Encyclopedia of Prominent African-Americans

Use this encyclopedia to read and learn about the contributions of African-Americans throughout history. Discover the great achievements of abolitionists, poets, athletes, singers, politicians, artists, journalists, musicians, and civil rights leaders. Use these biographies and articles during Black History Month (February), or year round to enhance your social studies or history curriculum.

A-D Kareem Abdul-Jabbar A brief article about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Muhammad Ali, Olympic Athlete A brief biographical article about Muhammad Ali and this athletic career accomplishments. Alvin Ailey A brief biography of Alvin Ailey. Marian Anderson A brief article about singer Marian Anderson. Maya Angelou A brief article about Maya Angelou. Louis Armstrong A brief article about Louis Armstrong. Arthur Ashe A brief biography of Arthur Ashe. Crispus Attucks A brief article about Crispus Attucks, believed to be the first man killed in the American Revolution. James Baldwin A brief article about Jame Baldwin, including related resources. Benjamin Banneker An article, including related resources, about Benjamin Banneker. Mary McLeod Bethune An article about Bethune's contributions. Gwendolyn Brooks Ralph Johnson Bunche A brief article about Ralph Johnson Bunche, the first African American to win a Nobel Prize. George Washington Carver A brief article about George Washington Carver. Shirley Chisholm Shirley Chisholm emerged as an important politician during the 1970s, serving as the nation's first African-American woman in Congress. Miles Davis Miles Davis was known as the Picasso of jazz. Frederick Douglass A brief article about abolitionist Frederick Douglass. William Edward Burghardt DuBois Article about prominent African American W.E.B. DuBois, including related Web sites, and a bibliography. E-H Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington Learn more about the life of American Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and orchestra leader, Duke Ellington. Marian Wright Edelman Learn more about Marian Wright Edelman, social activist and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. Medgar Evers Learn about the life of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, who organized the first economic boycott of businesses that practiced racial discrimination. He was killed by a KKK member in 1963. Ella Fitzgerald Learn about the life of Ella Fitzgerald, one of the greatest singers in jazz history. Althea Gibson Learn about the life of tennis great Althea Gibson. Fannie Lou Hamer Learn more about Fannie Lou Hamer, an inspirational figure to many involved in the struggle for civil rights. Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix was an astonishing musical innovator, whose style has yet to be defined. Billie Holiday Learn more about the life of jazz singer Billie Holiday. Langston Hughes Learn more about the life of Langston Hughes, American poet and central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Charlayne Hunter-Gault Learn more about the life of Charlayne Hunter-Gault, one of television's premier journalists. I-J Jesse Jackson Learn more about the life of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. Judith Jamison Learn more about the life of American dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison. Robert Johnson Robert Johnson was a talented guitarist, whose music laid the groundwork for Delta blues. Barbara Jordan Short article about Barbara Jordan.

K-L Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic Athlete Learn more about the life of track and field star Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Life This brief biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. can be used with the Civil Rights Leader lesson plan or on its own to teach students about Dr. King's life and legacy. This is a great reference to use when celebrating Black History Month. Jacob Lawrence Learn more about the life of the American painter and educator Jacob Lawrence. M-Q Thurgood Marshall Learn more about the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. James Meredith Learn about Civil Rights leader James Meredith, who in 1961 was denied admission to the University of Mississippi because he was black. He was later admitted, but was killed in 1966. Toni Morrison Learn more about the life of contemporary novelist Toni Morrison. Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. A biography of Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.. Jesse Owens, Olympic Athlete Learn more about the life of track and field star Jesse Owens. Gordon Parks A brief article about photographer and director Gordon Parks. Rosa Parks A brief article about Rosa Parks. Sidney Poitier A brief article about Sidney Poitier. Colin Powell A brief article about Colin Powell. R-T Bernice Johnson Reagon An article about Sweet Honey in the Rock's founder, Bernice Johnson Reagon. Hiram Revels A brief article about Hiram Revels, the first African American member of the U.S. Senate. Condoleezza Rice Learn about the life of Condoleezza Rice, who served as U.S. Secretary of State from 2005-2009. Paul Robeson A brief biography about Paul Robeson. Jackie Robinson Mini-Biography A brief biographical article about Jackie Robinson, the man who broke baseball's color barrier. Clarence Thomas A brief article about Clarence Thomas. Sojourner Truth - Biography An article about abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Harriet Tubman Biography An article about Harriet Tubman. U-Z Alice Walker A brief article about Alice Walker. Booker T. Washington A brief article about Booker T. Washington. Ida B. Wells A brief article about Ida B. Wells. Phillis Wheatley A brief article about poet Phillis Wheatley. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey is an important public figure in America, having overcome adversity to become a global icon. Carter Woodson Article about Carter Woodson, the "father Black History Month." Richard Wright An article about writer Richard Wright. Malcolm X Biography A brief article about Malcolm X. Andrew Young A brief article about Andrew Young. Related Resources Black History Month – Teacher Resources February is Black History Month. Explore the many contributions of African-Americans with our cross-curricular lessons, printables, activities, and references for grades K-12. There are activities to connect Black History with every subject, including holiday resources for Kwanzaa and Martin Luther King Jr Day. Coloring Book of Prominent African-Americans Use a coloring book to teach students about the accomplishments of MLK Jr., Rosa Parks, and Jackie Robinson. Each coloring page includes a picture and short biography of a notable African-American. Biographies – Teacher Resources We have biographies on famous and historical figures who your students will enjoy studying. With these resources, lessons, and printables, you will learn how you can incorporate the study of famous people in your classroom. African-American History Resources Discover facts and more about African-Americans, both historically and in the present. Educate students about slavery and the struggle for equality faced by the black community.