JeopardyJeopardyGreat Black Great Black AmericansAmericansin honor ofin honor of

Black American Black American History MonthHistory MonthSecond Grade Social StudiesSecond Grade Social Studies

National African American National African American History MonthHistory Month

National African American History National African American History Month is observed each February as Month is observed each February as a time to recognize the contributions a time to recognize the contributions of African Americans to the culture of African Americans to the culture at large. This celebration has its at large. This celebration has its origins in Negro History Week, origins in Negro History Week, which was established in 1926 by which was established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.Dr. Carter G. Woodson.

Famous Black AmericansFamous Black Americans

There are hundreds of famous black There are hundreds of famous black Americans, but there are those more Americans, but there are those more famous than other we will study this famous than other we will study this month.month.

These famous black Americans include These famous black Americans include athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, athletes, actors, musicians, scientists, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, inventors, former slaves, teachers, poets, civil rights leaders, politicians, and civil rights leaders, politicians, and writers. These important people made writers. These important people made advances for all black Americans today.advances for all black Americans today.

She spent her childhood in a small She spent her childhood in a small Southern community. She attended Southern community. She attended an all-black school. Maya moved to an all-black school. Maya moved to San Fransisco when she was a San Fransisco when she was a teenager. She studied drama, teenager. She studied drama, dance, and music. She wrote about dance, and music. She wrote about her childhood in the South and her childhood in the South and became a famous author. She also became a famous author. She also wrote poetry, plays, and a TV series.wrote poetry, plays, and a TV series.

He hit 755 home runs during his major league He hit 755 home runs during his major league baseball career, making him America's all-time home baseball career, making him America's all-time home run leader for the next three decades. He hit number run leader for the next three decades. He hit number 715 on 8 April 1974, moving him past the record 714 715 on 8 April 1974, moving him past the record 714 career homers of Babe Ruth. Much like Roger Maris, career homers of Babe Ruth. Much like Roger Maris, he was maligned by some fans who thought he was he was maligned by some fans who thought he was somehow unfit to surpass the mighty Ruth. (Racism somehow unfit to surpass the mighty Ruth. (Racism played a part; he was black, and he passed Ruth's played a part; he was black, and he passed Ruth's record only 28 years after Jackie Robinson broke the record only 28 years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball.) He retired color barrier in major league baseball.) He retired after the 1976 season, holding the all-time records after the 1976 season, holding the all-time records for home runs (755) and RBIs (2297)and having for home runs (755) and RBIs (2297)and having played in a record 24 All-Star Games. He was elected played in a record 24 All-Star Games. He was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1982. to baseball's Hall of Fame in 1982.

He (August 4, 1901 - July 6, 1971) was a He (August 4, 1901 - July 6, 1971) was a great jazz trumpet player, composer, and great jazz trumpet player, composer, and singer. He was nicknamed Satchmo because singer. He was nicknamed Satchmo because some people said that his mouth was like a some people said that his mouth was like a satchel. He was born in New Orleans, satchel. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and soon became a well-known Louisiana, and soon became a well-known cornet player in clubs and on riverboats cornet player in clubs and on riverboats along the Mississippi River. He became world along the Mississippi River. He became world famous for his incredible musical talent, famous for his incredible musical talent, especially his improvised solos. He also sang especially his improvised solos. He also sang "scat," a style in which nonsense words are "scat," a style in which nonsense words are used in a song. He was featured in many used in a song. He was featured in many recordings, television shows, and movies. He recordings, television shows, and movies. He celebrated his birthday on July 4. celebrated his birthday on July 4.

She was a Chicago poet, the poet She was a Chicago poet, the poet laureate of Illinois and the first laureate of Illinois and the first African American to win the Pulitzer African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for poetry. She first collection Prize for poetry. She first collection of poems, of poems, A Street in BronzevilleA Street in Bronzeville, , was published in 1945 to widespread was published in 1945 to widespread critical acclaim. critical acclaim.

