MISTY COPELAND (b. 1982) Misty Copeland is an American ballet dancer who, in 2015, became the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Copeland has broken ground in roles from Clara in the Nutcracker to Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, published several books, pushed for more diversity in the arts, and is giving back … Read more
LORI LIGHTFOOT (b. 1962) Lori Lightfoot is an American politician and attorney who served as the 56th Mayor of Chicago. She was the second woman, first African-American woman, and first openly gay person to ever serve as Mayor of Chicago. Born in 1962, Lightfoot was known for her curious spirit and had a range of … Read more
HARRIET TUBMAN (1822-1913) Harriet Tubman was best known for being a conductor for the Underground Railroad, a Civil War nurse and spy, and advocate for human rights. Tubman — born Araminta Ross — was born into slavery in Maryland (MD) in the early 1820s. She was put to work as a nursemaid at age 5. Around age … Read more
SISTER ROSETTA THARPE (1915-1973) Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She is often referred to as the “original soul sister” and “the godmother of rock and roll”. Tharpe was born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas in 1915. She began singing and playing the guitar at age 4 and was hailed as a … Read more
KAMALA HARRIS (b. 1964) Kamala Harris served as Vice President of the United States from 2021-2025 and was the first woman and person of color to serve in that office. She was the first woman and the first African American attorney general in California, the first Indian American to serve as a U.S. senator, and … Read more
MA RAINEY (1886-1939) Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett) is often called the “Mother of the Blues.” Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence. As a songwriter, her lyrics and melodies reflected her experiences as an independent, openly bisexual African-American woman. Ma Rainey was born in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. … Read more
MAYA ANGELOU (1928-2014) Maya Angelou was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. Angelou had a broad career as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood’s first female black director, but became most famous as a writer, editor, essayist, playwright, and poet. As a civil rights activist, Angelou worked for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. … Read more