Great Black Americans in honor of Black American History Month Second Grade Social Studies

National African American History Month National African American History Month is observed each February as a time to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the culture at large. This celebration has its origins in Negro History Week, which was established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. National African American History Month is observed each February as a time to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the culture at large. This celebration has its origins in Negro History Week, which was established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

Famous Black Americans There are hundreds of famous black Americans, but there are those more famous than other we will study this month. There are hundreds of famous black Americans, but there are those more famous than other we will study this month. These famous black Americans include athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, civil rights leaders, politicians, and writers. These important people made advances for all black Americans today. These famous black Americans include athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, civil rights leaders, politicians, and writers. These important people made advances for all black Americans today.

Maya Angelou Maya Angelou spent her childhood in a small Southern community. She attended an all-black school. Maya moved to San Fransisco when she was a teenager. She studied drama, dance, and music. Maya wrote about her childhood in the South and became a famous author. She also wrote poetry, plays, and a TV series. Maya Angelou spent her childhood in a small Southern community. She attended an all-black school. Maya moved to San Fransisco when she was a teenager. She studied drama, dance, and music. Maya wrote about her childhood in the South and became a famous author. She also wrote poetry, plays, and a TV series.

Maya Angelou

Hank Aaron Henry "Hank" Aaron hit 755 home runs during his major league baseball career, making him America's all-time home run leader for the next three decades. Aaron hit number 715 on 8 April 1974, moving him past the record 714 career homers of Babe Ruth. Much like Roger Maris, Aaron was maligned by some fans who thought he was somehow unfit to surpass the mighty Ruth. (Racism played a part; Aaron was black, and he passed Ruth's record only 28 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball.) Aaron retired after the 1976 season, holding the all-time records for home runs (755) and RBIs (2297)and having played in a record 24 All-Star Games. He was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in Henry "Hank" Aaron hit 755 home runs during his major league baseball career, making him America's all-time home run leader for the next three decades. Aaron hit number 715 on 8 April 1974, moving him past the record 714 career homers of Babe Ruth. Much like Roger Maris, Aaron was maligned by some fans who thought he was somehow unfit to surpass the mighty Ruth. (Racism played a part; Aaron was black, and he passed Ruth's record only 28 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball.) Aaron retired after the 1976 season, holding the all-time records for home runs (755) and RBIs (2297)and having played in a record 24 All-Star Games. He was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1982.

Hank Aaron

Louis Armstrong Daniel Louis Armstrong (August 4, July 6, 1971) was a great jazz trumpet player, composer, and singer. He was nicknamed Satchmo because some people said that his mouth was like a satchel. Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and soon became a well- known cornet player in clubs and on riverboats along the Mississippi River. He became world famous for his incredible musical talent, especially his improvised solos. Armstrong also sang "scat," a style in which nonsense words are used in a song. Armstrong was featured in many recordings, television shows, and movies. Armstrong celebrated his birthday on July 4. Daniel Louis Armstrong (August 4, July 6, 1971) was a great jazz trumpet player, composer, and singer. He was nicknamed Satchmo because some people said that his mouth was like a satchel. Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and soon became a well- known cornet player in clubs and on riverboats along the Mississippi River. He became world famous for his incredible musical talent, especially his improvised solos. Armstrong also sang "scat," a style in which nonsense words are used in a song. Armstrong was featured in many recordings, television shows, and movies. Armstrong celebrated his birthday on July 4.

Louis Armstrong

Gwendolyn Brooks Gwendolyn Brooks was a Chicago poet, the poet laureate of Illinois and the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Brooks's first collection of poems, A Street in Bronzeville, was published in 1945 to widespread critical acclaim. Gwendolyn Brooks was a Chicago poet, the poet laureate of Illinois and the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. Brooks's first collection of poems, A Street in Bronzeville, was published in 1945 to widespread critical acclaim.

