69
Great Black Great Black Americans Americans in honor of in honor of Black American Black American History Month History Month Second Grade Social Second Grade Social Studies Studies

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

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Great Black Great Black AmericansAmericansin honor ofin honor of

Black American Black American History MonthHistory MonthSecond Grade Social StudiesSecond Grade Social Studies

National African American National African American History MonthHistory Month

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

Famous Black AmericansFamous Black Americans

There are hundreds of famous black There are hundreds of famous black Americans, but there are those more Americans, but there are those more famous than other we will study this famous than other we will study this month.month.

These famous black Americans include These famous black Americans include athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, civil rights leaders, politicians, and civil rights leaders, politicians, and writers. These important people made writers. These important people made advances for all black Americans today.advances for all black Americans today.

Maya AngelouMaya Angelou Maya Angelou spent her childhood in Maya Angelou spent her childhood in

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

Maya AngelouMaya Angelou

Hank AaronHank Aaron Henry "Hank" Aaron hit 755 home runs during his Henry "Hank" Aaron hit 755 home runs during his

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

Hank AaronHank Aaron

Louis ArmstrongLouis Armstrong Daniel Louis Armstrong (August 4, 1901 - July 6, Daniel Louis Armstrong (August 4, 1901 - July 6,

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

Louis ArmstrongLouis Armstrong

Gwendolyn BrooksGwendolyn Brooks Gwendolyn Brooks was a Chicago Gwendolyn Brooks was a Chicago

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

Gwendolyn BrooksGwendolyn Brooks

George Washington George Washington CarverCarver

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

George Washington George Washington CarverCarver

Ray CharlesRay Charles (September 23, 1930 - June 10, 2004) Ray Charles (September 23, 1930 - June 10, 2004) Ray Charles

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

Ray CharlesRay Charles

Shirley ChisholmShirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm (Nov. 30, 1924 - Jan. 1, Shirley Chisholm (Nov. 30, 1924 - Jan. 1,

2005) was the first African-American woman 2005) was the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. Shirley Anita St. elected to the US Congress. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York. After Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York. After being a teacher and serving as a New York being a teacher and serving as a New York state assemblywoman, Chisholm was elected state assemblywoman, Chisholm was elected as a Democrat to the House of as a Democrat to the House of Representatives. She served in Congress for Representatives. She served in Congress for seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until January 3, 1983. In 1972, Chisholm was the January 3, 1983. In 1972, Chisholm was the first African-American woman to run for a first African-American woman to run for a major-party presidential nomination. During major-party presidential nomination. During her long political career, she fought for the her long political career, she fought for the rights of women and minorities. rights of women and minorities.

Shirley ChisholmShirley Chisholm

Alice CoachmanAlice Coachman Alice Coachman was the first black woman to win an Alice Coachman was the first black woman to win an

Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was also the only American woman to win a track and also the only American woman to win a track and field event at the Olympics that year. She would field event at the Olympics that year. She would probably have won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 probably have won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 Olympics hadn't been canceled because of World War Olympics hadn't been canceled because of World War II, for she dominated the high jump for a decade and II, for she dominated the high jump for a decade and she was also a fine sprinter. Coachman won the AAU she was also a fine sprinter. Coachman won the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, 1948, and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, and 1946; there was no indoor competition from and 1946; there was no indoor competition from 1938 through 1940 or from 1942 through 1944. She 1938 through 1940 or from 1942 through 1944. She won the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through won the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through 1947, the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, 1947, the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, and the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and 1946. and the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and 1946. Representing Tuskegee Institute, Coachman also ran Representing Tuskegee Institute, Coachman also ran on the national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in on the national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in 1941 and 1942.1941 and 1942.

Alice CoachmanAlice Coachman

Nat King ColeNat King Cole For a mild-mannered man whose music was For a mild-mannered man whose music was

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

Nat King ColeNat King Cole

Bessie ColemanBessie Coleman Bessie Coleman was both African-American and female, Bessie Coleman was both African-American and female,

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

Bessie ColemanBessie Coleman

Bill CosbyBill Cosby Bill Cosby began as a stand-up comic and Bill Cosby began as a stand-up comic and

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

Bill CosbyBill Cosby

Frederick Frederick DouglassDouglass

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

Frederick Frederick DouglassDouglass

W.E.B DuBoisW.E.B DuBois William Edward Burghardt DuBois (February William Edward Burghardt DuBois (February

23, 1868 - August 27, 1963) was a writer, 23, 1868 - August 27, 1963) was a writer, historian, leader and one of the founders of historian, leader and one of the founders of the NAACP (National Association for the the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). DuBois was Advancement of Colored People). DuBois was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was a gifted student who became a reporter was a gifted student who became a reporter for the New York Globe when he was 15 years for the New York Globe when he was 15 years old. He later attended Fisk University, then old. He later attended Fisk University, then transferred to Harvard University; he was the transferred to Harvard University; he was the first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. DuBois became a teacher and later University. DuBois became a teacher and later studied the state of black people in the USA studied the state of black people in the USA and around the world; he wrote many books. and around the world; he wrote many books.