He (1865?-1943) was an American He (1865?-1943) was an American scientist, educator, humanitarian, and scientist, educator, humanitarian, and former slave. He made scientific former slave. He made scientific discoveries that helped farmers in the discoveries that helped farmers in the South. He taught farmers to grow South. He taught farmers to grow peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. peanuts, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. He also taught them to rotate crops in He also taught them to rotate crops in order to renew the soil. He developed order to renew the soil. He developed hundreds of products from peanuts.hundreds of products from peanuts.

(September 23, 1930 - June 10, 2004) He was (September 23, 1930 - June 10, 2004) He was born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930 born in Albany, Georgia on September 23, 1930 (he shares a birthday with another musical icon, (he shares a birthday with another musical icon, John Coltrane). He was not born blind - he lost his John Coltrane). He was not born blind - he lost his sight to undiagnosed glaucoma at age seven. sight to undiagnosed glaucoma at age seven. He enrolled in the St. Augustine (Fla) School for He enrolled in the St. Augustine (Fla) School for the deaf and blind, where he developed his the deaf and blind, where he developed his enormous musical gift. After his mother's death, enormous musical gift. After his mother's death, he set out as a solo act, modeling himself after he set out as a solo act, modeling himself after Nat "King" Cole. During a career that has spanned Nat "King" Cole. During a career that has spanned some 58 years, he starred on over 250 albums, some 58 years, he starred on over 250 albums, many of them top sellers in a variety of musical many of them top sellers in a variety of musical genres. genres.

She (Nov. 30, 1924 - Jan. 1, 2005) was the She (Nov. 30, 1924 - Jan. 1, 2005) was the first African-American woman elected to the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. She was born in Brooklyn, New US Congress. She was born in Brooklyn, New York. After being a teacher and serving as a York. After being a teacher and serving as a New York state assemblywoman, she was New York state assemblywoman, she was elected as a Democrat to the House of elected as a Democrat to the House of Representatives. She served in Congress for Representatives. She served in Congress for seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until seven terms, from January 3, 1969, until January 3, 1983. In 1972, she was the first January 3, 1983. In 1972, she was the first African-American woman to run for a major-African-American woman to run for a major-party presidential nomination. During her party presidential nomination. During her long political career, she fought for the rights long political career, she fought for the rights of women and minorities. of women and minorities.

She was the first black woman to win an Olympic She was the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was also the gold medal, in the 1948 high jump. She was also the only American woman to win a track and field event only American woman to win a track and field event at the Olympics that year. She would probably have at the Olympics that year. She would probably have won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 Olympics won more medals if the 1940 and 1944 Olympics hadn't been canceled because of World War II, for hadn't been canceled because of World War II, for she dominated the high jump for a decade and she she dominated the high jump for a decade and she was also a fine sprinter. She won the AAU outdoor was also a fine sprinter. She won the AAU outdoor high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, high jump championship from 1939 through 1948, and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, and and she was indoor champion in 1941, 1945, and 1946; there was no indoor competition from 1938 1946; there was no indoor competition from 1938 through 1940 or from 1942 through 1944. She won through 1940 or from 1942 through 1944. She won the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through 1947, the outdoor 50-meter dash from 1943 through 1947, the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, and the outdoor 100-meter in 1942, 1945 and 1946, and the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and 1946. the indoor 50-meter dash in 1945 and 1946. Representing Tuskegee Institute, she also ran on the Representing Tuskegee Institute, she also ran on the national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in 1941 national champion 4 x 100-meter relay team in 1941 and 1942.and 1942.

For a mild-mannered man whose music was For a mild-mannered man whose music was always easy on the ear, he managed to be a always easy on the ear, he managed to be a figure of considerable controversy during his figure of considerable controversy during his 30 years as a professional musician. From the 30 years as a professional musician. From the late '40s to the mid-'60s, he was a massively late '40s to the mid-'60s, he was a massively successful pop singer who ranked with such successful pop singer who ranked with such contemporaries as contemporaries as Frank SinatraFrank Sinatra, , Perry ComoPerry Como, and , and Dean MartinDean Martin. He shared . He shared with those peers a career that encompassed with those peers a career that encompassed hit records, international touring, radio and hit records, international touring, radio and television shows, and appearances in films. television shows, and appearances in films. But unlike them, he had not emerged from a But unlike them, he had not emerged from a background as a band singer in the swing background as a band singer in the swing era. era.

