Notable Black American men

This reference contains 500 alphabetically-arranged biographies that reflect a wide variety of areas of endeavour within the male African American sphere. Notable figures included are Louis Armstrong, Bill Cosby, Spike Lee, Nat King Cole, and Arthur Ashe.

• Aaron, Hank (1934-) Baseball player p. 1
• Abbott, Robert Sengstacke (1868-1940) Newspaper publisher, editor p. 3
• Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem (1947-) Basketball player, author p. 6
• Ailey, Alvin (1931-1989) Choreographer, dancer, dance company founder p. 8
• Aldridge, Ira (1807-1867) Actor p. 12
• Alexander, Clifford L., Jr. (1933-) Lawyer, politician, humanitarian p. 15
• Ali, Muhammad (1942-) Boxing champion, civil rights activist, humanitarian p. 17
• Allen, Richard (1760-1831) Religious leader p. 21
• Anderson, Charles W., Jr. (1907-1960) Lawyer, state legislator, United Nations delegate p. 24
• Armstrong, Henry (1912-1988) Boxing champion, minister p. 26
• Armstrong, Louis "Satchmo" (1900-1971) Jazz trumpeter p. 29
• Arnett, Benjamin W. (1838-1906) Religious leader, educator, state politician, writer, bibliophile p. 34
• Ashe, Arthur (1943-1993) Tennis player, activist p. 36
• Attucks, Crispus (1723?-1770) Slave, sailor, patriot p. 40
• Bailey, DeFord (1899-1982) Entertainer, musician p. 43
• Baldwin, James (1924-1987) Novelist, essayist, short story writer, playwright p. 46
• Banneker, Benjamin (1731-1806) Inventor, mathematician, astronomer p. 49
• Baraka, Amiri (1934-) Educator, poet, writer, publisher, editor, social and political activist, dramatist, playwright, music critic p. 52
• Barnes, Steven (1952-) Writer, television script writer, screenplay writer, lecturer, consultant, martial arts teacher p. 55
• Barnett, Claude A. (1889?-1967) Journalist, publisher p. 58
• Barthe, Richmond (1901-1989) Sculptor p. 60
• Bearden, Romare (1912-1988) Artist, writer, art historian, mathematician, social worker p. 64
• Belafonte, Harry (1927-) Entertainer, civil rights activist, humanitarian p. 68
• Bell, Derrick A., Jr. (1930-) Lawyer, educator, activist, writer p. 71
• Bell, James Madison (1826-1902) Orator, poet, political activist p. 73
• Binga, Jesse (1865-1950) Banker, realtor, philanthropist p. 75
• Blake, Eubie (1883-1983) Composer, performer, songwriter, musician, historian, educator p. 77
• Bledsoe, Jules (1897-1943) Singer, composer p. 79
• Blockson, Charles L. (1933-) Curator, educator, historian, bibliophile, writer p. 82
• Blue, Thomas Fountain (1866-1935) Librarian, organization official p. 84
• Bluford, Guy (1942-) Astronaut, aeronautical engineer p. 86
• Bond, Horace Mann (1904-1972) Educator, college dean, college president p. 88
• Bond, Julian (1940-) Civil rights activist, politician, organization leader p. 91
• Bontemps, Arna W. (1902-1973) Librarian, writer, critic, teacher p. 93
• Bouchet, Edward A. (1852-1918) Educator, religious worker, community activist p. 97
• Boyd, Richard Henry (1843-1922) religious leader, entrepreneur p. 99
• Bradley, Ed (1941-) Broadcast journalist p. 102
• Bradley, Thomas (1917-) Mayor, law enforcement officer, lawyer, athlete p. 104
• Braithwaite, William Stanley (1878-1962) Poet, critic, educator, writer, publisher p. 108
• Branson, Herman R. (1914-1995) Educator, physicist, college president p. 110
• Brawley, Benjamin G. (1882-1939) Educator, minister, college administrator, bibliophile, writer p. 112
• Brazeal, Brailsford R. (1905-1981) Educator, economist, writer p. 113
• Brewer, J. Mason (1896-1975) Folklorist, writer, educator p. 114
• Brimmer, Andrew F. (1926-) Economist, educator, entrepreneur p. 116
• Bristow, Lonnie R. (1930-) Physician, organization executive p. 118
• Brooke, Edward W. (1919-) U.S. Senator, state attorney general, lawyer, military officer p. 121
• Brown, Grafton Tyler (1841-1919) Painter, lithographer, draftsman, engineer, entrepreneur p. 124
• Brown, James (1933-) Musician, composer p. 125
• Brown, Morris (1770-1849) Minister, religious leader, civil rights activist p. 129
• Brown, Ron (1941-1996) Politician, Cabinet member, lawyer p. 131
• Brown, Sterling A. (1901-1989) Poet, critic, writer, editor, educator p. 133
• Brown, Tony (1933-) Television executive, producer, columnist, educator, filmmaker, activist p. 136
• Brown, William Wells (1814?-1884) Slave, abolitionist, writer, physician p. 138
• Brown, Willie L., Jr. (1934-) Mayor, politician p. 141
