Robert Fikes

Independent Historian

Robert Fikes, Jr., a 1970 graduate of Tuskegee Institute, earned graduate degrees in modern European history and library science at the University of Minnesota. A reference librarian at San Diego State University where he is also subject bibliographer for Africana Studies and for American, Middle Eastern, and African history, Fikes has published journal articles, essays, encyclopedia entries, bibliographies, and monographs pertaining to history and literature.

Wilton Daniel Gregory (1947- )

Wilton D. Gregory is a Roman Catholic archbishop and scholar.  He was born on December 7, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois as the oldest of the three children of Wilton D. Gregory Sr. and the former Etta Duncan who later divorced.  His reverence for parish priests … Read MoreWilton Daniel Gregory (1947- )

Andrew Jackson Foster, II (1925-1987)

Andrew Foster, also known as the “Father of Deaf Education in Africa,” was an educator and pioneering foreign missionary for the deaf. Born on June 27, 1925 in the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham, Alabama, Foster was the eldest of the four children. His father Wiley … Read MoreAndrew Jackson Foster, II (1925-1987)

Charles Walter Dryden (1920-2008)

Charles W. Dryden was a Tuskegee Airman, author, and professor. Born on September 16, 1920 in New York City, Dryden was the son of Jamaican immigrant parents Charles Levy Tucker Dryden, a World War I veteran and teacher, and Violet Adina Buckley Dryden, also a … Read MoreCharles Walter Dryden (1920-2008)

E. Simms Campbell (1906-1971)

Elmer Simms Campbell was an early syndicated cartoonist and jazz critic.  Born on January 2, 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, Campbell was the son of Elmer Cary Campbell, a high school chemistry teacher and assistant principal, and Elizabeth Simms Campbell, also a teacher. Inspired by … Read MoreE. Simms Campbell (1906-1971)

George Joseph Herriman (1880-1944)

George Herriman was one of the first syndicated cartoonists of African descent. The son of mulatto Creole parents George Herriman, Jr., a tailor, and the former Clara Morel, Herriman was born in New Orleans on August 22, 1880. At age ten, his family relocated to … Read MoreGeorge Joseph Herriman (1880-1944)

Herman Aladdin Barnett, III (1926-1973)

Herman Barnett, a physician, civil rights activist, and Tuskegee Airman achieved a significant number of “firsts” in Texas history. Born on January 22, 1926 in Austin, Texas, Barnett was the son of Hencil Barnett and Lula Searcy Barnett. After graduating from Phyllis Wheatley High School, … Read MoreHerman Aladdin Barnett, III (1926-1973)

J. R. Todd (1981- )

J. R. Todd, a leading drag racer and crew chief, was the first African American to win a Top Fuel competition sponsored by the National Hot Rod Association.  He was born Mario Luther Todd Jr. in Lawrenceburg, Indiana on December 16, 1981 to Mario Luther … Read MoreJ. R. Todd (1981- )

Keith Lanier Black (1957- )

Dr. Keith L. Black is one of the world’s premier neurosurgeons.  Black was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on September 13, 1957 to Robert Black, an elementary school principal, and Lillian Black, a schoolteacher. At an early age, his parents cultivated his interest in science and, … Read MoreKeith Lanier Black (1957- )

Michael Bruce Curry (1953- )

Michael Bruce Curry is the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. Curry was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 13, 1953 to the Rev. Kenneth S. L. Curry, a pastor and social activist, and Dorothy Strayhorn Curry. At age three, he moved … Read MoreMichael Bruce Curry (1953- )