She was both African-American and female, and she is She was both African-American and female, and she is remembered as an aviation pioneer for both groups. remembered as an aviation pioneer for both groups. She grew up in Texas, moved to Chicago, and got She grew up in Texas, moved to Chicago, and got interested in flying after her brothers returned from interested in flying after her brothers returned from World War I. Failing to find anyone in Chicago who World War I. Failing to find anyone in Chicago who would teach flying to a black woman, she determined would teach flying to a black woman, she determined to go abroad to get training -- a daring move for that to go abroad to get training -- a daring move for that era. She moved to Paris, was accepted to aviation era. She moved to Paris, was accepted to aviation school, and on 15 June 1921 she received her pilot's school, and on 15 June 1921 she received her pilot's license from the Federation Aeronautique license from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale. The certificate made her the world's Internationale. The certificate made her the world's first licensed black aviator. She returned to the United first licensed black aviator. She returned to the United States and began a barnstorming career, appearing at States and began a barnstorming career, appearing at airshows across the country. She died in 1926 while airshows across the country. She died in 1926 while flight-testing an open-cockpit plane; her co-pilot lost flight-testing an open-cockpit plane; her co-pilot lost control of the aircraft and in the ensuing dive she was control of the aircraft and in the ensuing dive she was tossed from the plane and plunged to her death. tossed from the plane and plunged to her death.

He began as a stand-up comic and ended up as He began as a stand-up comic and ended up as one of America's most beloved television stars. one of America's most beloved television stars. His comedy career was kick-started by a 1963 His comedy career was kick-started by a 1963 appearance on the appearance on the Tonight ShowTonight Show, and he won , and he won multiple Grammy Awards for comedy multiple Grammy Awards for comedy recordings throughout the 1960s. He was recordings throughout the 1960s. He was particularly known for routines about childhood particularly known for routines about childhood friends like Fat Albert and Old Weird Harold friends like Fat Albert and Old Weird Harold (both of whom later appeared in the 1970s (both of whom later appeared in the 1970s cartoon series cartoon series Fat Albert and the Cosby KidsFat Albert and the Cosby Kids). ). In he starred with Robert Culp in the spoofy TV In he starred with Robert Culp in the spoofy TV series series I SpyI Spy, making him one of the few African-, making him one of the few African-American stars on prime-time TV. American stars on prime-time TV.

He (Feb. 7, 1817-Feb. 20, 1895) was He (Feb. 7, 1817-Feb. 20, 1895) was an abolitionist, orator and writer an abolitionist, orator and writer who fought against slavery and for who fought against slavery and for women's rights. He was the first women's rights. He was the first African-American citizen appointed African-American citizen appointed to high ranks in the U.S. to high ranks in the U.S. government. government.

He (February 23, 1868 - August 27, 1963) was He (February 23, 1868 - August 27, 1963) was a writer, historian, leader and one of the a writer, historian, leader and one of the founders of the NAACP (National Association founders of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). he was for the Advancement of Colored People). he was born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He was a gifted student who became a reporter for was a gifted student who became a reporter for the New York Globe when he was 15 years old. the New York Globe when he was 15 years old. He later attended Fisk University, then He later attended Fisk University, then transferred to Harvard University; he was the transferred to Harvard University; he was the first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard first black to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University. He became a teacher and later University. He became a teacher and later studied the state of black people in the USA studied the state of black people in the USA and around the world; he wrote many books. and around the world; he wrote many books.

He (Aug. 8, 1866 - March 9, 1955) He (Aug. 8, 1866 - March 9, 1955) was an American explorer and one was an American explorer and one of the first people to visit the North of the first people to visit the North Pole. He was on most of Robert E. Pole. He was on most of Robert E. Peary’s expeditions, including the Peary’s expeditions, including the 1909 trip to the North Pole. 1909 trip to the North Pole.