Gwendolyn Brooks

George Washington Carver George Washington Carver (1865?-1943) was an American scientist, educator, humanitarian, and former slave. He made scientific discoveries that helped farmers in the South. He taught farmers to grow peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. He also taught them to rotate crops in order to renew the soil. He developed hundreds of products from peanuts. George Washington Carver (1865?-1943) was an American scientist, educator, humanitarian, and former slave. He made scientific discoveries that helped farmers in the South. He taught farmers to grow peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. He also taught them to rotate crops in order to renew the soil. He developed hundreds of products from peanuts.

George Washington Carver

Ray Charles (September 23, June 10, 2004) Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930 (he shares a birthday with another musical icon, John Coltrane). Charles was not born blind - he lost his sight to undiagnosed glaucoma at age seven. He enrolled in the St. Augustine (Fla) School for the deaf and blind, where he developed his enormous musical gift. After his mother's death, he set out as a solo act, modeling himself after Nat "King" Cole. During a career that has spanned some 58 years, Charles starred on over 250 albums, many of them top sellers in a variety of musical genres. (September 23, June 10, 2004) Ray Charles Robinson was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930 (he shares a birthday with another musical icon, John Coltrane). Charles was not born blind - he lost his sight to undiagnosed glaucoma at age seven. He enrolled in the St. Augustine (Fla) School for the deaf and blind, where he developed his enormous musical gift. After his mother's death, he set out as a solo act, modeling himself after Nat "King" Cole. During a career that has spanned some 58 years, Charles starred on over 250 albums, many of them top sellers in a variety of musical genres.

Ray Charles

Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm (Nov. 30, Jan. 1, 2005) was the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York. After being a teacher and serving as a New York state assemblywoman, Chisholm was elected as a Democrat to the House of Representatives. She served in Congress for seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until January 3, In 1972, Chisholm was the first African-American woman to run for a major-party presidential nomination. During her long political career, she fought for the rights of women and minorities. Shirley Chisholm (Nov. 30, Jan. 1, 2005) was the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York. After being a teacher and serving as a New York state assemblywoman, Chisholm was elected as a Democrat to the House of Representatives. She served in Congress for seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until January 3, In 1972, Chisholm was the first African-American woman to run for a major-party presidential nomination. During her long political career, she fought for the rights of women and minorities.

Shirley Chisholm

Alice Coachman Alice Coachman was the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was also the only American woman to win a track and field event at the Olympics that year. She would probably have won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 Olympics hadn't been canceled because of World War II, for she dominated the high jump for a decade and she was also a fine sprinter. Coachman won the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, and 1946; there was no indoor competition from 1938 through 1940 or from 1942 through She won the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through 1947, the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, and the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and Representing Tuskegee Institute, Coachman also ran on the national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in 1941 and Alice Coachman was the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was also the only American woman to win a track and field event at the Olympics that year. She would probably have won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 Olympics hadn't been canceled because of World War II, for she dominated the high jump for a decade and she was also a fine sprinter. Coachman won the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, and 1946; there was no indoor competition from 1938 through 1940 or from 1942 through She won the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through 1947, the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, and the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and Representing Tuskegee Institute, Coachman also ran on the national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in 1941 and 1942.

Alice Coachman

Nat King Cole For a mild-mannered man whose music was always easy on the ear, Nat King Cole managed to be a figure of considerable controversy during his 30 years as a professional musician. From the late '40s to the mid- '60s, he was a massively successful pop singer who ranked with such contemporaries as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin. He shared with those peers a career that encompassed hit records, international touring, radio and television shows, and appearances in films. But unlike them, he had not emerged from a background as a band singer in the swing era. For a mild-mannered man whose music was always easy on the ear, Nat King Cole managed to be a figure of considerable controversy during his 30 years as a professional musician. From the late '40s to the mid- '60s, he was a massively successful pop singer who ranked with such contemporaries as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin. He shared with those peers a career that encompassed hit records, international touring, radio and television shows, and appearances in films. But unlike them, he had not emerged from a background as a band singer in the swing era.Frank Sinatra Perry ComoDean MartinFrank Sinatra Perry ComoDean Martin

