AP African American Studies - Key Figures

Paul Cuffee

A Black entrepreneur, abolitionist, and maritime captain (1759-1817). He is best known for his efforts to establish a colony for free Black people in Africa, which led to the creation of the first Black-owned shipping company in the U.S. He played a key role in advocating for the emigration of African Americans to Sierra Leone.

Jimi Hendrix

One of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock music (1942-1970), known for his groundbreaking techniques and unique sound. His iconic performances, such as his rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock, challenged musical norms and left a lasting legacy in both rock and African American culture.

Herbie Hancock

A legendary jazz pianist and composer (born 1940), he was a pioneer in the jazz world, known for his work in both acoustic and electronic jazz. His albums such as Head Hunters and River: The Joni Letters showcased his innovative approaches and helped shape the sound of jazz fusion.

Patti LaBelle

A celebrated singer and actress (born 1944), she became known for her powerful voice and hits like "Lady Marmalade" and "If Only You Knew." Her career has spanned multiple decades, earning her accolades and placing her among the most influential voices in soul and R&B.

Janelle Monáe

A singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1985) whose music blends pop, funk, and R&B, she has become an influential figure in the entertainment industry. Her concept albums, including The ArchAndroid and Dirty Computer, explore themes of identity, freedom, and social justice, often challenging gender and racial norms.

Missy Elliott

A groundbreaking rapper, producer, and singer (born 1971), she transformed the music industry with her unique blend of hip hop, R&B, and innovative music videos. Known for hits like "Get Ur Freak On" and "Work It," she was the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Outkast

A hip hop duo from Atlanta, known for their genre-defying style that blends funk, soul, and hip hop. With albums like Stankonia and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, they revolutionized the southern rap scene and achieved mainstream success with hits like "Hey Ya!" and "Ms. Jackson."

Nichelle Nichols

An actress and trailblazer (1932-2022), she is best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura on the original Star Trek series. Her portrayal of a Black woman in a position of authority in space was groundbreaking, and she became an advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry.

Octavia Butler

A prolific science fiction writer (1947-2006), she became the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship. Her works, including Kindred and the Patternist series, explore themes of race, power, and identity, and she is celebrated for her portrayal of complex, Black female protagonists.

George Clinton

The mastermind behind the funk music collective Parliament-Funkadelic (born 1941), he is credited with revolutionizing the funk genre with his innovative approach to music, fashion, and live performance. His work influenced generations of artists across genres, including hip hop, rock, and R&B.

Samuel R. Delany

A science fiction writer, essayist, and literary critic (born 1942) whose work has explored race, sexuality, and social issues. His novels, such as Dhalgren and The Einstein Intersection, helped establish him as one of the most influential voices in speculative fiction.

Oliver Lewis

An African American jockey (1856-1924) who won the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, making history as the first Black man to win the prestigious race. His victory was a significant achievement at a time when racial segregation was rampant in American society.

Billy Walker

A Black jockey (dates unknown) known for his prominence in early American horse racing, he became one of the first African Americans to win major races, challenging the racial barriers in the world of sports.

Don Cornelius

The creator and host of the influential television show Soul Train (1936-2012), he played a crucial role in showcasing African American music and culture to a mainstream audience. His show became an iconic platform for Black musicians and dancers.

August Wilson

A playwright (1945-2005) whose body of work, often referred to as the Pittsburgh Cycle, consists of ten plays exploring the African American experience in the 20th century. His most notable works, such as Fences and The Piano Lesson, won multiple Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes.

Queen Latifah

A pioneering rapper, actress, and producer (born 1970), she broke barriers with her socially conscious lyrics and later became a successful actor in Hollywood. Her work, such as the album All Hail the Queen and roles in Chicago and Living Single, made her a leading figure in entertainment.

Jackie Robinson

The first African American baseball player to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball (1919-1972), he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers. His courage and skill paved the way for the integration of professional sports and made him an icon of racial progress in America.

Jesse Owens

An Olympic athlete (1913-1980) who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, he defied Adolf Hitler’s racial ideology by defeating Nazi-sponsored athletes. His victory became a symbol of defiance against racism and the supremacy of the human spirit.

Muhammad Ali

A legendary boxer (1942-2016) who became a global icon not only for his prowess in the ring but also for his activism outside it. Known for his charismatic personality and resistance to the Vietnam War draft, his boxing career included monumental fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman.