She (October 17, 1956 - ) was the first She (October 17, 1956 - ) was the first African-American woman in space. African-American woman in space. She is a medical doctor and a She is a medical doctor and a surgeon, with engineering surgeon, with engineering experience. She flew on the space experience. She flew on the space shuttle Endeavor (STS-47, Spacelab-J) shuttle Endeavor (STS-47, Spacelab-J) as the Mission Specialist; the mission as the Mission Specialist; the mission lifted off on September 12, 1992 and lifted off on September 12, 1992 and landed on September 20, 1992. landed on September 20, 1992.

He was the dominant basketball player in the world during He was the dominant basketball player in the world during the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award five the 1990s. He won the NBA's Most Valuable Player award five times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the league times, and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the league championship. He led the Bulls to his first three championship. He led the Bulls to his first three championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with superb championships came in 1991, 1992 and 1993 with superb shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer instinct. In shooting and playmaking and a competitive killer instinct. In October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring from October of 1993 he stunned his fans by retiring from basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, basketball and beginning a professional baseball career, saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. saying that playing baseball had been an early dream of his. He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league He played the 1994 baseball season for the minor league Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball Birmingham Barons. In March of 1995 he ended his baseball career and returned to the Bulls. With him, the Bulls won career and returned to the Bulls. With him, the Bulls won three more championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He three more championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998. He retired from basketball in 1999. In the year 2000 he became a retired from basketball in 1999. In the year 2000 he became a part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. part owner and executive for the NBA's Washington Wizards. In 2001 he began considering another comeback as an NBA In 2001 he began considering another comeback as an NBA player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again to play player, and that fall, at age 38, he returned once again to play for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, retiring for the Wizards. He played for two more full seasons, retiring again in April of 2003. again in April of 2003.

He (1929-1968) was a great man who worked for He (1929-1968) was a great man who worked for racial equality in the USA. He was born on January racial equality in the USA. He was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from college and getting married, he became a from college and getting married, he became a minister and moved to Alabama. During the 1950's, minister and moved to Alabama. During the 1950's, he became active in the movement for civil rights he became active in the movement for civil rights and racial equality. He participated in the and racial equality. He participated in the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott and many other Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott and many other peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair peaceful demonstrations that protested the unfair treatment of African-Americans. He won the Nobel treatment of African-Americans. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated on April Peace Prize in 1964. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Commemorating the life of a tremendously important leader, we the life of a tremendously important leader, we celebrate him each year in January. celebrate him each year in January.

He (July 2, 1908 - Jan. 24, 1993) was the first He (July 2, 1908 - Jan. 24, 1993) was the first African-American justice of the US Supreme African-American justice of the US Supreme Court. Hewas on the team of lawyers in the Court. Hewas on the team of lawyers in the historic Supreme Court trial concerning historic Supreme Court trial concerning school desegregation, Brown v. Board of school desegregation, Brown v. Board of Education (1954). As a result of this trial, the Education (1954). As a result of this trial, the "separate but equal" doctrine in public "separate but equal" doctrine in public education was overthrown. After a successful education was overthrown. After a successful career as a lawyer and judge fighting for civil career as a lawyer and judge fighting for civil rights and women's rights, he was appointed rights and women's rights, he was appointed to the high court in 1967 (by President to the high court in 1967 (by President Lyndon Baines Johnson). On the high court, Lyndon Baines Johnson). On the high court, he continued his fight for human rights until he continued his fight for human rights until he retired on June 27, 1991. he retired on June 27, 1991.

He was an inventor who was fascinated by He was an inventor who was fascinated by steam engines. As a mechanic in the early steam engines. As a mechanic in the early 1870's he noticed that machines had to be 1870's he noticed that machines had to be stopped every time they needed oil, which stopped every time they needed oil, which wasted a lot of time and was expensive. He wasted a lot of time and was expensive. He invented a device to oil the machinery while it invented a device to oil the machinery while it was working. It was soon used on engines, was working. It was soon used on engines, train locomotives, on Great Lake steamships, train locomotives, on Great Lake steamships, on ocean liners and on machinery in factories. on ocean liners and on machinery in factories. His invention became so popular that no His invention became so popular that no engine or machine was considered complete engine or machine was considered complete until it had a McCoy Lubricator. The phrase until it had a McCoy Lubricator. The phrase "The Real McCoy" soon caught on as a way of "The Real McCoy" soon caught on as a way of saying that people were getting the best saying that people were getting the best equipment available.equipment available.

