Historical Figures
Entertainment
Josephine Baker
Though based in France, Josephine Baker supported the American Civil Rights Movement during the 1950s, and protested racism in her own unique way, adopting 12 multi-ethnic orphans, which she called her "Rainbow Tribe."
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Redd Foxx
Redd Foxx, whose comedic ingenuity continues to influence comedians of all ethnical backgrounds, was best known for his starring role in the controversial yet groundbreaking television program of the 1970s, "Sanford and Son."
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Eartha Kitt
At only eight years old, her mother gave her away to live with her aunt in Harlem. Despite her tumultuous childhood, Kitt grew up to become a legendary singer, actress, and cabaret star. She was perhaps best remembered for her 1953 hit Christmas song 'Santa Baby.'
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Nicholas Brothers
The dancing duo tapped their way into the hearts of all races. They appeared in several movies and became known as one of the most famous dancing teams of all time.
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Matthew "Stymie" Beard
Matthew Beard captured fans of all ages and race in the TV series “Our Gang”, also known as “The Little Rascals.” Despite his nickname “Stymie” which he later was quoted saying ‘was an insult’ to his ‘race,’ he overcame many barriers in the acting world and will forever be remembered for his comedic acting ability.
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William "Buckwheat" Thomas
One of the most popular of the “Little Rascals,” Thomas always defended that he and the rest of his black cast were treated as equals while acting in the hit comedy series “Our Gang.”
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Historical
Malcolm X
Malcolm X was a world renowned African American and human rights activist who, during the 1960s, was known for his powerful oratory skills and articulating racial pride.
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Bessie Coleman
Bessie "Queen Bess" Coleman was the first African American woman to become an airplane pilot, and the first American woman to hold an international pilot's license. She was also the first black licensed pilot in the world.
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Music
Chuck Berry
With hits like “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll over Beethoven,” Chuck Berry became one of the most influential guitar players of the 20th century and a pioneer of early rock ‘n’ roll music.
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Mary Wells
One of Motown’s biggest stars, Wells played a role in making black music part of the mainstream on radio airwaves and in record stores, "bridging the color lines in music at the time."
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Billie Holiday
Alongside Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday is considered one of the greatest Jazz singers of all time and was one of the first African American singers to perform with white musicians.
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Ella Fitzgerald
Known as the “First lady of Jazz”, Ella Fitzgerald was one of the most significant Jazz singers of the 20th century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy awards and sold over 40 million albums.
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Charlie Parker
Charlie "Yardbird" Parker was one of the most important and influential saxophonists and jazz players of the 1940s. He gained wide recognition for his brilliant solos and innovative improvisations.
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Marian Anderson
This legendary singer broke racial boundaries by being the first black singer in history to make an appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House, in New York City in 1955.
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Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie, a self taught jazz trumpet genius from the east coast, made his way into the spotlight as a pioneer of modern jazz during the 1940's and 1950's.
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Sports
Jackie Robinson
On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson changed the landscape of professional sports by becoming the first African American Major League Baseball player. He helped lead the Dodgers to six pennants and one World Series Championship.
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Floyd Patterson
Former heavyweight boxer and Olympic gold medalist, Floyd Patterson retired with an impressive career record of 55 wins and 8 losses to become one of the most respected fighters in boxing history.
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"Sugar" Ray Robinson
Considered pound for pound the best boxer of all time, Sugar Ray Robinson was a holder of many boxing records, including the first boxer in history to win a divisional world championship five times.
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Joe Louis
Nicknamed “The Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis won 68 fights (54 by way of KO) and is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and one of the most interesting figures in sports history.
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AJ Ratliff
Ratliff is a former Indiana University guard who was Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 2004 and played four seasons at Indiana University.
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Roy Campanella
Roy Campanella, a Hall of Fame catcher, is considered to be one of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball.
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Fergie Jenkins
Ferguson Arthur “Fergie” Jenkins was a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and he is considered to be the anchor of the 13 Black Aces, a book written about black baseball players who have won at least 20 Major League Baseball games in a single season.
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Monte Irvin
Baseball historians argue that Monte Irvin would have been the first African American Major League Baseball player if it were not for refusing Branch Rickey’s proposal to play for the Dodgers in 1945.
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Lou Brock
With a career batting average of .293 and memberships in the 3,000 hit club and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Lou Brock’s name is often included in conversations about the best left fielders to have ever played the game.
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Buck Buchanan
In 1963, Buchanan was the first player selected overall in the AFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Willie Brown
William Ferdie Brown is a retired cornerback and currently on the staff of the Oakland Raiders.
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Ollie Matson
Ollie Genoa Matson II is a former professional running back who played in the National Football League (1952, and 1954-1966).
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Willie Davis
Willie D. Davis was a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns and the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League.
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Dick Lane
Richard "Dick" Lane (April 16, 1928 – January 29, 2002) nicknamed "Night Train", was best known as a defensive back for the Detroit Lions.
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Arthur Ashe
As one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Arthur Ashe remains the only African American male to have won the men's singles competition at Wimbledon. He left his mark not only on the game of tennis, but also on society as a whole.
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Jim Hines
Amidst rising racial tensions, Jim Hines set the world record in the 100 meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics – a record that would stand for 15 years. He is a member of the International and United States Track and Field Hall of Fame.
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Florence Griffith Joyner
Florence Griffith Joyner, known simply as “Flo-Jo,” was an American athlete, Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 100 and 200 meter dash. She captured the attention of the world with her speed, grace, and charm.
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Al Joyner
In 1984, Alfredrick Alphonzo Joyner was an Olympic gold medalist in the triple jump.
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