A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. (1928-1998)

Aloyisus Leon Higginbotham, Jr., who eventually served on the United States Court of Appeals, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1928.  His mother, Emma Lee Higginbotham, was a maid and his father, Aloyisus Leon Higginbotham Sr., was a factory worker.  Higginbotham attended racially segregated schools in Trenton, … Read MoreA. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. (1928-1998)

Steve LaTreal McNair (1973–2009)

“Image Ownership: Keith Allison” Steve LaTreal McNair was an American football quarterback who played for the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen years with two teams, the Houston/Tennessee Oilers which were renamed the Tennessee Titans, and the Baltimore Ravens. McNair was born on February 14, … Read MoreSteve LaTreal McNair (1973–2009)

Samuel Eugene Kelly (1926-2009)

“Image Ownership: Public Domain” Samuel Eugene Kelly, soldier and educator, was born in Greenwich, Connecticut on January 26, 1926 to James Handy Kelly, a minister, and Essie Matilda Allen-Kelly, a homemaker.  Educated at Greenwich public schools, Kelly dropped out of high school in 1943 and … Read MoreSamuel Eugene Kelly (1926-2009)

Richard D. Parsons (1948- )

Richard Dean Parsons, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Time Warner Inc., is the current Chairman of Citigroup. Despite his working class origins, Parsons’ achievements have been recognized by the African American community and he has become an influential role model for racial uplift. Born … Read MoreRichard D. Parsons (1948- )

Howard University (1867- )

With an enrollment of approximately 9,000 graduate and undergraduate students, Howard University is the fifth largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU).  It has been labeled “the capstone of Negro education,” because of its central role in the African American educational experience.  Among historically black … Read MoreHoward University (1867- )