He was a charismatic pitching star of the Negro He was a charismatic pitching star of the Negro Leagues who became a major league rookie in his Leagues who became a major league rookie in his forties. He began playing professionally for the Negro forties. He began playing professionally for the Negro Leagues in 1923, during the era when blacks were Leagues in 1923, during the era when blacks were blocked from playing in baseball's major leagues. He blocked from playing in baseball's major leagues. He played for a variety of teams in the southern and played for a variety of teams in the southern and midwestern states, usually not straying for long from midwestern states, usually not straying for long from Kansas City. He was known for his hard fastball and Kansas City. He was known for his hard fastball and his crowd-pleasing showboating, including double and his crowd-pleasing showboating, including double and triple windups and his famous hesitation pitch. He was triple windups and his famous hesitation pitch. He was often hired to draw crowds as much as to win games. often hired to draw crowds as much as to win games. Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier Jackie Robinson broke the major league color barrier in 1947, and the next year he joined the Cleveland in 1947, and the next year he joined the Cleveland Indians. He was 42 or 43 years old -- his age was never Indians. He was 42 or 43 years old -- his age was never quite clear -- making him the oldest rookie in history. quite clear -- making him the oldest rookie in history.

She (February 4, 1913 - October 24, 2005) She (February 4, 1913 - October 24, 2005) was a pivotal figure in the fight for civil was a pivotal figure in the fight for civil rights. On December 1, 1955, a rights. On December 1, 1955, a Montgomery, Alabama, bus driver ordered Montgomery, Alabama, bus driver ordered her to give up her seat to a white man. her to give up her seat to a white man. When she refused, she was fined and When she refused, she was fined and arrested. This incident prompted a city-arrested. This incident prompted a city-wide bus boycott, which eventually resulted wide bus boycott, which eventually resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation in a Supreme Court ruling that segregation on city buses is unconstitutional. on city buses is unconstitutional.

He became the first African-American He became the first African-American Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took Secretary of State in U.S. history when he took office in 2001. He was a career soldier who office in 2001. He was a career soldier who fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam fought in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He rose through the ranks to become a War. He rose through the ranks to become a general, then became national security adviser general, then became national security adviser to President Ronald Reagan. He became to President Ronald Reagan. He became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces George Bush the elder, directing U.S. forces during the first Gulf War. He retired in 1993 during the first Gulf War. He retired in 1993 and published his autobiography, and published his autobiography, My My American JourneyAmerican Journey, in 1995. After years on the , in 1995. After years on the lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. lecture circuit, he was chosen by George W. Bush to be Secretary of State in 2001. Bush to be Secretary of State in 2001.

She became U.S. Secretary of State in 2005. She had She became U.S. Secretary of State in 2005. She had earlier served as National Security Advisor under earlier served as National Security Advisor under President President George W. BushGeorge W. Bush from 2001-2005. As a child, from 2001-2005. As a child, she was a gifted student and a prodigy on the piano, she was a gifted student and a prodigy on the piano, and she entered college at the age of 15 with the and she entered college at the age of 15 with the intention of becoming a concert pianist. Along the way intention of becoming a concert pianist. Along the way she was influenced by political scientist Josef Korbel, she was influenced by political scientist Josef Korbel, the father of former U.S. Secretary of State the father of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine AlbrightMadeleine Albright. She changed her plans and . She changed her plans and studied international politics, and by the early 1980s studied international politics, and by the early 1980s she was teaching at Stanford University and becoming she was teaching at Stanford University and becoming a prominent public voice on international affairs. She a prominent public voice on international affairs. She also worked with the Pentagon and with the also worked with the Pentagon and with the administration of administration of George BushGeorge Bush the elder as an expert the elder as an expert on foreign affairs. on foreign affairs.

