United States – Ohio
Charles Sidney Gilpin (1878-1930)
Charles Sidney Gilpin, an actor, singer, and vaudevillian dancer, was the most successful African American stage performer in the early...
Marie Selika Williams (ca. 1849-1937)
In 1878 soprano Marie Selika Williams, known as the “queen of staccato,” became the first black artist to perform at...
Barbara Ross-Lee (1942- )
Barbara Ross was born in 1942 in Detroit, Michigan, the eldest of six siblings. She graduated from Wayne State University...
Josephine Beall Willson Bruce (1853-1923)
A clubwoman, teacher, society leader, and race activist, Josephine Beall Willson Bruce was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 29,...
William Hannibal Thomas (1843-1935)
William Hannibal Thomas was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on May 4, 1843 to free black parents. During his early...
Zoë Dusanne (1884-1972)
Described by those who knew her as exotic, flamboyant, and colorful, Zoë Dusanne, was an art dealer and collector who...
Gilford P. Hervey (1836-1920)
Gilford P. Hervey was born enslaved, the third of 14 children of Cary M. and Rose Hervey in Halifax County,...
Benjamin Tucker Tanner (1835-1923)
Benjamin Tucker Tanner was born on Christmas day of 1835 to Hugh and Isabella Tanner of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As one...
Adrienne Kennedy (1931- )
Adrienne Kennedy has earned a place as one of contemporary America’s most renowned and admired African American authors, lecturers, and...
