Past a certain point, my family’s history just… stops. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Famous African Americans African Americans were historically one of the most discriminated groups in the USA. Many Southern States continued to treat blacks as second class citizens by adopting the “Jim Crow” laws which required blacks to eat at separate restaurants, study at separate schools and use separate transportation. "Hello, Dolly!" Delightful to see historical and contemporary. Mae Jemison. Share on Facebook. Seven Famous African-American Masters of American Art - Atlanta Art Gallery. Despite the fact that African Americans have been suppressed in every possible way for many centuries, they have a rich culture and history. https://www.pinterest.com/genealogybank/famous-black-americans-in-history Several famous actors, musicians, and athletes were born in Africa. Obviously, there are many more famous African Americans than can be listed on a single page, but considering the challenges they've had to face throughout American History, it seems only fitting to acknowledge the many great contributions of African Americans to American culture over the past several hundred years. His father was Kenyan and the first of his family to leave Africa. Anderson was born in ... × Close Assign Famous African Americans: Maya Angelou. His ancestors lived in New England and the South and by the 1800s most were in the Midwest. With the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement, led by leaders such as well-known African Americans like Martin Luther King Jr., Booker T. Washington and Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights Act was adopted in 1964. Notable African American actors, in both movies and theatre have made their mark as well. First African American Woman To Travel To Space. In 1988, Bath became the first African-American woman physician to receive a medical patent with her Laserphaco Probe, which improved cataract treatment. He attended North Central High School. The African-American community has produced numerous outstanding scientists and inventors. Today African American cultural influence is pervasive, with their representation in media, sports, entertainment, politics and society being on the rise. The West African-born poet spent most of her life enslaved, working for John Wheatley and his wife as a servant in the mid-1700s. Paintings, sculpture, graphics, and architectural and decorative … Pharrell Williams. African Americans have made history in various fields such as science, sports, music, politics, and much more, but did you know that there are also some inspiring African American explorers who made awesome discoveries? One of her central causes has been education for disadvantaged children. "Hello, Dolly!" Tolkien (1892-1973). Minority contributions to the cultural heritage of our nation have too often been overlooked and unrecognized in our schools. Minority contributions to the cultural heritage of our nation have too often been overlooked and unrecognized in our schools. The contralto is the lowest female voice. As famous African American women (like former first lady Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tamron Hall, and Gabrielle Union, to mention a few), they have made a name for themselves while simultaneously creating a platform for so many more to follow in their footsteps. He represented Kenya at the Commonwealth games before switching nationality. Black men and women made great contributions to American society throughout the 20th century, advancing civil rights as well as science, government, sports, and entertainment. Slavery was rife in the 18th and 19th centuries and black people were treated as nothing more than mere possessions. Loosely defined, African Americans are people whose ancestral heritage is tied to Africa as well as America. In addition to publishing scientific articles, he had a love of music. Benjamin was an essayist, inventor, mathematician, and an astronomer. Nevertheless, African Americans have made basic and lasting contributions to American history and Books like Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" and "Beloved" by Toni Morrison are masterpieces of fiction, while Maya Angelou and Alex Haley have made major contributions to literature, poetry, autobiography, and pop culture. Share5Tweet5Pin56Flip+1Share66 SharesIn celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing 40-Thought Provoking Quotes by Famous African Americans. Even today, his name is synonymous with Native American culture, and he is considered to be one of the most famous Native Americans ever. In 1851, gave a famous extemporaneous speech “Ain’t I a woman?” which supported equal rights for blacks and women. 17 October 1956, American. and "What a Wonderful World" are two of this musician's top hits. Marian Anderson Louis Armstrong Some of the famous African-Americans are featured below. Marian Anderson was a very famous African American singer. Artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Missy Elliott, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, B.B. Although in the 20th century slavery was officially outlawed, the unjust treatment of African Americans was far from over. This list of famous African Americans is a quick reference guide. He has acted in many movies, including Dr. Strangelove (1963) and Star Wars (as the voice of Darth Vader). Chris Froome – The Kenyan-born Brit learnt to cycle in Kenya and later South Africa. African American History Timeline: 1619 - 2008 . 