He (January 31, 1912 - October 24, 1972) He (January 31, 1912 - October 24, 1972) was the first black man allowed to play was the first black man allowed to play major league baseball. On April 11, 1947, major league baseball. On April 11, 1947, he played his first major league baseball he played his first major league baseball game (he played for the New York Dodgers game (he played for the New York Dodgers in an exhibition game against the New York in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees). He played with the Dodgers for Yankees). He played with the Dodgers for 10 years. He played in six World Series and 10 years. He played in six World Series and was the first African-American in the was the first African-American in the Baseball Hall of Fame (in 1962). Baseball Hall of Fame (in 1962).

She sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960 Summer She sprinted to three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, becoming the first woman from the Olympics in Rome, becoming the first woman from the United States to win three golds in one Olympics. She, United States to win three golds in one Olympics. She, an African-American, won the 100 meter dash and the an African-American, won the 100 meter dash and the 200 meter dash and anchored the winning 400 meter 200 meter dash and anchored the winning 400 meter relay team. Born to a large, poor family in Tennessee, relay team. Born to a large, poor family in Tennessee, she battled polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child she battled polio, scarlet fever and pneumonia as a child and for a few years lost the use of one leg. By the time and for a few years lost the use of one leg. By the time she was a teenager she was 5' 11" and an outstanding she was a teenager she was 5' 11" and an outstanding basketball player. She began sprinting with a team from basketball player. She began sprinting with a team from Tennessee State University when she was still in high Tennessee State University when she was still in high school, and earned a bronze medal as a member of a school, and earned a bronze medal as a member of a relay team in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne before relay team in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne before earning triple gold four years later. In 1973 she was earning triple gold four years later. In 1973 she was inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame, and in inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame, and in 1974 she was named to the National Track and Field 1974 she was named to the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. Her 1977 autobiography was titled Hall of Fame. Her 1977 autobiography was titled WilmaWilma. .

She (1797?-1883) was an American She (1797?-1883) was an American preacher who dedicated her life to fighting preacher who dedicated her life to fighting for for civil and human rights. She was for for civil and human rights. She was born a slave in New York State, but was born a slave in New York State, but was freed in 1827. After becoming a preacher, freed in 1827. After becoming a preacher, she campaigned for the abolition of slavery she campaigned for the abolition of slavery and for women's rights. During the US and for women's rights. During the US Civil War, she helped black Union soldiers Civil War, she helped black Union soldiers obtain supplies and also worked as a obtain supplies and also worked as a counselor for the National Freedon Relief counselor for the National Freedon Relief Association. Association.

She (1820 - 1913) escaped slavery in Maryland She (1820 - 1913) escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849 and traveled north. She then helped in 1849 and traveled north. She then helped hundreds of other slaves flee to the north to hundreds of other slaves flee to the north to freedom via the Underground Railroad. She freedom via the Underground Railroad. She helped John Brown recruit soldiers for his raid helped John Brown recruit soldiers for his raid on Harpers Ferry (1859). She spied for the on Harpers Ferry (1859). She spied for the Union (in South Carolina) during the US Civil Union (in South Carolina) during the US Civil War. After the war, she lived in Auburn, New War. After the war, she lived in Auburn, New York, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home York, and founded the Harriet Tubman Home for Aged Negroes. She devoted her life to for Aged Negroes. She devoted her life to fighting slavery and championing the rights of fighting slavery and championing the rights of women. women.

He (April 15?, 1856 - Nov. 15, 1915) was He (April 15?, 1856 - Nov. 15, 1915) was an orator, civil rights activist, professor, an orator, civil rights activist, professor, writer, and poet. He was born a slave in writer, and poet. He was born a slave in Virginia, but was freed by Lincoln's Virginia, but was freed by Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (when it Emancipation Proclamation (when it went into effect in the South, in 1865). went into effect in the South, in 1865). He dedicated his life to education as a He dedicated his life to education as a means of obtaining equality. He founded means of obtaining equality. He founded the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama, and the National Negro Business League. National Negro Business League.

