Black History

Featured Black History Groups

From science to the arts, to social activism to philanthropy, explore the famous people who've contributed to Black History's indelible legacy, and whose achievements are highlighted during Black History Month. See our featured selections below, and meet more fascinating people in these groups: African-American Biopics, African-American Expats, African-American Firsts Athletes, Apollo Legends, Famous Black Artists, Famous Black Lawyers, Famous Black Scientists, Famous Black Writers, Famous Harlem Renaissance People, Million-Dollar Ideas.

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  • In this group:
  • Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Rosa Parks
  • Booker T. Washington

  130 others

  Famous Black Activists

  African-Americans have a long history of activism in America, from fighting for the right to vote to pushing for integrated public spaces. Activists like Stokely Carmichael organized freedom rides, James Meredith fought to integrate blacks and whites at the University of Mississippi, and Rosa Parks instigated the Montgomery Bus Boycott. These protests were often legal and nonviolent, and made a powerful impact on civil rights in the United States. With the help of activists like these—and many others—the country slowly worked to acknowledge the basic rights and contributions of African-Americans. Activists outisde of the U.S. include Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, who have fought against apartheid in South Africa. Learn more about the many black activists who fought against the odds in order to achieve equality.

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  Famous Black Activists

  
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  • In this group:
  • Jackie Robinson
  • Michael Jordan
  • Muhammad Ali

  144 others

  Famous Black Athletes

  They've sprinted, served, batted, slam-dunked and TKO'd their way into sports history. Sprinter Jesse Owens's Olympic triumphs put Hitler to shame. Basketball star Michael Jordan taught kids that they could fly. Gymnast Gabby Douglas showed that champions can come in pint-size packages, and Tiger Woods brought the game of golf to another level. Explore biographies of famous black athletes who broke records and barriers and, ultimately, captured our imaginations.

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  Famous Black Athletes

  

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  6 others

  Famous Black Entertainers

  Black entertainers have thrilled us like no other. Whether it be trailblazing comedians like Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy, the soulful voices of Louis Armstrong and Whitney Houston, the featherlight moonwalk of Michael Jackson, or the heartfelt, thought-provoking conversations of talk show icon Oprah Winfrey, browse our collection of famous black entertainers and learn how their contributions have changed the entertainment world forever. 

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  Famous Black Entertainers

  
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  • In this group:
  • Malcolm X
  • Tupac Shakur
  • W.E.B. Du Bois

  59 others

  Famous Harlem Residents

  After the Civil War, many of the country's best and brightest black advocates, artists, entrepreneurs and intellectuals moved to the New York City neighborhood of Harlem. Thanks largely to the efforts of these residents, Harlem became both the cradle of a cultural revolution and the heart of the civil rights movement. Meet some of the many people who gave—and continue to give—this neighborhood a voice, simply by calling it home.

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  Famous Harlem Residents

  
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  • In this group:
  • George Washington Carver
  • Madam C.J. Walker
  • Garrett Morgan

  13 others

  Famous Black Inventors

  They are among history's most revered black inventors, known for their relentless inquisition, passionate research, impeccable design and, most importantly, their desire to push the envelope. Some of the world's greatest technological and social advancements, including the modern-day gas mask, light bulb and traffic light, owe their origins to black inventors. Did you know that George Washington Carver developed more than 100 products using peanuts? Or that Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire? Learn more about these inventors, as well as Lonnie G. Johnson, Garrett Morgan, Patricia Bath, Percy Julian and more, at Biography.com.

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  Famous Black Inventors

  
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  • In this group:
  • Bill Cosby
  • Will Smith
  • Whoopi Goldberg

  30 others

  Black Comedians

  From the early comedy of Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby to the contemporary routines of Steve Harvey, Mo'Nique, Chris Rock, Wanda Sykes and Dave Chappelle, black comedians have often used their wit to become the voice and face of the African-American experience. These legendary comedians have also set a very high bar—not only for African Americans, but for all comics trying to make it in show business. Learn more about these famous jokesters, from their early days to their comic beginnings, to their side-splitting performances and more.

  View pictures of famous black comedians.

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  Black Comedians

  

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