Civil Rights & Activism
Frederick Douglass c. 1818–1895
He posed for more photos than Lincoln. On purpose.
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The history of Black Americans, from the colonial era to today: leaders, inventors, soldiers, artists and ordinary people who changed the country.
Civil Rights & Activism
Sojourner Truth c. 1797–1883
In 1828, a formerly enslaved mother sued a white man in a New York court. And she won.
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Civil Rights & Activism
Rosa Parks 1913–2005
Her famous arrest photo isn't from that day.
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Military
Robert Smalls 1839–1915
In 1862, an enslaved man stole a Confederate warship, and sailed his family to freedom.
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Civil Rights & Activism
Muhammad Ali 1942–2016
They took his title for saying no.
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Exploration
Matthew Henson 1866–1955
In 1909, he stood near the top of the world, and history almost forgot him.
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Sports
Major Taylor 1878–1932
World's fastest cyclist, banned for being Black.
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Sports
Jesse Owens 1913–1980
Four Olympic gold medals. Then he raced a horse, for money.
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Civil Rights & Activism
Ida B. Wells 1862–1931
She bit a conductor to keep her seat. More than 70 years before Rosa Parks.
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Politics & Government
Hiram Revels 1827–1901
Mississippi sent America's first Black senator. In 1870.
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Slavery & Emancipation
Henry “Box” Brown c. 1815–1897
In 1849, an enslaved man mailed himself to freedom.
Read more about Henry “Box” Brown