681 likes. Hank Aaron. There would be no jazz music today were it not for the contributions of artists like Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong, who were instrumental in the evolution of this uniquely American music genre. Some African-American comedians and rappers are also on this list, having found success in a movie, or two. In the music industry too, African Americans have dominated the scene. Alexa Canady. However, because of centuries of under representation, they still lag behind culturally and socially in many aspects of society. https://www.oprahmag.com/life/g25954127/african-american-historical-figures African Americans are also active in the field of literary activism and politics. Whatsapp. Prominent African Americans. In celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing 40-Thought Provoking Quotes by Famous African Americans. Some, like Olympic track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, have set new records for athletic achievement. He wrote "Roots: The Saga of an American Family".He told the story of his family from the time they were captured in Africa (1750) until about 1870. He wrote "Roots: The Saga of an American Family".He told the story of his family from the time they were captured in Africa (1750) until about 1870. Multiple Nobel Prize winners were even born in Africa. Wangari Maathai led a life full of struggle. James Earl Jones (January 17, 1931 -) is an African-American actor who is famous for his deep, resonant voice and powerful presence. Others, like Jackie Robinson, also are remembered for courageously breaking longstanding racial barriers in their sport. Lonzo Ball (African-American father)—professional basketball player; LiAngelo Ball (African-American … 1619 The first African American indentured servants arrive in the American colonies. By 1690, every colony has slaves. Important and Famous African Americans. 05 April 1973, American. Seven Famous African-American Masters of American Art - Atlanta Art Gallery. People of African American descent have been subjected to slavery, racial discrimination and other forms of cruelty for several decades. African Americans are largely the descendants of enslaved people who were brought from their African homelands by force to work in the New World. Their rights were severely limited, and they were long denied a rightful share in the economic, social, and political progress of the United States. Famous African Americans admit shocking facts about racism. Minority Artists from Americaõs beginning have made outstanding contributions to American art history. 27 … October 8, 2018. Black History Daily Lesson - Famous African Americans: Celebrate Black History Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. w/ activities and resources from Internet 4 Classrooms But African Americans have been essential to all aspects of music, from opera singer Marian Anderson to pop icon Michael Jackson. However things began to change in the late 19th century with the likes of civil rights activists like John Lewis, Samuel Ringgold Ward, and Harriet Tubman raising … Is it a major issue today? Jennifer Rosenberg is a historian and writer who specializes in 20th-century history. Some, like Sidney Poitier, challenged racial attitudes with his role in popular films like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," while others, such as Oprah Winfrey, have become media moguls and cultural icons. No survey of 20th-century American literature would be complete without major contributions from Black writers. Whether performing on stage, in films, or on TV, Black Americans entertained the United States throughout the 20th century. DTugui. Fisher was an African-American physician, radiologist, novelist, short story writer, dramatist, musician, and orator. Atlas » Learn more about the world with our collection of regional and country maps. Because of his dark skin and great intellect he was called the "sable genius," Benjamin was a self-taught mathematician and astronomer. Others, like Black journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett and scholar W.E.B. And don't worry: We'll be updating this list regularly. Allen Iverson. Famous African Americans free download - African Americans in STEM, MP3 WAV Converter, American McGee's Alice, and many more programs Check out these 16 most famous African American female slaves. African Americans - African Americans - Slavery in the United States: Black slaves played a major, though unwilling and generally unrewarded, role in laying the economic foundations of the United States—especially in the South. If you don’t, you’re not alone. African American chemist Percy Julian was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs such as cortisone, steroids and birth control pills. New York City would continue to serve as a catalyst for African American artists for decades, with Jean-Michel Basquiat among the Big Apple's most famous artists—and contemporary art's most universally recognized figures. Renowned poets and writers such as Maya Angelou and Zora Neale Hurst are foremost names that come to mind. World renowned actors and directors such as Martin Lawrence, Morgan Freeman, Spike Lee, Sidney Poitier, Laurence Fishburne and Denzel Washington are paid millions of dollars for their work. Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) Known For: Being the first African-American in Major League Baseball. 40-Thought Provoking Quotes by Famous African Americans “I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. Read on for more information about the life and works of famous African Americans. 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