Frank R. Crosswaith was born on July 16, 1892, in La Croix, Virgin Islands, to William Ignatius and Anne Elizabeth Crosswaith. He immigrated to the United States in 1910 and became a socialist labor leader. He settled in New York City, New York where he … Read MoreFrank R. Crosswaith (1892-1965)
James Melvin “Jimmie” Lunceford, a popular band leader during the swing era, was born near Fulton, Mississippi, in Itawamba County to James Leonard and Beulah Idella Tucker Lunceford in June, 1902. His grandparents, Daniel and Gracie Lunceford, had arrived in Mississippi as slaves from North … Read MoreJimmie M. Lunceford (1902-1947)
Image Ownership: David Shankbone Veronica Webb is an African American model, actress, writer, and television personality. Webb was the first African American to have a major cosmetics contract when she signed with Revlon in 1992. Webb also appeared on the covers of Vogue, Essence, and … Read MoreVeronica Webb (1965- )
Philippa Duke Schuyler was an African American child prodigy, pianist, composer, journalist, and author. She became famous in the 1930s and 1940s for her unique musical talents, mixed-race background, and the abnormal methods her parents used to raise her. Schuyler was born on August 2, … Read MorePhilippa Schuyler (1931-1967)
Stacey Lauretta Dash is an American actress and talk show host. She is most widely known for co-staring in the film Clueless (1995), which later turned into a television series (1996-1999). She is also cited for her recurring roles in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), The … Read MoreStacey Dash (1967- )
Image Ownership: Public domain Elton Clay Fax, a prolific African-American cartoonist, author, and illustrator, was born on October 9, 1909, in Baltimore, Maryland. His parents were Mark Oakland Fax, a clerk, and Willie Estelle Fax, a seamstress. Elton’s younger brother, Mark, was a music prodigy … Read MoreElton Fax (1909-1993)
Since his notable role in the critically acclaimed film Boyz N the Hood (1991), Cuba Gooding Jr. has had a major career that has spanned an array of films. His work has included a diverse group of genres including drama, comedy, action, and war. Gooding’s … Read MoreCuba Gooding Jr. (1968- )
Esteban Hotesse was the only Dominican-born member of the famed Tuskegee Airmen, as well as one of the few people born in a Spanish-speaking nation to serve the United Stated during World War II. Hotesse was born on February 11, 1919, in the town of … Read MoreEsteban Hotesse (1919-1945)
Image Ownership: Public domain Raymell Mourice Rice, who is also known as Ray Rice, is a former American football running back who played his entire professional career with the Baltimore (Maryland) Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL in 2008, he … Read MoreRaymell Mourice Rice (1987- )
Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. is a retired American football player who spent his entire professional career with the Baltimore (Maryland) Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Lewis played college football for the University of Miami (Florida) where he earned all-American honors. After college, Lewis … Read MoreRaymond Anthony Lewis, Jr. (1975- )
