Black Experience in America Final

John Lewis

John Lewis was a Freedom Rider who protested segregation. He also helped organize the March on Washington.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali became a heavyweight boxing champion. He also spoke out for Black rights and equality.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson became the first Black player in Major League Baseball. He also helped break segregation in sports.

Ruby Bridges

Ruby Bridges integrated an all-white school in Louisiana. She also became a symbol of desegregation.

Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall won the Brown v. Board of Education case. He also became the first Black Supreme Court justice.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat. Her actions also helped start the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman escaped slavery herself. She also helped enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad.

Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. led peaceful civil rights protests. He also gave the “I Have a Dream” speech.

Malcolm X

Malcolm X promoted Black empowerment. He also fought against racism and segregation.

Dred Scott

Dred Scott sued for his freedom from slavery. His case also increased conflict over slavery in America.

Marian Anderson

Marian Anderson broke racial barriers in music. She also performed at the Lincoln Memorial after facing segregation.

Claudette Colvin

Claudette Colvin refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks. She also helped challenge segregation laws.

Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa ruled the wealthy Mali Empire. He also supported education and learning in Africa.

Maria Stewart

Maria Stewart is recognized as the first U.S. woman to speak publicly on abolition and women’s rights. She also fought for equal rights for Black women.

Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth escaped slavery and became an abolitionist. She also gave speeches supporting equality and women’s rights.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald became one of the most famous jazz singers in history. She also helped break racial barriers in entertainment.

Barack Obama

Barack Obama became the first Black president of the United States. He also initiated the Affordable Care Act.

Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson gained freedom after being enslaved. He also became one of the first Black landowners in colonial America.

Charles Person

Charles Person was the youngest Freedom Rider. He also protested segregation in the South.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa. He also became South Africa’s first Black president.