Tommie Smith

An Olympic gold medalist (born 1944), he is best known for his iconic 1968 protest on the podium, where he and John Carlos raised their fists in a Black power salute, highlighting racial inequality and injustices in the United States.

John Carlos

Alongside Tommie Smith, he (born 1945) made history by raising his fist during the 1968 Olympics in a silent protest against racial injustice in America. His actions, which cost him his Olympic medal, became a powerful symbol of the Black Power movement.

Colin Kaepernick

A professional football player (born 1987) who became known for his protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem. His stance sparked a national conversation on police brutality and the treatment of Black Americans in the U.S.

Mary Jackson

A pioneering mathematician and aerospace engineer (1921-2005), she worked for NASA during the space race, contributing to significant advancements in the U.S. space program. She was one of the first Black women to be promoted to an engineering position at NASA.

Mae Jemison

The first African American woman to travel in space (born 1956), She became a role model for young women and minorities interested in science and technology. She also founded a company that develops advanced technology solutions in space.

George Washington Carver

An agricultural scientist and inventor (c. 1864-1943), he developed hundreds of uses for crops like peanuts and sweet potatoes, revolutionizing farming techniques and improving economic opportunities for Black farmers in the South.

Daniel Hale Williams

A pioneering African American heart surgeon (1856-1931) who performed one of the first open-heart surgeries in the U.S., he also founded Provident Hospital in Chicago, the first interracial hospital in the country.

Kizzmekia Corbett

A prominent immunologist (born 1986) who was part of the team that developed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Her groundbreaking work in the fight against the pandemic earned her recognition in both scientific and public health communities.

Henrietta Lacks

A woman (1920-1951) whose cancer cells were used without her consent to create the HeLa cell line, which became crucial in scientific research. Her legacy has had a lasting impact on medical ethics and the study of human cells.

Spinderella

A legendary DJ and member of the hip hop group Salt-N-Pepa (born 1971), she contributed to the group's groundbreaking success in the late 1980s and 1990s, helping to shape the sound of early hip hop and break barriers for women in the genre.

Oscar Micheaux

A pioneering African American filmmaker (1884-1951), he produced over 40 films that addressed issues of race, identity, and social justice in early 20th-century America. His works challenged stereotypes and paved the way for Black filmmakers in Hollywood.

Kendrick Lamar

A rapper and songwriter (born 1987) known for his socially conscious lyrics, his albums such as To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN. explore themes of race, identity, and inequality, making him one of the most influential artists in contemporary music.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

A Neo-expressionist painter (1960-1988) whose works explore race, identity, and the struggles of Black people in America. His raw and visceral art has become iconic, representing the intersection of street culture and fine art.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

A pioneering gospel singer and guitarist (1915-1973) who blended spirituals with elements of blues and rock, her innovative sound influenced generations of musicians across gospel, jazz, and rock genres.

Bo Diddley

A guitarist and composer (1928-2008) whose music fused rhythm and blues with rock and roll, his influence on the development of rock music is immense, and his unique sound, particularly his "Bo Diddley beat," became a defining feature of early rock.

Little Richard

A flamboyant musician (1932-2020) known for his wild stage presence and electrifying performances, he was a key figure in the early development of rock and roll, with hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Long Tall Sally."

James Brown

The "Godfather of Soul" (1933-2006), he was a revolutionary figure in music, whose electrifying performances and innovative sound shaped the development of funk, soul, and rhythm and blues.

Grandmaster Flash

A pioneering DJ (born 1958) and one of the fathers of hip hop, he revolutionized the art of turntablism and is credited with developing techniques such as scratching and backspinning, which have become essential to hip hop culture.

Colin Powell

A retired four-star general and statesman (1937-2021), he was the first African American Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. His career in the U.S. Army and later in diplomacy made him a highly influential figure in both military and political spheres.

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States (born 1961), he became the first African American president, serving two terms and implementing policies focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery, and climate change, as well as fostering significant progress in racial equality.

Michelle Obama

The first African American First Lady of the United States (born 1964), she became an advocate for education, healthy living, and military families. Her memoir, Becoming, explores her life and the challenges she faced in the public eye.

Shirley Chisholm

The first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress (1924-2005), she was a trailblazer in politics, advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and education reform. She made history in 1972 as the first major-party African American candidate for President of the United States.

