Exploring America's Historic Black Population
Who was the first African American woman to become a self-made millionaire?
- Madam C.J. Walker became the first self-made millionaire through her successful line of hair care products for Black women.
Who was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court?
- Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court. He was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson and served from 1967 to 1991.
What year was the Civil Rights Act, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, passed?
- The Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964, marking a significant milestone in the civil rights movement. This landmark legislation outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Who delivered the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington in 1963?
- Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Given during the 1963 March on Washington, it remains one of the most iconic speeches in American history.
Who was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature?
- Toni Morrison was the first African American woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature. She won the prestigious award in 1993 for her vivid storytelling and characterization in her novels.
What African American athlete broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball?
- Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he started for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Who founded the Black Panther Party in the United States?
- The Black Panther Party was founded in the United States in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale.
Which African American singer is known as the "Empress of Soul"?
- Gladys Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul," is a legendary singer and songwriter. She rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the musical group Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Who was the first African American astronaut to travel in space?
- Guion Bluford was the first African American astronaut to travel in space. He achieved this historic feat on August 30, 1983, as a mission specialist aboard the space shuttle Challenger.
Who was the first African American woman to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State?
- Condoleezza Rice was the first African American woman to hold the position of U.S. Secretary of State. She served under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009.
