Who was the first African-American boxing champ? How about World Cycling champ? Who was the first African-American to win an Olympic gold medal? What year did Jackie Robinson break baseball's color barrier? Who was Althea Gibson and what first did she achieve? Detail our collection of pioneering African-American athletes for the answers to these and many more questions, and explore our African-American Firsts: Athletes photos gallery.
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.
Browse notable football players such as Walter Payton, Brett Favre, and Ernie Davis.
Meet famous people past and present who were born in the month of March. Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Alexander Graham Bell, Eric Clapton, Billy Crystal, Shaquille O'Neal are just some of the folks who share a March birthday.
Take a look at famous people named Willie, such as Willie Mays, Willie Nelson, and Willie Garson.
View famous people who died in 2002 such as Aileen Wuornos, John Gotti, and Waylon Jennings.
Meet famous people like Arthur Ashe, Whitney Houston, and Mr. Rogers, who died in the month of February.