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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.
Featured Harlem Residents
See all Famous Harlem Residents (62)
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Maya Angelou
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Black Writers
- Famous Arians
Maya Angelou
Author, Poet / 1928 -
Maya Angelou is a poet and prize winning autobiographical novelist. She is the author of the critically acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
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Arthur Miller
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Blacklisted
- Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller
Arthur Miller
Playwright / 1915 - 2005
Arthur Miller was an American playwright who combined social awareness with a concern for his characters' inner lives, such as in his Death of a Salesman.
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Samuel L. Jackson
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Black Entertainers
- Gap-Toothed Grinners
Samuel L. Jackson
Film Actor / 1948 -
Samuel L. Jackson is known as one of the hardest working Hollywood actors. In 2011, he was named the highest-grossing actor of all time.
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Louis Armstrong
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Black Entertainers
- Gap-Toothed Grinners
Louis Armstrong
Singer, Trumpet Player / 1901 - 1971
Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian. He is considered one of the most influential artists in jazz history.
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Lena Horne
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Apollo Legends
- Famous Black Entertainers
Lena Horne
Civil Rights Activist, Film Actress, Theater Actress, Pin-up, Singer / 1917 - 2010
Actress and singer Lena Horne became one of the most popular singers of her time, known for such films as The Wiz and her trademark song, "Stormy Weather."
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Sean "Puffy" Combs
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Black Entertainers
- African-American Biopics
Sean "Puffy" Combs
Entrepreneur, Rapper / 1969 -
Entrepreneur Sean Combs has produced big-name artists like Mariah Carey, created the Sean John clothing line, and recorded his own platinum albums.
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