2008 Barack Obama (1961 -) becomes the first African American to win the U.S. presidential race. 1844-1929. Invented an automatic lubricator for oiling the steam engines of locomotives, boats, etc. Controversial quote, "Hitler was a very great man;" in response to a Jewish journalist referring to him as a "Black Hitler.". Considered to be the original "clown prince" of the Trotters. Among white Americans, only 14% did not finish on time. In addition, the study of African-American history is part of a well-rounded homeschool curriculum. Boxer; war protester; member, Nation of Islam; civil rights protester; poet. The following individuals have been selected from thousands of examples of selfless acts, sacrificing, in some cases, their own lives for the betterment of all. By contrast, 31% of African American students and 27% of Hispanic students did not finish high school with their peers. South African Zulu King. It is important to note, however, that ancestry and physical characteristics are only part of what has set black Americans apart as a distinct group. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Greatest_African_Americans A.K.A. Best known for the "Bo Diddley beat", a rhumba-based beat. First African-American general in the U.S. Army. The culture is used as their identity to differentiate them from the colored and white people. American history resonates with the names of great African American men and women. Physician and diplomat. Successful in a number of styles; member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Created the "Rainbow Coalition" of various minority groups. As the African American Community diversifies and splinters, … In 1831, led failed slave rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia; the most remarkable instance of black resistance to enslavement. Abolitionist, editor, orator, author, statesman, reformer. A.K.A. Consider these five reasons to teach Black History year round. Sgt. Inventor. There is no more powerful force than a people steeped in their history. Jackie Robinson - First African-American to play in Major League Baseball Augusta Savage - Artist during the Harlem Renaissance Robert Smalls - Civil War hero who later became a Congressman Sojourner Truth - An escaped slave who fought for the end of the slavery and women's rights Entertainer, actor, comic, educator, television producer, philanthropist. He is famous in both American and Native American history mostly for his major victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn against Custer, where his ‘premonition’ of defeating them became reality. Considered "The Father of Chicago Blues.". Believed that people of African descent should work together to battle prejudice, inequality. First African-American umpire in Major League Baseball. Prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance; works included The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (1912). 5. Famous people with African Connection. One O`Clock Jump and Jumpin` at the Woodside were among his more popular numbers. Pronounced the greatest pitcher in the history of the Negro Leagues; career highlights span five decades; legendary showman. [1], (This is the list as published in the 2002 book. Notable examples include George Washington Carver, who cre… Black Americans have advocated for civil rights since the earliest days of the United States. Politician, civil rights activist, minister. He rejected the Atlanta compromise of 1909 but insisted on full equality. Was able to make the calculations to predict solar and lunar eclipses and to compile an ephemeris for the Benjamin Banneker`s Almanac. Co-founder, inspirational leader of the Black Panther party. First African American to serve as diplomatic minister to a foreign country. Famous for whistling and singing "The Whistling Coon" and "The Laughing Coon.". Best remembered as a champion of the "Back-to-Africa" movement. First black heavyweight boxing champion of the world. "Air Jordan," "His Airness;" named "the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century," by ESPN. The cultivation and use of many agricultural products in the United States, such as yams, peanuts, rice, okra, sorghum, grits, watermelon, indigo dyes, and cotton, can be traced to West African and African-American influences. From their earliest presence in North America, African Americans have significantly contributed literature, art, agricultural skills, cuisine, clothing styles, music, language, and social and technological innovation to American culture. The current president of the United States, Barrack Obama is also African American, as well as the first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. In 1816, founded the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Philadelphia. Walker Manufacturing Company to sell hair care products and cosmetics. African stories, fables and oratory traditions have been embedded into American culture, providing a childhood infrastructure for learning and development through the use of nursery rhymes. 4. Rock and roll singer, songwriter, guitarist. Sarah Breedlove; founded the Madame C.J. Most famous piece was Maple Leaf Rag, set standard for ragtime genre. Founder of the first independent black Christian denomination in the U.S., the A.U.M.P. Particularly known for his insightful, colorful portrayals of black life in America from the 1920s through the 1960s. Cassius Clay; three-time heavyweight boxing champion; crowned Sportsman of the (20th) Century by Sports Illustrated. The "Big Dipper;" regarded as one of the most dominant basketball players of all time. Civil rights activist, minister, Nobel laureate. 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. First African American to play Major League Baseball in the 20th century. Instrumental in bringing recognition to the genre of African-American literature. This mixture can be evidenced in Latin American countries such as Colombia with Afro-Colombians, Uruguay with Afro-Uruguayans and Venez… It is implemented on their music, writing style, painting, art, clothes, hairstyle and many more. African Americans make a sizable portion of prisoners: Studies infer that 52% of homicides are committed by African American individuals. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 and the Legion of Honor by France in 1973. The form of African cultural teaching and transmission is based on oral teaching and imitation. Mary McLeod Bethune was an African American educator and civil rights leader best known for her work co-founding the Bethune-Cookman University in Florida. Brought soulful sound to everything from country music to pop standards to now-iconic rendition of "America the Beautiful.". Known for his novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain. Won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, embarrassing German dictator Adolf Hitler. Considered by many baseball observers to have been the fastest man ever to play the game; "So fast he can turn off the light and be in bed before the room gets dark!" Obviously, this table provides only a small sample of these courageous Americans; u-s-history.com will continue to add to this list from time to time. Isabella Baumfree; noted speaker for both the abolitionist movement and the women`s rights movement. the "Brown Bomber;" heavyweight boxing champion. Zulu, Shaka (1787 – 1828). Being able to demonstrate their customs with gestures and prayers, they managed to develop a process of African American and Afro-Caribbean transculturation. African Americans have influenced various forms of music, including Hip hop, R&B, funk, rock and roll, soul, blues, and other contemporary American musical forms while older black forms of music included blues, doo-wop, barbershop, ragtime, bluegrass, jazz, and gospel music. Blacks also played a leading role in the development of Southern speech, folklore, music, dancing, and food, blending the cultural traits of their African homelands with those of … Mbeki, Thabo South African Vice President. Widow of the slain civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.; noted community leader in her own right. The African legacy in America has diverse folk manifestations ranging from dress, singing, music and beliefs. First African American to make vocal blues recordings, in 1920. "Father of Pan-Africanism" with issues of segregation, political disenfranchisement. Explore articles and videos of some of the most prominent African Americans in politics, the arts, law, science and sports who have made Black History what it is today. Write About List of Famous African Americans. Du Bois (1868 – 1963) Du Bois was an influential African-American activist who sought to campaign for full equality between blacks and whites. Radical activist, member of the Black Panther party, working for racial, gender equity; prison abolition. Elijah McCoy. Vaudeville singer, dancer, pianist, actress, blues singer. Taught former slaves farming techniques for self-sufficiency; known for suggesting hundreds of uses for the peanut, other plants. African Americans Under Slavery: 1600-1865 The first Africans in the New World arrived with Spanish and Portuguese explorers and settlers. First African-American woman elected to Congress. Prominent member of the Black Panther party; author of Soul on Ice. First baseman; called the "Black Lou Gehrig" as a result of hitting prowess, defensive position. Lew Alcindor; NBA`s all-time leading scorer. First African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Barack Obama: 2008 election night rally President-elect Barack Obama waving to the crowd at a massive election night rally in Chicago's Grant Park on November 4, 2008. Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom before assassination in 1968; known for advocating non-violence, racial equality; peacemaker, martyr. "Sage of Anacostia;" among the most prominent and influential African-American lecturers and authors in U.S. history. Singer, songwriter, producer, musician, humanitarian, social activist. Renowned poets and writers such as Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurst are foremost names that come to mind. Thought little change was achieved in the ‘Progressive Era’, Du Bois laid the framework for the NAACP and future civil rights movements. New York City would continue to serve as a catalyst for African American artists for decades, with Jean-Michel Basquiat among the Big Apple's most famous artists—and contemporary art 's most universally recognized figures. Hopefully a renewed Black History Month can focus attention on the importance of preserving African American culture. Regarded as the best receiver ever to play the game; arguably the greatest football player ever; holder of 38 NFL records. Overall, mental health conditions occur in Black and African American (B/AA) people in America at about the same or less frequency than in White Americans. Carney was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Tolkien (1892-1973). African Americans are also active in the field of literary activism and politics. Sgt. Finally, the educational benefits of doing so cannot be denied. Church. Instrumental in eventually desegregating the University of Mississippi. Poet, novelist, playwright, newspaper columnist. Known for deep bass voice, suave delivery. 7. "Queen of Soul;" first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Communist, labor organizer, social activist. TV entertainer known for roles in I Spy, The Bill Cosby Show, others. "African American technically isn't even what I am," he said. However, the historical Black and African American experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence more often than for their White counterparts and impacts emotional and mental health of both youth and adults. Best known as founder of Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration following Christmas. The African American culture is very unique. 6. Was the first African American, and first individual of non-European ethnicity or race, to be so honored in the history of the prize. Highest ranking African-American government official in history. Atlas » Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Contralto, best remembered for her performance on Easter Sunday, 1939, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. (Satchel Paige). One of the dominant figures in African-American history from 1890 to 1915; did much to improve the friendship and working relationship between the races. Blacks have served and died in defense of their adopted homeland. Was a charismatic, innovative performer with musical skill; bright personality transformed jazz into a popular art form. Dubbed the "Mother of the modern-day Civil Rights Movement.". Asante used five factors in establishing the list: Reference and User Services Quarterly reviewed the list positively in 2003, while noting the subjectivity in judging greatness, particularly for contemporary individuals. Nba ` s rights movement. `` the Father of Chicago blues ``! '' of various minority groups in America from the colored and white people '' winner of Grammy. 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