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Browse notable activists such as Pink, Quincy Jones, and Robert Kennedy.

Browse our collection of history's most famous artists, whose striking, pioneering artwork has depicted progressive interpretations as well as personal and historic events. Explore full biographies, and view photos and videos, of notable artists such as Jeff Koons, Romare Bearden, Jackson Pollack, Andy Warhol, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and more, only at Biography.com.

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.

They are the famous African-American artists who have exquisitely shared portrayals of historic events and individuals, cultural perspectives, and the experiences and struggles of minorities through their artwork. Examine our list of pivotal black artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, who helped to bring African-American and Latino experiences into the elite art world through his graffiti works; Augusta Savage, a sculptor and leading artist of the Harlem Renaissance, who experienced racial discrimination by an art program's selection committee; and Kara Walker, who has used paper silhouettes to depict race and gender relations.

"Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love." Stated by legendary civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., these words represent a basic human philosophy to which black history's greatest leaders have passionately subscribed. Learn more about the world's most revered civil rights activists, known for their fight against social injustices and lasting impact on the lives of black citizens, including Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Nelson Mandela, Nina Simone, Mary McLeod Bethune, Lena Horne, Marva Collins, Rosa Parks, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

View pictures of famous civil rights activists.

The output of prominent female artists over the centuries has showcased a wide range of ideas. The passionate, full-bodied paintings of Artemisia Gentileschi, the distinctive tribal masks of Lois Mailou Jones and the lush colors of Georgia O’Keefer’s floral works immediately call us to attention. Berthe Morisot’s pastoral serenity stands in contrast to the layered silhouettes of Kara Walker. These mythmakers and their contemporaries take us on unforgettable trips that touch on our dreams and desires.

Visit Biography.com's Women's History group to explore more biographies, photos and videos of some the world's most fascinating women.

The quest for civil rights for people of all races and economic backgrounds has been a fundamental part of U.S. history. Those who have worked directly in community organizing and empowerment, such as Dorothy Height, Marian Wright Edelman and Dolores Huerta, inspire us with their vision and strength of character. Then there are those who use the arts to create poignant messages on justice. Whether using music, literature or sculpture, figures like Joan Baez, June Jordan, Miriam Makeba, Augusta Savage and Alice Walker have imparted wisdom to last through the ages.

Visit Biography.com's Women's History group to explore more biographies, photos and videos of some the world's most fascinating women.

Women educators have played an indispensable role in helping us understand our humanity and the globe around us, often with a passion for specific interests. Prudence Crandall and Charlotte Hawkins Brown advocated for African Americans to receive equal education and Helen Keller used her life experience to become a staunch advocate for the blind. More recently Sally Ride implemented specialized programs to get girls involved in science and math and Temple Grandin shared innovative ideas on autism and animal treatment. These examples are barely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the amount of information offered by the following group of stalwart thinkers.

Visit Biography.com's Women's History group to explore more biographies, photos and videos of some the world's most fascinating women.

Like in Gone With the Wind, The Sun Also Rises after Twilight, even in a Pet Cemetary Where the Wild Things Are. But let's not be too morbid and discuss creepy things like The Satanic Verses or try to get an Interview With a Vampire from The Stranger Who Professes 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' Going round in round like this, you may never know Where the Sidewalk Ends, and that would be unfortunate since Uncle Tom's Cabin is just around the corner...

Okay, we could go on, but we won't torture you. You get the point. Our attempt at creative writing is nothing compared to the imaginative minds of our Famous Fiction Authors Group.

Browse notable painters such as Frida Kahlo, Romare Bearden, and Georges Braque.

Browse notable teachers such as Miguel de Unamuni, Ralph Ellison, and Augusta Savage.

Women and men have continued the call for full-fledged women’s rights in a number of venues, including voting access, fair treatment in the workplace and reproductive and sexual freedom. Find out more about this eclectic and electric group of global activists who include Shirin Ebadi, Coretta Scott King, Asra Nomani and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

Visit Biography.com's Women's History group to explore more biographies, photos and videos of some the world's most fascinating women.