He won an Oscar as best actor for his role as a rogue He won an Oscar as best actor for his role as a rogue cop in the 2001 film cop in the 2001 film Training DayTraining Day. It was his second . It was his second Academy Award; he also won in 1989 as best Academy Award; he also won in 1989 as best supporting actor for the Civil War film supporting actor for the Civil War film GloryGlory. He got . He got his early break on TV, playing Dr. Phillip Chandler in his early break on TV, playing Dr. Phillip Chandler in the television drama the television drama St. ElsewhereSt. Elsewhere (1982-88). He (1982-88). He received critical praise for his role in the movie received critical praise for his role in the movie A A Soldier's StorySoldier's Story (1984), and was nominated for a (1984), and was nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for supporting actor Oscar for Cry FreedomCry Freedom (1987). He (1987). He worked steadily throughout the 1990s in big-budget worked steadily throughout the 1990s in big-budget thrillers, comedies and dramas, including thrillers, comedies and dramas, including PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia (1993), (1993), Crimson TideCrimson Tide (1995) and (1995) and The The Preacher's WifePreacher's Wife (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben (1996). His portrayal of boxer Ruben Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the Carter earned him another Oscar nomination for the movie movie The HurricaneThe Hurricane (1999). (1999).

He was an African American He was an African American physician who made history by physician who made history by performing the first successful open performing the first successful open heart surgery operation. heart surgery operation.

She is the most successful female talk show host in She is the most successful female talk show host in American TV history. She went into broadcasting in American TV history. She went into broadcasting in the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV the early 1970s; after anchoring and reporting TV news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, news in Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, she landed a job on the morning show of Maryland, she landed a job on the morning show of A.M. ChicagoA.M. Chicago in 1984. The next year she made her in 1984. The next year she made her movie debut in movie debut in The Color PurpleThe Color Purple and was nominated and was nominated for an Oscar. In 1986 she launched a TV talk show for an Oscar. In 1986 she launched a TV talk show which featured celebrity interviews and discussions which featured celebrity interviews and discussions of social issues. The show was a smash hit and within of social issues. The show was a smash hit and within a decade she was one of the richest women in the a decade she was one of the richest women in the United States. A feature of her show highlighting United States. A feature of her show highlighting new books, became famous for its ability to create new books, became famous for its ability to create bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own lifestyle bestsellers. In 2000 she launched her own lifestyle magazine, magazine, OO. .

He Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major He Woods is the winner of 13 of golf's major championships and is the sport's biggest superstar championships and is the sport's biggest superstar since Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up since Jack Nicklaus. Before he became a grown-up celeb, he was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl celeb, he was a kiddie phenomenon: his father Earl allegedly introduced him to golf at age 9 months, and allegedly introduced him to golf at age 9 months, and at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance at age 2 the youngster made a now-famous appearance putting with Bob Hope on putting with Bob Hope on The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show. He . He won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles (1994-96), won three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles (1994-96), and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract and in 1996 turned pro with a $40 million contract from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. from Nike and a fame usually reserved for movie stars. At age 21, he became the youngest Masters champ and At age 21, he became the youngest Masters champ and the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to win in the the first golfer since Jerry Pate in 1976 to win in the first major he played. He opened wide a door of society first major he played. He opened wide a door of society in becoming the first African American, as well as the in becoming the first African American, as well as the first Asian American, to win a major. first Asian American, to win a major.

While in prison for burglary, He adopted the While in prison for burglary, He adopted the Black Muslim faith and became a minister of the Black Muslim faith and became a minister of the Nation of Islam upon his release in 1952. He Nation of Islam upon his release in 1952. He was a charismatic advocate of black separatism was a charismatic advocate of black separatism who rejected Martin Luther King, Jr.’s policies of who rejected Martin Luther King, Jr.’s policies of non-violence. He broke with the Nation of Islam non-violence. He broke with the Nation of Islam in 1964. That same year he made a pilgrimage to in 1964. That same year he made a pilgrimage to Mecca and shortly afterwards he embraced Mecca and shortly afterwards he embraced orthodox Islam and took the name El-Hajj Malik orthodox Islam and took the name El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his earlier more El-Shabazz. He recanted some of his earlier more strident viewpoints on race, though he remained strident viewpoints on race, though he remained a staunch advocate of "black power." He was a staunch advocate of "black power." He was shot to death by a group of men while giving a shot to death by a group of men while giving a speech in New York City in 1965 speech in New York City in 1965