Nat King Cole

Bessie Coleman Bessie Coleman was both African-American and female, and she is remembered as an aviation pioneer for both groups. Coleman grew up in Texas, moved to Chicago, and got interested in flying after her brothers returned from World War I. Failing to find anyone in Chicago who would teach flying to a black woman, Coleman determined to go abroad to get training -- a daring move for that era. She moved to Paris, was accepted to aviation school, and on 15 June 1921 she received her pilot's license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. The certificate made her the world's first licensed black aviator. Coleman returned to the United States and began a barnstorming career, appearing at airshows across the country. She died in 1926 while flight-testing an open-cockpit plane; her co-pilot lost control of the aircraft and in the ensuing dive Coleman was tossed from the plane and plunged to her death. Bessie Coleman was both African-American and female, and she is remembered as an aviation pioneer for both groups. Coleman grew up in Texas, moved to Chicago, and got interested in flying after her brothers returned from World War I. Failing to find anyone in Chicago who would teach flying to a black woman, Coleman determined to go abroad to get training -- a daring move for that era. She moved to Paris, was accepted to aviation school, and on 15 June 1921 she received her pilot's license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. The certificate made her the world's first licensed black aviator. Coleman returned to the United States and began a barnstorming career, appearing at airshows across the country. She died in 1926 while flight-testing an open-cockpit plane; her co-pilot lost control of the aircraft and in the ensuing dive Coleman was tossed from the plane and plunged to her death.

Bessie Coleman

Bill Cosby Bill Cosby began as a stand-up comic and ended up as one of America's most beloved television stars. His comedy career was kick-started by a 1963 appearance on the Tonight Show, and Cosby won multiple Grammy Awards for comedy recordings throughout the 1960s. He was particularly known for routines about childhood friends like Fat Albert and Old Weird Harold (both of whom later appeared in the 1970s cartoon series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids). In 1965 Cosby starred with Robert Culp in the spoofy TV series I Spy, making him one of the few African-American stars on prime-time TV. Bill Cosby began as a stand-up comic and ended up as one of America's most beloved television stars. His comedy career was kick-started by a 1963 appearance on the Tonight Show, and Cosby won multiple Grammy Awards for comedy recordings throughout the 1960s. He was particularly known for routines about childhood friends like Fat Albert and Old Weird Harold (both of whom later appeared in the 1970s cartoon series Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids). In 1965 Cosby starred with Robert Culp in the spoofy TV series I Spy, making him one of the few African-American stars on prime-time TV.

Bill Cosby

Frederick Douglass Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey Douglass (Feb. 7, 1817-Feb. 20, 1895) was an abolitionist, orator and writer who fought against slavery and for women's rights. Douglass was the first African-American citizen appointed to high ranks in the U.S. government. Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey Douglass (Feb. 7, 1817-Feb. 20, 1895) was an abolitionist, orator and writer who fought against slavery and for women's rights. Douglass was the first African-American citizen appointed to high ranks in the U.S. government.

Frederick Douglass

W.E.B DuBois William Edward Burghardt DuBois (February 23, August 27, 1963) was a writer, historian, leader and one of the founders of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). DuBois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was a gifted student who became a reporter for the New York Globe when he was 15 years old. He later attended Fisk University, then transferred to Harvard University; he was the first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. DuBois became a teacher and later studied the state of black people in the USA and around the world; he wrote many books. William Edward Burghardt DuBois (February 23, August 27, 1963) was a writer, historian, leader and one of the founders of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). DuBois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was a gifted student who became a reporter for the New York Globe when he was 15 years old. He later attended Fisk University, then transferred to Harvard University; he was the first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. DuBois became a teacher and later studied the state of black people in the USA and around the world; he wrote many books.

W.E.B DuBois

Matthew Henson Matthew Alexander Henson (Aug. 8, March 9, 1955) was an American explorer and one of the first people to visit the North Pole. He was on most of Robert E. Peary’s expeditions, including the 1909 trip to the North Pole. Matthew Alexander Henson (Aug. 8, March 9, 1955) was an American explorer and one of the first people to visit the North Pole. He was on most of Robert E. Peary’s expeditions, including the 1909 trip to the North Pole.

