamer: Civil Rights Heroine
“One day I know the struggle will change. There’s got to be a change—not only for Mississippi, not only for the people in the United...
Lonnie Johnson: Inventor of the Super Soaker water gun
Lonnie George Johnson is an African American inventor and engineer who holds more than 80 patents. Johnson is best known for inventing the Super Soaker...
Thomas Mundy Peterson: The first African American voter
Thomas Mundy Peterson (October 6, 1824 – February 4, 1904), a school custodian from Perth Amboy, New Jersey was the first African American to vote...