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This is a list of African Americans, also known as Black Americans (for the outdated and unscientific racial term) or Afro-Americans. African Americans are an ethnic group consisting of citizens of the United States mainly descended from various West African and Central African peoples with possible minor additional ancestry from Europe or ...
- Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was a pivotal leader in the American Civil Rights Movement. He continues to be celebrated for his profound influence in advocating for nonviolent resistance and racial equality.
- Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) An abolitionist and political activist, Harriet Tubman is best known for helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad.
- Barack Obama (b. 1961) ADVERTISEMENT. Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, made history as the first Black American to hold the office.
- Maya Angelou (1928-2014) Maya Angelou was an influential poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist, celebrated for her series of seven autobiographies.
List. The list in alphabetical order, as published Asante's 2002 book: Hank Aaron (1934–2021) Ira Aldridge (1807–1867) Muhammad Ali (1942–2016) Richard Allen (1760–1831) Marian Anderson (1897–1993) Maya Angelou (1928–2014) Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) Crispus Attucks (1723–1770) James Baldwin (1924–1987) Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806)
- Molefi Kete Asante
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The Root 100 is our annual list of the most influential African Americans, ages 25 to 45. It’s our way of honoring the innovators, the leaders, the public figures and the game changers whose...
- Origins of Black History Month, NAACP
- Famous Lawyers, Activists, Scientists and Politicians
- Famous Black Athletes
- First Black Millionaire, Billionaire and Oscar Winner
- First Black President, Black Vice President, Population Growth
Black History Month: The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” which was created in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham ...
First Lawyer: John Mercer Langston was the first Black man to become a lawyer when he passed the bar in Ohio in 1854. When he was elected to the post of Town Clerk for Brownhelm, Ohio, in 1855 Langston became one of the first African Americans ever elected to public office in America. John Mercer Langston was also the great-uncle of Langston Hughes...
Heavyweight Champ: Jack Johnsonbecame the first African American man to hold the World Heavyweight Champion boxing title in 1908. He held onto the belt until 1915. First Professional Black Baseball Player: On April 5, 1947, Jackie Robinsonbecame the first African American to play Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. He led the...
Self-Made Millionaire: Madam C.J. Walker was born on a cotton plantation in Louisiana and became wealthyafter inventing a line of African American hair care products. She established Madame C.J. Walker Laboratories and was also known for her philanthropy. Oscar Winner: In 1940, Hattie McDaniel was the first African American performer to win an Acad...
First Black President: In 2008, Barack Obamabecame the first Black president of the United States. First Black Vice President: In January 2021, Kamala Harris became the first woman of African or Asian descent to become vice president. Harris's mother immigrated to the United States from India and her father immigrated from Jamaica. Population Growt...
May 1, 2024 · African Americans constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States. African Americans are mainly of African ancestry, but many have non-Black ancestors as well. Learn more about African Americans, including their history, culture, and contributions.
Feb 1, 2023 · Lifestyle. Black History Month 2024. 31 History-Making Black Americans Everyone Should Know. These pioneering figures deserve to be celebrated. By Michelle Darrisaw and Carlie Cooper Updated: Feb 1, 2023. Save Article. Getty Images.