Matthew Henson

Mae Jemison Mae C. Jemison (October 17, ) was the first African-American woman in space. Dr. Jemison is a medical doctor and a surgeon, with engineering experience. She flew on the space shuttle Endeavor (STS-47, Spacelab-J) as the Mission Specialist; the mission lifted off on September 12, 1992 and landed on September 20, Mae C. Jemison (October 17, ) was the first African-American woman in space. Dr. Jemison is a medical doctor and a surgeon, with engineering experience. She flew on the space shuttle Endeavor (STS-47, Spacelab-J) as the Mission Specialist; the mission lifted off on September 12, 1992 and landed on September 20, 1992.

Mae Jemison

Michael Jordan Michael Jordan was the dominant basketball player in the world during the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award five times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the league championship. Jordan led the Bulls to his first three championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with superb shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer instinct. In October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball career and returned to the Bulls. With Jordan, the Bulls won three more championships in 1996, 1997 and He retired from basketball in In the year 2000 he became a part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. In 2001 Jordan began considering another comeback as an NBA player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again to play for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, retiring again in April of Michael Jordan was the dominant basketball player in the world during the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award five times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the league championship. Jordan led the Bulls to his first three championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with superb shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer instinct. In October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball career and returned to the Bulls. With Jordan, the Bulls won three more championships in 1996, 1997 and He retired from basketball in In the year 2000 he became a part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. In 2001 Jordan began considering another comeback as an NBA player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again to play for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, retiring again in April of 2003.

Michael Jordan

Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ( ) was a great man who worked for racial equality in the USA. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college and getting married, Dr. King became a minister and moved to Alabama. During the 1950's, Dr. King became active in the movement for civil rights and racial equality. He participated in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott and many other peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair treatment of African- Americans. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each year in January. Martin Luther King, Jr. ( ) was a great man who worked for racial equality in the USA. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college and getting married, Dr. King became a minister and moved to Alabama. During the 1950's, Dr. King became active in the movement for civil rights and racial equality. He participated in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott and many other peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair treatment of African- Americans. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each year in January.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thurgood Marshall Thurgood Marshall (July 2, Jan. 24, 1993) was the first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court. Marshall was on the team of lawyers in the historic Supreme Court trial concerning school desegregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). As a result of this trial, the "separate but equal" doctrine in public education was overthrown. After a successful career as a lawyer and judge fighting for civil rights and women's rights, Marshall was appointed to the high court in 1967 (by President Lyndon Baines Johnson). On the high court, Marshall continued his fight for human rights until he retired on June 27, Thurgood Marshall (July 2, Jan. 24, 1993) was the first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court. Marshall was on the team of lawyers in the historic Supreme Court trial concerning school desegregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). As a result of this trial, the "separate but equal" doctrine in public education was overthrown. After a successful career as a lawyer and judge fighting for civil rights and women's rights, Marshall was appointed to the high court in 1967 (by President Lyndon Baines Johnson). On the high court, Marshall continued his fight for human rights until he retired on June 27, 1991.

Thurgood Marshall

Elijah McCoy Elijah McCoy was an inventor who was fascinated by steam engines. As a mechanic in the early 1870's he noticed that machines had to be stopped every time they needed oil, which wasted a lot of time and was expensive. McCoy invented a device to oil the machinery while it was working. It was soon used on engines, train locomotives, on Great Lake steamships, on ocean liners and on machinery in factories. His invention became so popular that no engine or machine was considered complete until it had a McCoy Lubricator. The phrase "The Real McCoy" soon caught on as a way of saying that people were getting the best equipment available. Elijah McCoy was an inventor who was fascinated by steam engines. As a mechanic in the early 1870's he noticed that machines had to be stopped every time they needed oil, which wasted a lot of time and was expensive. McCoy invented a device to oil the machinery while it was working. It was soon used on engines, train locomotives, on Great Lake steamships, on ocean liners and on machinery in factories. His invention became so popular that no engine or machine was considered complete until it had a McCoy Lubricator. The phrase "The Real McCoy" soon caught on as a way of saying that people were getting the best equipment available.

