Willi Smith
Photo by Martine Barrat Fashion designer Willi Smith’s influence on fashion culture and streetwear is unparalleled. His clothing line, WilliWear, grossed over $25 million…
Carl Maxie Brashear
U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons Carl Maxie Brashear was the U.S. Navy’s first African American master diver, the highest designation possible for a Navy diver. The…
Nichelle Nichols
Bettmann / Bettmann Archive via Getty Images In 1966, Nichelle Nichols became one of the first Black women to appear in a leading role…
Maggie L. Walker
Photo courtesy of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1864, Maggie L. Walker became the first woman to…
bell hooks
Photo courtesy of The Bell Hooks Institute The words of feminist, cultural critic and intellectual bell hooks have the power to stick with you.…
B.C. Franklin
Photo courtesy of the Tennessee State Library and Archives B.C. (Buck Colbert) Franklin was the son of a Black father and mixed mother of…
Paul Robeson
Photo courtesy of Rutgers Special Collections and University Archives Paul Robeson was an All-American athlete, scholar, baritone, stage actor, and social activist. The son…
Dr. John A. Kenney, Sr.
Photo courtesy of Linda Kenney Miller Dr. John A. Kenney, Sr. was a trailblazer for Black doctors. He graduated first in his class at…
Dr. Maya Angelou
Photo by Chester Higgins, Jr. Dr. Maya Angelou is considered one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. She has received more…
Betty White
Photo by Bob Riha, Jr. via Getty Images Betty White was a national treasure. Three weeks before her 100th birthday, she passed away at…