Kamala Harris

The first African American and South Asian American woman to be elected Vice President of the United States (born 1964), she has had a distinguished career in law and politics, previously serving as the U.S. Senator from California and Attorney General of the state.

Jarena Lee

The first African American woman to be officially authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (1783-1864), her powerful sermons and writings focused on religious conviction, spiritual empowerment, and the struggle for gender equality within religious communities.

Alice Walker

A renowned novelist, poet, and essayist (born 1944), she is best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Color Purple, which explores themes of racism, sexism, and the resilience of African American women. She is also a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice.

Kimberlé Crenshaw

A law professor and scholar (born 1959) who coined the term "intersectionality," her work focuses on how race, class, gender, and other axes of identity intersect to shape experiences of oppression. She is a leading figure in critical race theory.

Patricia Hill Collins

A sociologist and theorist (born 1948) known for her work on Black feminist thought, she has contributed significantly to understanding the intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Her influential book Black Feminist Thought is a foundational text in gender and race studies.

Audre Lorde

A poet, essayist, and activist (1934-1992), her work addresses issues of race, gender, and sexuality, advocating for the empowerment of marginalized groups. Her writings, including Sister Outsider, have been crucial in shaping feminist, queer, and Black liberation movements.

Angela Davis

A political activist, scholar, and author (born 1944), she was a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement and later the Black Panther Party. She became a global symbol of resistance after being charged with aiding in the kidnapping and murder of a judge, though she was acquitted.

Toni Morrison

A celebrated novelist (1931-2019) whose works explore the complexities of African American life and history, she won the Nobel Prize in Literature for her profound contributions to literature. Her most famous novels, including Beloved and Song of Solomon, explore themes of memory, identity, and racial injustice.

Elizabeth Catlett

A prominent visual artist and sculptor (1915-2012), her work often focused on the lives and struggles of Black women, and she became known for her bold representations of the Black experience. Her art continues to inspire conversations on race and gender in America.

Bobby Seale

One of the founding members of the Black Panther Party (born 1936), he was a key figure in the Black power movement, advocating for self-defense, Black empowerment, and social justice. He co-wrote the Black Panther Party’s 10-Point Program, calling for an end to police brutality and racism.

Huey P. Newton

Co-founder of the Black Panther Party (1942-1989), he was an influential leader in the civil rights movement, advocating for Black empowerment, social justice, and self-defense. His work and philosophy on revolutionary change were central to the party's political activism.

Kathleen Cleaver

A prominent activist (born 1945) and the first woman to be a part of the Black Panther Party's central committee, she played an important role in advancing the party's ideas on Black liberation and women’s rights. She became a powerful voice for the intersection of gender and racial justice.

Molefi Asante

A scholar and professor (born 1942), he is a key figure in the development of Afrocentric thought. His work in African American studies and his advocacy for the inclusion of African perspectives in historical and cultural studies have shaped the field of Afrocentricity.

Gloria Richardson

A civil rights activist (1922-2021) and leader of the Cambridge Movement in Maryland during the 1960s, she became known for her bold leadership and efforts to resist segregation and push for greater political and economic power for Black Americans.

Nicolas Guillen

A Cuban poet, journalist, and social activist (1902-1989), he was a prominent voice in the Afro-Cuban literary movement, focusing on racial discrimination and the experiences of Afro-Cubans. His works reflect themes of social justice, race, and identity.

Charles Mingus

A jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader (1922-1979), he was one of the most innovative figures in jazz. His works, such as Mingus Ah Um and The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady, blend elements of bebop, blues, and classical music while addressing racial issues through his compositions.

Josephine Baker

An American-born French entertainer (1906-1975), she was a singer, dancer, and civil rights activist. She became famous for her performances in Paris during the 1920s and was also an outspoken advocate for racial equality, using her fame to support the Civil Rights Movement.

Mahalia Jackson

A celebrated gospel singer (1911-1972) known for her powerful voice, she became an icon in both the African American community and the broader music world. Her rendition of "How I Got Over" and her participation in the 1963 March on Washington made her a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

Harry Belafonte

A singer, actor, and social activist (1927-2023), he was one of the first artists to popularize Caribbean music in the United States with songs like "Day-O." He also played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, working closely with figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote racial justice.

Elijah Muhammad

The leader of the Nation of Islam (1897-1975) for over four decades, he was instrumental in shaping the teachings of the organization, which emphasized Black empowerment, self-reliance, and a distinct separation from the broader American society. His leadership brought attention to issues of race and religion.