Elijah McCoy

Satchel Paige Leroy "Satchel" Paige was a charismatic pitching star of the Negro Leagues who became a major league rookie in his forties. Paige began playing professionally for the Negro Leagues in 1923, during the era when blacks were blocked from playing in baseball's major leagues. He played for a variety of teams in the southern and midwestern states, usually not straying for long from Kansas City. Paige was known for his hard fastball and his crowd-pleasing showboating, including double and triple windups and his famous hesitation pitch. He was often hired to draw crowds as much as to win games. Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier in 1947, and the next year Paige joined the Cleveland Indians. Paige was 42 or 43 years old -- his age was never quite clear -- making him the oldest rookie in history. Leroy "Satchel" Paige was a charismatic pitching star of the Negro Leagues who became a major league rookie in his forties. Paige began playing professionally for the Negro Leagues in 1923, during the era when blacks were blocked from playing in baseball's major leagues. He played for a variety of teams in the southern and midwestern states, usually not straying for long from Kansas City. Paige was known for his hard fastball and his crowd-pleasing showboating, including double and triple windups and his famous hesitation pitch. He was often hired to draw crowds as much as to win games. Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier in 1947, and the next year Paige joined the Cleveland Indians. Paige was 42 or 43 years old -- his age was never quite clear -- making him the oldest rookie in history.

Satchel Paige

Rosa Parks Rosa Parks (February 4, October 24, 2005) was a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights. On December 1, 1955, a Montgomery, Alabama, bus driver ordered Mrs. Parks to give up her seat to a white man. When she refused, she was fined and arrested. This incident prompted a city-wide bus boycott, which eventually resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on city buses is unconstitutional. Rosa Parks (February 4, October 24, 2005) was a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights. On December 1, 1955, a Montgomery, Alabama, bus driver ordered Mrs. Parks to give up her seat to a white man. When she refused, she was fined and arrested. This incident prompted a city-wide bus boycott, which eventually resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on city buses is unconstitutional.

Rosa Parks

Colin Powell Colin Powell became the first African-American Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took office in Powell was a career soldier who fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a general, then became national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces during the first Gulf War. Powell retired in 1993 and published his autobiography, My American Journey, in After years on the lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State in Colin Powell became the first African-American Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took office in Powell was a career soldier who fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a general, then became national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces during the first Gulf War. Powell retired in 1993 and published his autobiography, My American Journey, in After years on the lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State in 2001.

Colin Powell

Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice became U.S. Secretary of State in She had earlier served as National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush from As a child, Rice was a gifted student and a prodigy on the piano, and she entered college at the age of 15 with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. Along the way she was influenced by political scientist Josef Korbel, the father of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Rice changed her plans and studied international politics, and by the early 1980s she was teaching at Stanford University and becoming a prominent public voice on international affairs. She also worked with the Pentagon and with the administration of George Bush the elder as an expert on foreign affairs. Condoleezza Rice became U.S. Secretary of State in She had earlier served as National Security Advisor under President George W. Bush from As a child, Rice was a gifted student and a prodigy on the piano, and she entered college at the age of 15 with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. Along the way she was influenced by political scientist Josef Korbel, the father of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Rice changed her plans and studied international politics, and by the early 1980s she was teaching at Stanford University and becoming a prominent public voice on international affairs. She also worked with the Pentagon and with the administration of George Bush the elder as an expert on foreign affairs. George W. BushMadeleine AlbrightGeorge Bush George W. BushMadeleine AlbrightGeorge Bush

Condoleezza Rice

Jackie Robinson Jack (Jackie) Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, October 24, 1972) was the first black man allowed to play major league baseball. On April 11, 1947, Robinson played his first major league baseball game (he played for the New York Dodgers in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees). Robinson played with the Dodgers for 10 years. He played in six World Series and was the first African-American in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in 1962). Jack (Jackie) Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, October 24, 1972) was the first black man allowed to play major league baseball. On April 11, 1947, Robinson played his first major league baseball game (he played for the New York Dodgers in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees). Robinson played with the Dodgers for 10 years. He played in six World Series and was the first African-American in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in 1962).

