Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator and activist, serving as president of the National Association of Colored Women and founding the National Council of Negro Women.
1875-1955
1924-2009
Chadwick Boseman is an American actor known for his roles on the TV show Lincoln Heights and as baseball great Jackie Robinson in the biopic 42.
1982-
James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," was a prolific singer, songwriter and bandleader, as well as one of the most iconic figures in funk and soul music from 1956 to 2006.
1933-2006
John C. Calhoun was an American congressman, secretary of war, seventh vice president, senator and secretary of state. He championed states' rights and slavery.
1782-1850
Chubby Checker was an early rock 'n' roller who had a hit with the song and dance sensation, "The Twist."
1941-
Alice Childress is an African-American playwright associated with the Harlem Renaissance. She is also the author of several young adult novels.
1916-1994
Septima Poinsette Clark was a pioneering educator and activist who championed teacher’s rights with organizations like the NAACP.
1898-1987
Viola Davis has earned raves for such films as Doubt and The Help, and for such Broadway plays as King Hedley II and Fences.
1965-
Actor and comedian Andy Dick has appeared in such shows as News Radio, Less Than Perfect and Dancing with the Stars.
1965-
1923-2003
1939-
John Edwards served in the U.S. Senate from 1998 to 2004. He was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in the 2004 election, and twice ran for president.
1953-
1883-1941
Tyler Florence is best known for hosting Food Network's Food 911, How to Boil Water, Tyler's Ultimate and The Great Food Truck Race.
1971-
Joe Frazier was the world heavyweight boxing champion from February 1970 until January 1973 and fought in the famous "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975.
1944-2011
Lyricist and movie producer Arthur Freed brought us Singin' in the Rain (1952), An American in Paris (1952) and Gigi (1958).
1894-1973
1976-
Leeza Gibbons is an entertainment personality. She's known for hosting the TV shows Entertainment Tonight and Extra, as well as her own radio show, Hollywood Confidential.
1957-
Tennis star Althea Gibson was the first African American to play at Wimbledon. She also broke racial barriers in professional golf.
1927-2003
1948-
A jazz trumpeter and composer, Dizzy Gillespie played with Charlie Parker and developed the music known as "bebop." His best-known compositions include "Oop Bob Sh' Bam," "Groovin' High," "Salt Peanuts" and "A Night in Tunisia."
1917-1993
1979-
Abolitionist and feminist Sarah Moore Grimké and her sister Angelina were the first women to testify before a state legislature on the issue of blacks' rights.
1792-1873
Nikki Haley was elected governor of South Carolina in 2010, becoming both the first female and Indian-American to fill the role.
1972-
Charlayne Hunter-Gault is best known as one of two African-American students first admitted to the University of Georgia and is an award-winning journalist.
1942-
Jesse Jackson Jr. is the son of the famous Reverend Jesse Jackson. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2012.
1965-
Jesse Jackson is an American civil rights leader, Baptist minister and politician who twice ran for U.S. president.
1941-
Joe Jackson was a top major league baseball player during the early 20th century who was ousted from the sport for his alleged role in game fixing.
1887-1951
Singer and actress Eartha Kitt is best known for her holiday song "Santa Baby," and for playing Catwoman in the 1960's TV show Batman.
1927-2008
Andie MacDowell is an American actress and model notable for her roles in Sex, Lies and Videotape, Short Cuts, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Groundhog Day.
1958-
Former U.S. Representative Eric Massa served just over a year in the House before he was accused of sexual misconduct with a male staffer.
1959-
1863-1939
1964-
1935-2001
Charles Pinckney was an American Founding Father, governor of South Carolina and signer of the U.S. Constitution.
1757-1824
Charles Cotesworth Pinckney was an American Revolutionary War veteran, South Carolina legislator and two-time presidential candidate.
1746-1825
Melvin Purvis was the FBI agent responsible for bringing several notorious criminals to justice, among them outlaws John Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd.
1903-1960
1834-1882
Former Saturday Night Live castmember Chris Rock has appeared in such films as Bad Company and is the creator of the television show Everybody Hates Chris.
1965-
Darius Rucker is a singer/songwriter known as the frontman of the musical group Hootie & the Blowfish and as a solo country artist.
1966-
Junior Senator Tim Scott is the seventh African American to win election to the U.S. Senate. He is also a former U.S. representative for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District.
1965-
1839-1915
Susan Smith is best known for her murder of her two sons in order to carry on a relationship with a man.
1971-
Charlotta Spears Bass was a journalist and activist who, as editor of the California Eagle, championed African-American equality and freedom.
1874-1969
Strom Thurmond served as a U.S. senator for South Carolina from 1956 to 2003, during which time he switched from Democrat to Republican due to his opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act. He resigned from the Senate at age 100—becoming the oldest congressman in U.S. history.
1902-2003
1847-1918
1878-1958
William Westmoreland was a U.S. Army general who made a name for himself as commander of American troops in Vietnam.
1914-2005
Vanna White is the longtime co-host of the popular game show Wheel of Fortune.
1957-