GROUPS
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 VIDEO
Featured Harlem Residents
Meet famous people such as James Baldwin, Althea Gibson, Dustin Hoffman, Zora Neale Hurston, Thurgood Marshall, Nina Simone, and many others who called Harlem, New York "home" at one point in their lives.
See all Famous Harlem Residents (62)
-
Maya Angelou
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Famous Black Writers
- Famous Lookalikes
Maya Angelou
Author, Poet / 1928 -
Maya Angelou is a poet and prize-winning memoirist. She is the author of the critically acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
-
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 whose bitting criticism of societal problems defined his genius. His best known play is Death of a Salesman.
-
Samuel L. Jackson
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Gap-Toothed Grinners
- Sober Celebs
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.
-
Louis Armstrong
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Gap-Toothed Grinners
- Famous Jazz Musicians
Louis Armstrong
Singer, Trumpet Player / 1901 - 1971
Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter, bandleader, singer, soloist, film star and comedian. Considered one of the most influential artists in jazz history, he is known for songs like "Star Dust," "La Via En Rose" and "What a Wonderful World."
-
Lena Horne
- In these groups:
- Famous Harlem Residents
- Apollo Legends
- Blacklisted
Lena Horne
Civil Rights Activist, Actress, Dancer, Pin-up, Singer / 1917 - 2010
Actress and singer Lena Horne was one of the most popular performers of her time, known for films such as The Wiz and her trademark song, "Stormy Weather."
-
Sean "Puffy" Combs
Sean "Puffy" Combs
Entrepreneur, Music Producer, 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.
Black History People
-
Black History Groups
Learn more about the lives of African-Americans who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, with our collection of Black History Groups.
Explore our curated collections of African-American figures, including:
Black History Videos
-
Black History Videos
Watch full episodes of Black History icons, record-breakers and leaders. See how famous figures like Barack Obama, Abraham Lincoln and Jackie Robinson changed history. See all videos.
Black History Photos
-
Black History Photos
Flip through these photos of some of Black History's most important, controversial and inspiring figures. Check out our African-American Firsts - Athletes, Black Comedians, Million-Dollar Ideas, African-American Biopics, African-American Expats, or explore all of our Black History photos.
Classroom
-
Black History Timeline
Celebrate the historical icons of America's black community through this interactive journey.

Prince William
Famous Astronauts
Kanye West
My Ghost Story
I Survived
Liberace
Annie Oakley
I Survived




