Technology
Meet the Black Woman Who Helped Create Shockwave, Which Led to Animated GIFs
In the age of social media, cryptocurrency, and video streaming, it's easy to forg…
Sports & Entertainment
Bryant Gumbel Was the First Black Person to Host a TV Network’s Morning Show
With a humble background working in sales, Bryant Gumbel made his name known in the va…
Music & Arts
Stevie Wonder was the First Black Artist to Win a GRAMMY for “Album of the Year”
Released in 1973, "Innervisions" carries some of the most iconic tunes creat…
Music & Arts
Nat King Cole Was the 1st Black Person to Have His Own Nationally-Syndicated TV Show on NBC
"Ladies and Gentlemen, The Nat King Cole Show!" This was the intro to a TV s…
Sports & Entertainment
Johnny Grier, the NFL’s First Black Referee
For as long as there has been American football, there have been referees. Some of the…
History & Exploration
Jane Cooke Wright, M.D., an African American Who Pioneered The Advancement of Cancer Medicine
Born just after World War II, Jane Cooke Wright was exposed to greatness at a young ag…
Public Service
Despite Being Born a Free Black Woman, Sarah Parker Remond Fought Against Slavery
Born as a free black woman in 1894, Sarah Parker Remond had a more stable life as a ch…
Geography
Meet William Leidesdorff, America’s First Biracial Millionaire
Born in 1810, William Leidesdorff was a biracial West Indian immigrant who grew up in …
History & Exploration
Sojourner Truth Was 29-Years Old When She Escaped Slavery with Her Young Daughter
Born into slavery, Sojourner Truth was a legendary abolitionist and fighter for equal …
Writing & Publishing
Frances Watkins Harper, a Black Poet and Speaker Who Fought Against Slavery
As a daughter to free black parents, Frances Watkins Harper was one of few black child…
Writing & Publishing
David Ruggles, the Owner of America’s First Black-Owned Bookstore
During the early 1800s, the United States was still growing and the spread of business…
History & Exploration
James Forten, a Black Inventor and Shipping Businessman in the 1800s
On August 2nd, 1776, America declared itself a new country through the signing of the …