W.E.B DuBoisW.E.B DuBois

Matthew HensonMatthew Henson Matthew Alexander Henson (Aug. 8, Matthew Alexander Henson (Aug. 8,

1866 - March 9, 1955) was an 1866 - March 9, 1955) was an American explorer and one of the American explorer and one of the first people to visit the North Pole. first people to visit the North Pole. He was on most of Robert E. Peary’s He was on most of Robert E. Peary’s expeditions, including the 1909 trip expeditions, including the 1909 trip to the North Pole. to the North Pole.

Matthew HensonMatthew Henson

Mae JemisonMae Jemison Mae C. Jemison (October 17, 1956 - ) Mae C. Jemison (October 17, 1956 - )

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

Mae JemisonMae Jemison

Michael JordanMichael Jordan Michael Jordan was the dominant basketball player in the Michael Jordan was the dominant basketball player in the

world during the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable world during the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award five times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to Player award five times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the league championship. Jordan led the Bulls to his first the league championship. Jordan led the Bulls to his first three championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with three championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with superb shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer superb shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer instinct. In October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring instinct. In October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball career and returned to the Bulls. With Jordan, the Bulls won career and returned to the Bulls. With Jordan, the Bulls won three more championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He three more championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He retired from basketball in 1999. In the year 2000 he became a retired from basketball in 1999. In the year 2000 he became a part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. In 2001 Jordan began considering another comeback as an In 2001 Jordan began considering another comeback as an NBA player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again NBA player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again to play for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, to play for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, retiring again in April of 2003. retiring again in April of 2003.

Michael JordanMichael Jordan

Martin Luther Martin Luther King, Jr.King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a great man Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) was a great man who worked for racial equality in the USA. He was who worked for racial equality in the USA. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college and getting married, Dr. graduating from college and getting married, Dr. King became a minister and moved to Alabama. King became a minister and moved to Alabama. During the 1950's, Dr. King became active in the During the 1950's, Dr. King became active in the movement for civil rights and racial equality. He movement for civil rights and racial equality. He participated in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus participated in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott and many other peaceful demonstrations that boycott and many other peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair treatment of African-Americans. protested the unfair treatment of African-Americans. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King was He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin tremendously important leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each year in January. Luther King Day each year in January.

Martin Luther Martin Luther King, Jr.King, Jr.

Thurgood Thurgood MarshallMarshall

Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 - Jan. 24, Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 - Jan. 24, 1993) was the first African-American justice of 1993) was the first African-American justice of the US Supreme Court. Marshall was on the the US Supreme Court. Marshall was on the team of lawyers in the historic Supreme Court team of lawyers in the historic Supreme Court trial concerning school desegregation, Brown trial concerning school desegregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). As a result of this v. Board of Education (1954). As a result of this trial, the "separate but equal" doctrine in trial, the "separate but equal" doctrine in public education was overthrown. After a public education was overthrown. After a successful career as a lawyer and judge successful career as a lawyer and judge fighting for civil rights and women's rights, fighting for civil rights and women's rights, Marshall was appointed to the high court in Marshall was appointed to the high court in 1967 (by President Lyndon Baines Johnson). 1967 (by President Lyndon Baines Johnson). On the high court, Marshall continued his fight On the high court, Marshall continued his fight for human rights until he retired on June 27, for human rights until he retired on June 27, 1991. 1991.

