Sherman A. James is a social epidemiologist and most notably known for the concept of “John Henryism.” Most recently, Dr. James served as a research professor of epidemiology and African American studies at Emory University. Before arriving at Emory University, he served as the inaugural … Read MoreSherman A. James (1944- )
Renowned composer and pianist John Daniel Carter was born on April 19, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri but was reared in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the only child of John Hannibal Carter, a pianist, and his first music teacher, and Lilly Carter. John Carter quickly … Read MoreJohn Daniel Carter (1932-1981)
Mabel Byrd, a life-long educator, researcher, and civil rights activist, was the first African American to attend the University of Oregon. Born in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania on July 3, 1895, Byrd was the youngest daughter of Robert Byrd, a bricklayer, and Jennie Byrd. She moved with … Read MoreMabel Janet Byrd (1895-1988)
William Augustus Hinton was an American bacteriologist and the first Black Professor at Harvard University. Hinton was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 15, 1883, to former slaves Maria Clark and Augustus Hinton. He spent his formative years in Kansas City, Missouri, and attended the … Read MoreWilliam Augustus Hinton (1883-1959)
College athelete John “Jack” Green Trice, an only child, was born on May 12, 1902, in Hiram, Ohio to Green and Ann W. (Wilcoxson) Trice. Green Trice, a former Buffalo Soldier in the 10th Cavalry, was from Hardeman County, Tennessee, and Ann Trice was from … Read MoreJohn “Jack” Green Trice (1902-1923)
Historian, political activist, and educator Clarence Albert Bacote was born on February 24, 1906, in Kansas City, Missouri. His parents were Samuel William Bacote from Society Hill, South Carolina, a graduate of Richmond Theological Seminary (now Virginia Union University) and pastor at Second Baptist Church … Read MoreClarence Albert Bacote (1906-1981)
David L. Steward is currently considered the second richest black man in the United States, worth over $3.7 billion dollars. Stewart was born on July 2, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Harold, was a mechanic, trash collector, and janitor, and his mother, Dorothy, was … Read MoreDavid Steward (1951- )
Doxey Alphonso Lewis Alexander Wilkerson, communist, Marxist, professor, author, editor, and union leader, was born April 24, 1905 in Excelsior Springs, Missouri to Mattie L. Wilkerson of Kentucky (1884-1955) and Methodist minister Alphonso Wilkerson. A 1921 graduate of Sumner High School in Kansas City, Kansas, … Read MoreDoxey Wilkerson (1905-1993)
Leon Spinks was a professional boxer best known for defeating Muhammad Ali for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship in 1978. Spinks was born on July 11, 1953 to Kay Francis Spinks and Leon Spinks Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. When Spinks was born, he became ill … Read MoreLeon Spinks (1953-2021)
Kirsten Harris-Talley is the current Washington State Representative for the 37th Legislative District, Position 2, representing the Seattle neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, the Central District, Rainier Valley, as well as Skyway and portions of Renton. Rep. Harris-Talley was elected in November 2020 and took office … Read MoreKirsten Harris-Talley (1979- )