Bayard Rustin

A key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington (1912-1987), he was a civil rights activist who advocated for nonviolent protest and was a major influence in the push for desegregation and racial equality in the United States. He was also openly gay, and his advocacy extended to LGBTQ+ rights.

John Lewis

A civil rights leader and congressman (1940-2020), he was a key figure in the 1960s activism against segregation and injustice. Known for his role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery marches, his lifelong commitment to nonviolent resistance made him an icon of the movement.

Ella Baker

A leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement (1903-1986), she worked with various organizations, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). She emphasized grassroots organizing and believed in empowering ordinary people to take action for social justice.

Fannie Lou Hamer

A tireless civil rights activist (1917-1977), she became known for her leadership in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and her advocacy for Black voting rights. Her famous quote, "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired," became an emblem of her determination to fight against racial oppression.

Dorothy Height

A civil rights and women’s rights activist (1912-2010), she served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years. She focused on issues such as educational equality, voting rights, and racial justice, and was an influential figure in the fight for civil rights.

Mamie and Kenneth Clark

Psychologists who conducted the famous "doll test" in the 1940s (1917-1983, 1914-2005), which revealed that Black children often preferred white dolls, highlighting the harmful effects of segregation and racism on children’s self-esteem. Their work was cited in the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision.

Lorraine Hansberry

A playwright and author (1930-1965), her most famous work, A Raisin in the Sun, became the first play by an African American woman to be performed on Broadway. The play explores racial and economic tensions within a Black family, becoming a seminal work in American theater.

Alexander Crummell

An African American minister, educator, and writer (1819-1898), he was an advocate for the intellectual development of African Americans and the promotion of African-centered education. His writings often addressed issues of race and the need for Black people to embrace their African heritage.

Edward Blyden

A prominent scholar and politician (1832-1912), he is considered one of the key intellectual figures of the Pan-African movement. He promoted the idea of African self-governance and was influential in the establishment of Liberia as a home for freed African Americans.

Kwame Nkrumah

The first Prime Minister and President of Ghana (1909-1972), he was a key figure in the decolonization of Africa. His pan-Africanist ideas and leadership in the independence movement in Ghana served as an inspiration for many other African nations seeking freedom from colonial rule.

James G. Thompson

An African American businessman (dates unknown), he was instrumental in the creation of African American insurance companies and worked to promote financial independence for Black communities. His contributions were part of a broader push for economic empowerment among African Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Origiantor of the “double V” campaign

Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK)

One of the most influential leaders of the Civil Rights Movement (1929-1968), he is best known for his advocacy of nonviolent protest and his role in leading the fight against segregation, voting restrictions, and racial inequality. His leadership in events like the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, helped propel the movement toward success.

Malcolm X

A vocal and radical advocate for Black empowerment (1925-1965), he was a leader in the Nation of Islam before later rejecting its teachings and advocating for Pan-Africanism. He called for Black self-determination and was a key figure in the struggle for civil rights, known for his powerful speeches and writings.

Pauli Murray

A lawyer, civil rights activist, and feminist (1910-1985), she was a pioneer in the fight for racial and gender equality. She became the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest and was instrumental in legal challenges to segregation and gender discrimination.

Maya Angelou

A renowned poet, author, and civil rights activist (1928-2014), her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a landmark work in African American literature. Her poetry, speeches, and writings helped shape the modern understanding of race and identity in America.

Joe Louis

Known as the "Brown Bomber," he (1914-1981) was a heavyweight boxing champion who became a symbol of racial pride and resistance during a time of widespread segregation and racism in America. His victory over German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938 became a defining moment in the fight against fascism and racism.

Aime Cesaire

A poet, playwright, and politician from Martinique (1913-2008), he was a founder of the negritude literary movement, which celebrated Black identity and culture. His work critiqued colonialism and emphasized the importance of reclaiming African heritage.

Augusta Savage

A sculptor and educator (1892-1962), she was one of the most prominent African American artists during the Harlem Renaissance. Her sculptures, such as The Harp, showcased the experiences of Black people, and she was instrumental in mentoring young Black artists.

Nella Larsen

A novelist and short story writer (1891-1964), she was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Her works Passing and Quicksand explored themes of race, identity, and the complexities of navigating a racially divided society, particularly focusing on the experiences of mixed-race individuals.