Thurgood Thurgood MarshallMarshall

Elijah McCoyElijah McCoy Elijah McCoy was an inventor who was Elijah McCoy was an inventor who was

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

Elijah McCoyElijah McCoy

Satchel PaigeSatchel Paige Leroy "Satchel" Paige was a charismatic pitching star Leroy "Satchel" Paige was a charismatic pitching star

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

Satchel PaigeSatchel Paige

Rosa ParksRosa Parks Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 - October Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 - October

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

Rosa ParksRosa Parks

Colin PowellColin Powell Colin Powell became the first African-American Colin Powell became the first African-American

Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took office in 2001. Powell was a career soldier who office in 2001. Powell was a career soldier who fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a War. He rose through the ranks to become a general, then became national security adviser general, then became national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. Powell became to President Ronald Reagan. Powell became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces during the first Gulf War. Powell retired in during the first Gulf War. Powell retired in 1993 and published his autobiography, 1993 and published his autobiography, My My American JourneyAmerican Journey, in 1995. After years on the , in 1995. After years on the lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State in 2001. Bush to be Secretary of State in 2001.

Colin PowellColin Powell

Condoleezza RiceCondoleezza Rice Condoleezza Rice became U.S. Secretary of State in Condoleezza Rice became U.S. Secretary of State in

2005. She had earlier served as National Security 2005. She had earlier served as National Security Advisor under President Advisor under President George W. BushGeorge W. Bush from 2001- from 2001-2005. As a child, Rice was a gifted student and a 2005. As a child, Rice was a gifted student and a prodigy on the piano, and she entered college at the prodigy on the piano, and she entered college at the age of 15 with the intention of becoming a concert age of 15 with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. Along the way she was influenced by political pianist. Along the way she was influenced by political scientist Josef Korbel, the father of former U.S. scientist Josef Korbel, the father of former U.S. Secretary of State Secretary of State Madeleine AlbrightMadeleine Albright. Rice changed . Rice changed her plans and studied international politics, and by the her plans and studied international politics, and by the early 1980s she was teaching at Stanford University early 1980s she was teaching at Stanford University and becoming a prominent public voice on and becoming a prominent public voice on international affairs. She also worked with the international affairs. She also worked with the Pentagon and with the administration of Pentagon and with the administration of George BushGeorge Bush the elder as an expert on foreign affairs. the elder as an expert on foreign affairs.

Condoleezza RiceCondoleezza Rice

Jackie RobinsonJackie Robinson Jack (Jackie) Roosevelt Robinson (January Jack (Jackie) Roosevelt Robinson (January

31, 1912 - October 24, 1972) was the first 31, 1912 - October 24, 1972) was the first black man allowed to play major league black man allowed to play major league baseball. On April 11, 1947, Robinson baseball. On April 11, 1947, Robinson played his first major league baseball game played his first major league baseball game (he played for the New York Dodgers in an (he played for the New York Dodgers in an exhibition game against the New York exhibition game against the New York Yankees). Robinson played with the Yankees). Robinson played with the Dodgers for 10 years. He played in six Dodgers for 10 years. He played in six World Series and was the first African-World Series and was the first African-American in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in American in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in 1962). 1962).

Jackie RobinsonJackie Robinson

Wilma RudolphWilma Rudolph Wilma Rudolph sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960 Wilma Rudolph sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960

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

Wilma RudolphWilma Rudolph

Sojourner TruthSojourner Truth Sojourner Truth (1797?-1883) was an Sojourner Truth (1797?-1883) was an

American preacher who dedicated her life American preacher who dedicated her life to fighting for for civil and human rights. to fighting for for civil and human rights. She was born a slave in New York State, She was born a slave in New York State, but was freed in 1827. After becoming a but was freed in 1827. After becoming a preacher, she campaigned for the abolition preacher, she campaigned for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights. During of slavery and for women's rights. During the US Civil War, she helped black Union the US Civil War, she helped black Union soldiers obtain supplies and also worked soldiers obtain supplies and also worked as a counselor for the National Freedon as a counselor for the National Freedon Relief Association. Relief Association.

Sojourner TruthSojourner Truth

Harriet TubmanHarriet Tubman Harriet Tubman (1820 - 1913) escaped slavery Harriet Tubman (1820 - 1913) escaped slavery

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

Harriet TubmanHarriet Tubman

Booker T. Booker T. WashingtonWashington

Booker Taliafero Washington (April 15?, 1856 Booker Taliafero Washington (April 15?, 1856 - Nov. 15, 1915) was an orator, civil rights - Nov. 15, 1915) was an orator, civil rights activist, professor, writer, and poet. He was activist, professor, writer, and poet. He was born a slave in Virginia, but was freed by born a slave in Virginia, but was freed by Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (when Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (when it went into effect in the South, in 1865). it went into effect in the South, in 1865). Washington dedicated his life to education as Washington dedicated his life to education as a means of obtaining equality. He founded a means of obtaining equality. He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the National in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the National Negro Business League. Negro Business League.

