Theodore Kenneth “T.K.” Lawless, MD was an internationally-known dermatologist who helped pioneer techniques to treat syphilis and was one of the first doctors to treat cancer with radium. A millionaire, Dr. Lawless built his wealth over decades and was recognized for his significant contributions as … Read MoreTheodore Kenneth Lawless (1892-1971)
This entry is for juvenile audiences. To see the full version of this entry, click here. Who are they: Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space during her flight on the STS-47, Spacelab-J in September of 1992. Why are they important to … Read MoreMae C. Jemison (1956- ) [Children’s Edition]
Lulu Merle Johnson was pioneer in education and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in the state of Iowa. Born on September 14, 1907 in Gravity, Iowa to Jeanette (Burton) and Richard Johnson, her mother was the daughter of freed slaves, and … Read MoreLulu Merle Johnson (1907-1995)
Bobby Eugene Wright, Pan-African clinical psychologist, mental health administrator, and theorist, was born March 1, 1934 in Anniston, Alabama. Reared in Hobson City, Alabama’s first all-Black town, by mother Myrtle M. Johnson, stepmother Zellar C. Royle, and father, Bennie Henry Wright (1904-1949), a Monsanto Chemical … Read MoreBobby Wright (1934-1982)
Who are they: Lonnie George Johnson is known for inventing the Super Soaker water gun. He also worked as an engineer on spacecraft that were sent to Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. Now his companies create technology for everything from toys to spacecraft to green energy. … Read MoreLonnie Johnson (1949- ) [Children’s Edition]
The 20th-century evolution of Jr. Walker & The All-Stars began with “The Rhythm Rockers,” which became “The All-Stars” in 1961. In 1964, Walker & The All-Stars signed with Motown Records. The ensemble’s legendary composer and leader was Autry “Jr. Walker” DeWalt Mixon II, was born … Read MoreJr. Walker & The All-Stars (1964-1979)
Uniontown is a community of 1,880 people, located in Perry County, Alabama, and was originally named Woodville, after the first family to settle there in 1818. In the winter of 2008, a malfunction at the Tennessee Kingston Fossil Plant in Kingston, Roane County, Tennessee led … Read More4) Uniontown, Alabama (1818- )
Vanessa N. Gamble is the first African American woman to teach as a professor of medical humanities, health policy, and American civilization at the George Washington University. Dr. Gamble additionally serves as a professor of bioethics at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, and Allied … Read MoreVanessa Northington Gamble (1953- )
Early in 1963, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Reverend Ralph Abernathy, and local Birmingham leader of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights Fred Shuttlesworth came together to lead a campaign to desegregate Birmingham, Alabama, a city notorious for its … Read MoreThe Birmingham Children’s Crusade (May 1963)
The Clark Sisters, an African American gospel ensemble comprising five daughters, was established in 1966 is the highest selling female gospel group in United States history. The singers are Jackie, born in 1948 in Selma, Alabama, from the first marriage of Leo H. Cullum, Sr. … Read MoreThe Clark Sisters (1966- )