Jackie Robinson

Wilma Rudolph Wilma Rudolph sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, becoming the first woman from the United States to win three golds in one Olympics. Rudolph, an African-American, won the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash and anchored the winning 400 meter relay team. Born to a large, poor family in Tennessee, Rudolph battled polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child and for a few years lost the use of one leg. By the time she was a teenager she was 5' 11" and an outstanding basketball player. She began sprinting with a team from Tennessee State University when she was still in high school, and earned a bronze medal as a member of a relay team in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne before earning triple gold four years later. In 1973 she was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame, and in 1974 she was named to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Her 1977 autobiography was titled Wilma. Wilma Rudolph sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, becoming the first woman from the United States to win three golds in one Olympics. Rudolph, an African-American, won the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash and anchored the winning 400 meter relay team. Born to a large, poor family in Tennessee, Rudolph battled polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child and for a few years lost the use of one leg. By the time she was a teenager she was 5' 11" and an outstanding basketball player. She began sprinting with a team from Tennessee State University when she was still in high school, and earned a bronze medal as a member of a relay team in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne before earning triple gold four years later. In 1973 she was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame, and in 1974 she was named to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Her 1977 autobiography was titled Wilma.

Wilma Rudolph

Sojourner Truth Sojourner Truth (1797?-1883) was an American preacher who dedicated her life to fighting for for civil and human rights. She was born a slave in New York State, but was freed in After becoming a preacher, she campaigned for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights. During the US Civil War, she helped black Union soldiers obtain supplies and also worked as a counselor for the National Freedon Relief Association. Sojourner Truth (1797?-1883) was an American preacher who dedicated her life to fighting for for civil and human rights. She was born a slave in New York State, but was freed in After becoming a preacher, she campaigned for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights. During the US Civil War, she helped black Union soldiers obtain supplies and also worked as a counselor for the National Freedon Relief Association.

Sojourner Truth

Harriet Tubman Harriet Tubman ( ) escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849 and traveled north. She then helped hundreds of other slaves flee to the north to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Mrs. Tubman helped John Brown recruit soldiers for his raid on Harpers Ferry (1859). She spied for the Union (in South Carolina) during the US Civil War. After the war, she lived in Auburn, New York, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home for Aged Negroes. Mrs. Tubman devoted her life to fighting slavery and championing the rights of women. Harriet Tubman ( ) escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849 and traveled north. She then helped hundreds of other slaves flee to the north to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Mrs. Tubman helped John Brown recruit soldiers for his raid on Harpers Ferry (1859). She spied for the Union (in South Carolina) during the US Civil War. After the war, she lived in Auburn, New York, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home for Aged Negroes. Mrs. Tubman devoted her life to fighting slavery and championing the rights of women.

Harriet Tubman

Booker T. Washington Booker Taliafero Washington (April 15?, Nov. 15, 1915) was an orator, civil rights activist, professor, writer, and poet. He was born a slave in Virginia, but was freed by Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (when it went into effect in the South, in 1865). Washington dedicated his life to education as a means of obtaining equality. He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the National Negro Business League. Booker Taliafero Washington (April 15?, Nov. 15, 1915) was an orator, civil rights activist, professor, writer, and poet. He was born a slave in Virginia, but was freed by Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (when it went into effect in the South, in 1865). Washington dedicated his life to education as a means of obtaining equality. He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the National Negro Business League.