Booker T. Booker T. WashingtonWashington

Denzel Denzel WashingtonWashington

Denzel Washington won an Oscar as best actor for his Denzel Washington won an Oscar as best actor for his role as a rogue cop in the 2001 film role as a rogue cop in the 2001 film Training DayTraining Day. It . It was his second Academy Award; he also won in 1989 was his second Academy Award; he also won in 1989 as best supporting actor for the Civil War film as best supporting actor for the Civil War film GloryGlory. . Washington got his early break on TV, playing Dr. Washington got his early break on TV, playing Dr. Phillip Chandler in the television drama Phillip Chandler in the television drama St. ElsewhereSt. Elsewhere (1982-88). He received critical praise for his role in the (1982-88). He received critical praise for his role in the movie movie A Soldier's StoryA Soldier's Story (1984), and was nominated for (1984), and was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for a supporting actor Oscar for Cry FreedomCry Freedom (1987). (1987). Washington worked steadily throughout the 1990s in Washington worked steadily throughout the 1990s in big-budget thrillers, comedies and dramas, including big-budget thrillers, comedies and dramas, including PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia (1993), (1993), Crimson TideCrimson Tide (1995) and (1995) and The The Preacher's WifePreacher's Wife (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the movie movie The HurricaneThe Hurricane (1999). (1999).

Denzel Denzel WashingtonWashington

Daniel Hale Daniel Hale WilliamsWilliams

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

Daniel Hale Daniel Hale WilliamsWilliams

Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey is the most successful female talk show Oprah Winfrey is the most successful female talk show

host in American TV history. She went into broadcasting host in American TV history. She went into broadcasting in the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV in the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, she landed a job on the morning show of she landed a job on the morning show of A.M. ChicagoA.M. Chicago in 1984. The next year she made her movie debut in in 1984. The next year she made her movie debut in The The Color PurpleColor Purple and was nominated for an Oscar. In 1986 and was nominated for an Oscar. In 1986 she launched she launched The Oprah Winfrey ShowThe Oprah Winfrey Show, a TV talk show , a TV talk show which featured celebrity interviews and discussions of which featured celebrity interviews and discussions of social issues. The show was a smash hit and within a social issues. The show was a smash hit and within a decade she was one of the richest women in the United decade she was one of the richest women in the United States. "Oprah's Book Club," a feature of her show States. "Oprah's Book Club," a feature of her show highlighting new books, became famous for its ability to highlighting new books, became famous for its ability to create bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own create bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own lifestyle magazine, lifestyle magazine, OO. .

Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey

Tiger WoodsTiger Woods Tiger Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major Tiger Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major

championships and is the sport's biggest superstar since championships and is the sport's biggest superstar since Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up celeb, Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up celeb, Woods was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl Woods was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl allegedly introduced Tiger to golf at age 9 months, and allegedly introduced Tiger to golf at age 9 months, and at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance putting with Bob Hope on putting with Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show. . Woods won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles (1994-Woods won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles (1994-96), and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract 96), and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. At age 21, Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters At age 21, Tiger Woods became the youngest Masters champ and the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to champ and the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to win in the first major he played. Woods opened wide a win in the first major he played. Woods opened wide a door of society in becoming the first African American, door of society in becoming the first African American, as well as the first Asian American, to win a major. as well as the first Asian American, to win a major.

Tiger WoodsTiger Woods

Malcolm XMalcolm X While in prison for burglary, Malcolm Little While in prison for burglary, Malcolm Little

adopted the Black Muslim faith and became a adopted the Black Muslim faith and became a minister of the Nation of Islam upon his release in minister of the Nation of Islam upon his release in 1952. As Malcolm X, he was a charismatic advocate 1952. As Malcolm X, he was a charismatic advocate of black separatism who rejected Martin Luther of black separatism who rejected Martin Luther King, Jr.’s policies of non-violence. Malcolm X broke King, Jr.’s policies of non-violence. Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam in 1964. That same year he with the Nation of Islam in 1964. That same year he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly afterwards made a pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly afterwards he embraced orthodox Islam and took the name El-he embraced orthodox Islam and took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his earlier more strident viewpoints on race, though he earlier more strident viewpoints on race, though he remained a staunch advocate of "black power." He remained a staunch advocate of "black power." He was shot to death by a group of men while giving a was shot to death by a group of men while giving a speech in New York City in 1965 speech in New York City in 1965

Malcolm XMalcolm X