Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, and playwright whose African-American themes made him a primary contributor to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
Rosa Parks
Civil rights activist Rosa Parks refused to surrender her bus seat to a white passenger, spurring the Montgomery boycott and other efforts to end segregation.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, often called the English national poet, is widely considered the greatest dramatist of all time.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman escaped slavery to become a leading abolitionist. She led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom along the route of the Underground Railroad.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Kirsten Gillibrand is a U.S. lawyer and politician from New York who's served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
R. Kelly
R. Kelly is a popular American R&B singer-songwriter and record producer best known for his gospel-tinged vocals and highly sexualized lyrics.
Chris Pratt
Chris Pratt is an American actor who became known for his work on 'Parks and Recreation,' before graduating to leading man status with the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'Jurassic World' films.
Jeff Bezos
American entrepreneur Jeff Bezos is the founder and chief executive officer of Amazon.com and owner of 'The Washington Post.' His successful business ventures have made him one of the richest people in the world.
Theresa May
Theresa May is Britain's first female Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher. Previously, she was one of the longest serving home secretaries in British history.
James McAvoy
James McAvoy is a Scottish actor best known for his roles in The Last King of Scotland (2006), Atonement (2007) and X-Men: First Class (2011).
BIOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER
Sign up for the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.
Jeffrey Dahmer's Life (and Death) in Prison
His heinous crimes and murders sentenced him to life in prison, but after less than three years behind bars, the cold-blooded killer became the victim.
Nathuram Godse: Learn About the Man Who Assassinated Gandhi
Primarily remembered as a “fanatic” or “extremist,” Gandhi's killer was influenced by an unusual upbringing and the turbulent politics of his time, which ultimately led to him murdering the activist.
How Ulysses S. Grant Earned the Nickname 'Unconditional Surrender Grant'
With Grant only accepting a total Confederate surrender during the Battle of Fort Donelson, the Civil War changed its course — and gave the future president a new moniker.
Meet Bernie Taupin, the Writer Behind Elton John's Biggest Hits
As lyricist to Elton John for more than 50 years, Bernie Taupin has penned songs like "Your Song," "Bennie and the Jets" and "Crocodile Rock."
How George Washington Carver Went From Slave to Educational Pioneer
Dodging roadblock after roadblock, the "peanut man" was determined to leave a lasting legacy.
Oprah Winfrey's Best Talk Show Moments
Over 25 seasons, 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' was known for leading the conversation, bringing issues to the forefront and of course, the giveaways.
Madam C.J. Walker and 9 Black Inventors Who Changed Your Life
From hair care products to the ironing board, the creations from these African-Americans still impact your everyday life.
Meet Elizabeth Kloepfer, Ted Bundy's Former Girlfriend
The divorced, single mom had a long-term relationship with the serial killer. He tried to kill her once — but she didn't know until later.
Carol Channing: 6 Facts About the Broadway Star
From 'Hello, Dolly!' to the Super Bowl halftime show, Channing had a life well spent during her 97 years.
Carol Channing, Broadway’s Beloved Dolly and Lorelei, Dies at 97
The performer passed away at her home in California.
George Washington Carver’s Unusual Circle of Friends
The botanist and inventor was unlikely friends with some of the 20th century's most iconic men.
Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali’s Surprising Secret Friendship
In public, the men were diametrically opposed. In private, they identified with one another.
Nelson Mandela: 10 Photos of the South African President With Other World Leaders
Over the course of his 95 years, Mandela shook hands with many iconic figures.
Jackie Robinson Family Album: 9 Photos of the Baseball Player With His Loved Ones
The first African-American professional player in Major League Baseball had support from his family on and off the field.
Jean-Michel Basquiat and 9 Black Visual Artists Who Broke Barriers
Whether they be sculptors, painters, photographers, directors, or illustrators, African-American visual artists have made a name for themselves throughout history.
Chris Rock and 9 of the Greatest Black Comedians of All Time
These African-American comedians have entertained audiences for decades with their humor.
Naomi Campbell and 10 Black Models Who Owned the Runway
These models defied the odds and became some of the most famous faces in fashion.
Jesse Jackson and 6 Black Politicians Who Ran for President of the United States
Barack Obama may have been the first black president elected to the White House, but many tried before him.
Shirley Chisholm and the 9 Other First Black Women in Congress
These political pioneers broke racial and gender barriers during their time as members of the House of Representatives.
Oprah Winfrey: All the Ways the First Black Female Billionaire Has Made History
From talk show host and business entrepreneur to actor and philanthropist, there is little the "Queen of All Media" hasn't done — and dominated — throughout her career.
George H.W. and Barbara Bush’s Amazing Love Story
The Bush’s 73-year-long marriage — the longest for any presidential couple in U.S. history—weathered war, politics and the loss of a child.
Muhammad Ali: 8 of the Boxer's Best Fight Moments
"The Greatest" had 61 matches during his career - and won 56 of them.
Malcolm X: 10 Inspiring Quotes From the Minister & Human Rights Activist
The African-American leader spoke out about freedom, equality and civil rights.
Aretha Franklin and 11 Other Black Singers Who Got Their Start in Church
These popular African-American vocalists can trace their musical roots from the Lord's house to the top of the charts.