Hattie McDaniel (1895 – 1952) McDaniel was an actress, comedian, and singer-songwriter. He won triple Olympic gold at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics, and broke the world record for 100m and 200m. One of the most successful female track and field athletes. Oprah Winfrey (1954 – ) Influential US media personality with groundbreaking chat show and own book club. Rosa Parks (1913 – 2005) – Instrumental in the US civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Deratu Tulu (1972 – ) (Ethiopia, athlete) The first Ethiopian female athlete to win Olympic gold. Teach students about the prominent figures in Black history such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Mary Seacole, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and others. Du Bois (1868 –  1963) Du Bois was an influential African-American activist who sought to campaign for full equality between blacks and whites. Tegla Laroupe (1973 – ) – Keynan long distance runner and global spokesperson for peace. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Now runs Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. During the 1950s and 1960s, he sought to improve race relations and overturn discrimination in American society. Celebrate 'black history month' and teach your KS1 classes about the significance of this observance with our engaging resources on black history. Louverture enabled the colony to end slavery and in 1804 declared itself the independent Republic of Haiti. She served from 1968 to 1983 and was the first black women to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination. Marshall was the lead lawyer in the pivotal Supreme Court Case Brown vs Board of Education, Topeka (1954) which overturned legal segregation in the US. Mae’r amrywiaeth hon yn…, Equality and Diversity Valuing difference is a core organisational value for South Yorkshire Police (SYP). This drives how…. She used her time in Congress to campaign for women’s and civil rights. Visit our list of Women’s History Month Biographies, too!). To learn more about these amazing people, click a name on the list below. President of the ANC (1960 – 1990). Mohammed Ali (1942 – ) Great boxer of the 1960s. All rights reserved. Clifford Chance offers you the opportunity to join a global law firm with one of the most pre-eminent… Dyfed-Powys, Gwent, North Wales and South Wales Police Forces. Her autobiography  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) was received to wide-acclaim, she redefined the genre of autobiography to promote a different perspective on Africa-Americans.

Goldberg was the second black female actor to be awarded an Oscar for best-supporting actress. It was Parks who began an influential boycott of segregated buses in 1955.

In 1791, he led the successful military revolt in Saint-Domingue and over the next years consolidated his power and influence restoring the plantation system with paid labour. Kofi Annan (1938 – ) UN Secretary-General from Ghana who served two terms. One of the most prominent African American leaders of the Nineteenth Century. Famous for albums such as ‘Bad’ and “Off the Wall”.

Owens maintained a dignified stance on civil rights, despite enduring discrimination during his life. Broke world records from 20km to the marathon. Carl Lewis (1961 – ) (US, athletics) Nine-time Olympic gold medalist, Carl Lewis won gold over three Olympics and was the great star of 1980s track and field.

Published 12th Aug 2014.

She founded the King Centre and campaigned for Martin Luther King Day to be a national holiday (established 1982). and west Indian cricketing heroes have always…, Some highlights from the Citytalks event we held with Lenny Henry. Despite dying at the age of only 44, Billie Holiday helped define the jazz era and her recordings are still widely sold today. Malcolm X (1925-1965) – Member of the Nation of Islam which advocated black self-determination and separation of black and white people. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Widely admired for his skills of patience and diplomacy. If biracial people aren’t welcomed in Black History Month, their Black ancestors - their stories and their struggles, will be forgotten. Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883) African-American abolitionist and women’s rights campaigner. Refused to fight in Vietnam. A list of inspirational black people who played a key role in the world and American history. Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) – A Former slave who escaped and then helped many more to escape on the Underground Railroad. Black history is the story of African Americans in the United States and elsewhere. Also noted for positions on women and civil rights. Have a good idea for an addition to this list? Desmond Tutu is also a leading figure in speaking out for humanitarian and civil rights issues. In 1851, gave a famous extemporaneous speech “Ain’t I a woman?” which supported equal rights for blacks and women. People who made a difference. Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014) American poet, writer and civil rights campaigner. Then a controversial decision, he later became widely admired as a principled figure of great stature. Learn about Black History Month, black leaders, the civil rights movement and more.

She served as president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. He advocated an incremental approach to improving education and life prospects of black Americans. After over 20 years in prison, he was released and was able to be the first elected President in post-apartheid, South Africa. Michelle Obama (1964 – ) Lawyer and writer, Michelle was the First Lady of the US during her husband’s presidency 2009-17. Williams is most decorated and highest earning female tennis player in history. Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) – Musician and singer. He was six times NBA champion and played an influential role in popularising basketball in 1980s and 1990s. Also has won four Olympic gold medals. Professor at Bard College, the US. Usain Bolt (1986 – ) (Jamaica, athletics) Usain Bolt is an iconic figure in athletics. She was elected to the House of Representatives for NY in 1968. She was also awarded an Emmy Award (tv) a Grammy Award (music industry) and a Tony Award (live theatre). People in the anti-slavery movement – Men and women who campaigned for the end of slavery. He rejected the Atlanta compromise of 1909 but insisted on full equality. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, he was often considered the de facto leader of African-Americans. Booker T. Washington (1856 – 1915) Author and orator, Washington was an adviser to the presidents of Roosevelt and Taft. He is remembered for his powerful speeches which sought to bring about a united society – where race did not act as a barrier. Beyonce (1981 – ) (US, singer) American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013 ) – Mandela spent most of his life campaigning for an end to apartheid in South Africa. Men and women who made a positive contribution to the world – in the fields of politics, literature, music, activism and spirituality.