Phillis Wheatley – First African American Author to Write Book of Poems
Phillis Wheatley is one of the stars that shine bright in the big story of Black History. Like a beautiful poem, her life reveals how strong we can be and…
Elijah McCoy – Inventor Revolutionizes RailRoad Industry
Elijah McCoy, a notable name in Black History, was a Canadian-American inventor born in Colchester, Ontario, Canada, on May 2, 1844, to George and Mildred McCoy, who had fled slavery…
Garrett Morgan – Inventor Patents First Three-Way Traffic Light, First Gas Masks
Garrett Augustus Morgan is a prominent part of Black History. On March 4, 1877, Garrett Morgan was born in Paris, Kentucky, to formerly enslaved persons and farmers Sydney and Elizabeth Morgan.…
Daniel Hale Williams – African American Doctor Performs First Successful Open Heart Surgery
Daniel Hale Williams is an individual who made significant touches that changed the world of medicine and the fight for human rights. He opened the first non-segregated hospital in the…
Jack Johnson – First African American to Win World Heavyweight Championship
Jack Arthur Johnson, also known as the Galveston Giant, is one of the most influential boxers in black history Johnson was a native of Galveston, Texas, born to Henry and…
Arthur Ashe – First African American Male to Win Men’s Title at Wimbledon and the US Open
Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. is an African American tennis player, journalist, activist, educator, and an unforgettable part of black history. He was born on July 10, 1943, to Arthur Sr.…
Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr – First African American to Earn Rank of General in Air Force
Many African Americans have contributed immensely with their achievements to building a robust Black History. One of these is Benjamin O. Davis- The first African American to earn the rank…
James Baldwin – Novelist, Playwright, Civil Rights Activist
James Arthur Baldwin was an American fiction writer, essayist, novelist, dramatist, and poet whose eloquence and passion on the issue of race in America propelled him to prominence, particularly in…
Hank Aaron – MLB Legend Hammerin’ Hank First to Break Babe Ruths Home Run Record
Hank Aaron was a former American professional baseball right fielder and nominated hitter who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 23 seasons, from 1954 to 1976. The legendary baseball…
Gwendolyn Brooks -Poet, First African American Woman to Receive Pulitzer Prize
Gwendolyn Brooks was popularly known as an American poet, novelist, and teacher. She lived from June 7, 1917, and died on December 3, 2000. She was known for her insightful…