Langston Hughes

A central figure in the Harlem Renaissance (1901-1967), he was a poet, social activist, and playwright whose work explored the African American experience. His famous poems like "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and "I, Too" resonate with themes of racial pride, identity, and the resilience of Black people.

Lois Mailou Jones

A painter and educator (1905-1998), she was known for her depictions of African American life, using African influences in her art. Her work focused on themes of Black identity and cultural pride, and she was a mentor to future generations of African American artists.

Wilfredo Lam

A Cuban artist of Afro-Cuban descent (1902-1982), his work was influenced by both African and European traditions, creating a unique synthesis of surrealism and African art. His most famous work, The Jungle, represents the fusion of African, Cuban, and Western artistic styles.

Jacob Lawrence

A renowned painter (1917-2000), he is best known for his powerful depictions of African American history and life. His series of paintings on the migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North is a seminal work in American art.

A. Phillip Randolph

A labor leader and civil rights activist (1889-1979), he was a key figure in the fight for African American workers' rights. He organized the 1963 March on Washington and was a leader in the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, one of the first African American labor unions.

Zora Neale Hurston

An author, anthropologist, and filmmaker (1891-1960), she is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, which explores themes of race, gender, and personal independence. Her work, often focused on the experiences of Black women in the South, helped define the Harlem Renaissance.

Phillis Wheatley

The first African American woman to be published as a poet (c. 1753-1784), her works expressed both the experience of slavery and the quest for freedom. Her poems, including Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, addressed themes of religion, freedom, and identity.

Ethel Waters

A pioneering singer and actress (1896-1977), she was one of the first African Americans to receive recognition in mainstream film and television. Her musical career spanned jazz, blues, and gospel, and she was known for her iconic performances in Broadway shows and films.

Louis Armstrong

One of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century (1901-1971), he was a virtuoso trumpet player and a charismatic singer. His recordings, including "What a Wonderful World" and "Stardust," transformed jazz into a global phenomenon and helped shape American popular music.

Arturo A. Schomburg

A historian, writer, and activist (1874-1938), he was one of the most prominent figures in the study of African history and culture. His collection of Black historical materials formed the basis of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York City.

Carter G. Woodson

Known as the "Father of Black History" (1875-1950), he was a historian and educator who founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and established Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month.

Duke Ellington

One of the most influential jazz musicians of all time (1899-1974), he was a composer, pianist, and bandleader who brought jazz to concert halls and made it a respected art form. His compositions, including "Mood Indigo" and "Take the A Train," became standards in jazz music.

Gwendolyn Bennett

A poet, visual artist, and writer (1902-1981), he was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Her work explored themes of race, identity, and African American life, and she was an active participant in the cultural movement that sought to redefine African American art and literature.

Countee Cullen

A poet and leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance (1903-1946), their work explored themes of race, identity, and the complexities of Black life in America. Their poetry, including Color, helped bring attention to the intellectual and artistic contributions of Black writers.

Alain Locke

Often referred to as the "Father of the Harlem Renaissance" (1885-1954), he was a philosopher and writer who promoted the idea of New Negro identity. His anthology The New Negro was a foundational text that celebrated African American culture and advocated for racial pride and social equality.

Marcus Garvey

A political leader and activist (1887-1940), he was a staunch advocate for Black nationalism and Pan-Africanism. He founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), which sought to unite Black people worldwide and promote economic independence and self-determination. His vision of the "Back to Africa" movement gained a large following during the early 20th century.

James Van Der Zee

A photographer (1886-1983) best known for his portraits of Harlem’s Black elite during the Harlem Renaissance. His photographs documented the cultural vibrancy of the community and captured the pride and dignity of African American life in the early 20th century.

Booker T. Washington

A leading educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute (1856-1915), he advocated for vocational and industrial training for African Americans as a way to gain economic

Anna Julia Cooper

An educator, author, and scholar (1858-1964), she was one of the most important African American women of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In her groundbreaking work A Voice from the South, she advocated for the education of African American women and argued that the empowerment of Black women was key to the upliftment of the entire race.

Madam C.J. Walker

An entrepreneur and philanthropist (1867-1919), she became one of the first African American women to become a self-made millionaire through her successful line of beauty and haircare products for Black women. She used her wealth to support civil rights causes and to build educational and business opportunities for African Americans.