The following are short descriptions of the women and men who have contributed to the shaping of African American history. These encyclopedia entries serve as a starting point for much more inclusive descriptions and discussions that appear in other sources. For additional information please consult the print or website sources cited in the entry.
Shontel Monique Brown is a business professional, politician (D) and congresswoman, serving as the U.S. Representative for Ohio’s 11th congressional district since 2021. Brown was born on June 24, 1975, in Cuyahoga County, Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother Rikki, is a human resources professional at the … Read MoreShontel Brown (1975- )
Lani Guinier was a legal scholar, civil rights lawyer, author, and the first woman of color to obtain a position as a tenure-track professor at Harvard University in 1998. Born in New York City on April 19, 1950, Guinier was the daughter of Ewart Guinier, … Read MoreLani Guinier (1950-2022)
The Honorable Sydney Kai Kamlager-Dove, a Freshman Democrat Member of the U.S. House of Representatives and an advocate for racial equity, access, and social justice, was born in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, on July 20, 1972, to Cheryl Lynn Bruce, an award-winning actor. Kamlager graduated … Read MoreSydney Kai Kamlager-Dove (1972-)
Wes Moore, Rhodes Scholar, banker, and writer, and now the first African American elected governor of Maryland, was born Westley Watende Omari Moore on October 15, 1978, in Washington, D.C., to Westley Moore, a radio news anchor, and Joy Thomas Moore, a Media Consultor, from … Read MoreWes Moore (1978- )
Kwanza Hall, recognized for his leadership as a civil servant and business executive, was elected in 2020 to complete the term of the late U.S. Representative John R. Lewis, civil rights symbol and 17-term congressman. As a public servant, a large portion of his career … Read MoreKwanza Hall (1971-)
Glenn Frederick Ivey was elected to the United States House of Representatives in the Congressional election of 2022. He was sworn in to start his first term in office on January 3, 2023. Ivey represents Maryland’s 4th congressional district which encompasses portions of Prince George’s County … Read MoreGlenn Ivey (1961- )
Henry Dortress “Dickie” Marrow was an African American veteran who was shot and killed after a racial confrontation with whites in Oxford, North Carolina, on May 12, 1970. The confrontation and murder seemed to have many parallels to the far more famous Emmitt Till case … Read MoreHenry Dortress Marrow Jr. (1947-1970)
Jasmine Felicia Crockett, elected to the United States House of Representatives on November 8, 2022, was born on March 29, 1981, in St. Louis, Missouri. Ms. Crockett attended Rhodes College, a private liberal arts school in Memphis, Tennessee. While there, she and several other Black … Read MoreJasmine Crockett (1981- )
Dr. Percy Anthony Pierre is an accomplished pioneer in electrical engineering and trailblazer known for his academic and professional accomplishments throughout the nation including a university presidency. Born in Welcome, Louisiana, on January 3, 1939 to Rosa Villavaso Pierre and Percy John Pierre who were … Read MoreDr. Percy A. Pierre
Damar Romeyelle Hamlin is an American football player who plays the safety position for the Buffalo (New York) Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Hamlin was born on March 24, 1998, to Mario and Nina Hamlin in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. Hamlin attended Central Catholic … Read MoreDamar Romeyelle Hamlin (1998– )