Booker T. Washington

Denzel Washington Denzel Washington won an Oscar as best actor for his role as a rogue cop in the 2001 film Training Day. It was his second Academy Award; he also won in 1989 as best supporting actor for the Civil War film Glory. Washington got his early break on TV, playing Dr. Phillip Chandler in the television drama St. Elsewhere ( ). He received critical praise for his role in the movie A Soldier's Story (1984), and was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for Cry Freedom (1987). Washington worked steadily throughout the 1990s in big-budget thrillers, comedies and dramas, including Philadelphia (1993), Crimson Tide (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the movie The Hurricane (1999). Denzel Washington won an Oscar as best actor for his role as a rogue cop in the 2001 film Training Day. It was his second Academy Award; he also won in 1989 as best supporting actor for the Civil War film Glory. Washington got his early break on TV, playing Dr. Phillip Chandler in the television drama St. Elsewhere ( ). He received critical praise for his role in the movie A Soldier's Story (1984), and was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for Cry Freedom (1987). Washington worked steadily throughout the 1990s in big-budget thrillers, comedies and dramas, including Philadelphia (1993), Crimson Tide (1995) and The Preacher's Wife (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the movie The Hurricane (1999).

Denzel Washington

Daniel Hale Williams Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was an African American physician who made history by performing the first successful open heart surgery operation. Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was an African American physician who made history by performing the first successful open heart surgery operation.

Daniel Hale Williams

Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey is the most successful female talk show host in American TV history. She went into broadcasting in the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, she landed a job on the morning show of A.M. Chicago in The next year she made her movie debut in The Color Purple and was nominated for an Oscar. In 1986 she launched The Oprah Winfrey Show, a TV talk show which featured celebrity interviews and discussions of social issues. The show was a smash hit and within a decade she was one of the richest women in the United States. "Oprah's Book Club," a feature of her show highlighting new books, became famous for its ability to create bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own lifestyle magazine, O. Oprah Winfrey is the most successful female talk show host in American TV history. She went into broadcasting in the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, she landed a job on the morning show of A.M. Chicago in The next year she made her movie debut in The Color Purple and was nominated for an Oscar. In 1986 she launched The Oprah Winfrey Show, a TV talk show which featured celebrity interviews and discussions of social issues. The show was a smash hit and within a decade she was one of the richest women in the United States. "Oprah's Book Club," a feature of her show highlighting new books, became famous for its ability to create bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own lifestyle magazine, O.

Oprah Winfrey

Tiger Woods Tiger Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major championships and is the sport's biggest superstar since Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up celeb, Woods was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl allegedly introduced Tiger to golf at age 9 months, and at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance putting with Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas Show. Woods won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles ( ), and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. At age 21, Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters champ and the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to win in the first major he played. Woods opened wide a door of society in becoming the first African American, as well as the first Asian American, to win a major. Tiger Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major championships and is the sport's biggest superstar since Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up celeb, Woods was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl allegedly introduced Tiger to golf at age 9 months, and at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance putting with Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas Show. Woods won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles ( ), and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. At age 21, Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters champ and the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to win in the first major he played. Woods opened wide a door of society in becoming the first African American, as well as the first Asian American, to win a major.

Tiger Woods

Malcolm X While in prison for burglary, Malcolm Little adopted the Black Muslim faith and became a minister of the Nation of Islam upon his release in As Malcolm X, he was a charismatic advocate of black separatism who rejected Martin Luther King, Jr.’s policies of non-violence. Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam in That same year he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly afterwards he embraced orthodox Islam and took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his earlier more strident viewpoints on race, though he remained a staunch advocate of "black power." He was shot to death by a group of men while giving a speech in New York City in 1965 While in prison for burglary, Malcolm Little adopted the Black Muslim faith and became a minister of the Nation of Islam upon his release in As Malcolm X, he was a charismatic advocate of black separatism who rejected Martin Luther King, Jr.’s policies of non-violence. Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam in That same year he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly afterwards he embraced orthodox Islam and took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his earlier more strident viewpoints on race, though he remained a staunch advocate of "black power." He was shot to death by a group of men while giving a speech in New York City in 1965

Malcolm X