• Bruce, Blanche Kelso (1841-1898) U.S. Senator, politician, educator, orator p. 143
• Bryan, Andrew (1737?-1812) Religious worker p. 146
• Bullard, Eugene (1894-1961) Fighter pilot, boxer p. 148
• Bullins, Ed (1935-) Playwright, theater director, teacher, editor p. 150
• Bunche, Ralph J. (1903-1971) Statesman, diplomat, scholar, United Nations official p. 152
• Burgess, John M. (1909-) Bishop p. 156
• Burris, Roland (1937-) Lawyer, accountant, banker, state official p. 158
• Caliver, Ambrose (1894-1962) College administrator, educator, government appointee, writer p. 160
• Calloway, Cab (1908-1994) Bandleader, entertainer, songwriter, writer p. 162
• Campanella, Roy (1921-1993) Baseball player, entrepreneur, radio host, writer, philanthropist p. 166
• Campbell, E. Simms (1906-1971) Cartoonist p. 169
• Cardozo, Francis L. (1837-1903) Educator, politician, minister p. 171
• Carmichael, Stokely (1941-) Civil rights activist, organization leader, Pan Africanist p. 173
• Carney, William H. (1840-1908) Soldier, postal worker, messenger p. 176
• Carver, George Washington (1861?-1943) Agricultural chemist and researcher p. 177
• Cary, Lott (1780?-1828) Religious worker, missionary, colonizer p. 180
• Cayton, Horace R. (1903-1970) Researcher, writer, educator, sociologist, lecturer, journalist p. 182
• Chamberlain, Wilt (1936-) Basketball player p. 184
• Charles, Ray (1930-) Singer, composer, arranger p. 186
• Chavis, John (1763?-1838) Minister, missionary, educator p. 190
• Chenault, Kenneth I. (1951-) Corporate executive, lawyer p. 191
• Chesnutt, Charles Waddell (1858-1932) Writer, lawyer p. 193
• Chester, Thomas Morris (1834-1892) Journalist, lawyer, civil rights activist, military officer, school official, federal government official p. 197
• Church, Robert Reed, Sr. (1839-1912) Entrepreneur, banker, civic leader p. 200
• Cleaver, Eldridge (1935-1998) Militant, writer, minister p. 203
• Clement, George Clinton (1871-1935) Religious leader, activist p. 207
• Clement, Rufus E. (1900-1967) College president, educator, minister p. 208
• Cleveland, James (1931-1991) Musician, composer, religious worker p. 211
• Cochran, Johnnie (1937-) Lawyer p. 212
• Coker, Daniel (1780-1846) Religious leader, colonizer, abolitionist p. 214
• Cole, Nat "King" (1919-1965) Musician, singer, composer, entertainer p. 215
• Coleman, William T., Jr. (1920-) Lawyer, corporate executive, federal official p. 217
• Coltrane, John (1926-1967) Musician, bandleader, composer p. 220
• Cone, James H. (1938-) Theologian, minister, educator p. 223
• Conyers, John, Jr. (1929-) Congressman, civil rights advocate, lawyer p. 225
• Coppin, Levi Jenkins (1848-1924) Bishop, editor, writer p. 227
• Cornish, Samuel (1795-1858) Religious worker, editor, abolitionist p. 229
• Cosby, Bill (1937-) Comedian, philanthropist p. 230
• Craft, William (1824-1900) Abolitionist, educator, farmer p. 234
• Crockett, George W., Jr. (1909-1997) Congressman, judge, lawyer p. 236
• Crummell, Alexander (1819-1898) Religious worker, educator, writer p. 238
• Cuffe, Paul (1759-1817) Sailor, entrepreneur, emigrationist p. 241
• Cullen, Countee (1903-1946) Poet, essayist, novelist, playwright, educator p. 243
• Cuney, Norris Wright (1846-1898) Organizer, politician, entrepreneur p. 246
• Darlington, Roy Clifford (1908-1994) Pharmacist, teacher, researcher, writer p. 251
• Davis, Allison (1902-1983) Educator, social anthropologist, psychologist p. 252
• Davis, Benjamin Jefferson (1903-1964) Communist, lawyer, civil rights activist, city official p. 253
• Davis, Benjamin O., Jr. (1912-) Military officer p. 255
• Davis, Benjamin O., Sr. (1877-1970) Military officer, educator, government official p. 259
• Davis, Miles (1926-1991) Musican, bandleader, composer, arranger p. 262
• Davis, Ossie (1917-) Writer, producer, actor p. 264
• Davis, Sammy, Jr. (1925-1990) Singer, dancer, comedian, musician, humanitarian, actor p. 266
• Dawson, William L. (1886-1970) Political leader, congressman p. 269
• Dawson, William Levi (1899-1990) Composer, educator, choral director p. 272
• Day, Thomas (1801?-1861) Entrepreneur p. 275
• Day, William Howard (1825-1900) Abolitionist, lecturer, editor, printer, educator, minister p. 276
• DeCarava, Roy (1919-) Photographer, artist, educator p. 280
• Delany, Hubert T. (1901-1990) Lawyer, educator, civil rights advocate p. 281
• Delany, Martin R. (1812-1885) Editor, physician, abolitionist, explorer, army officer, black nationalist, writer p. 282
• Delany, Samuel R. (1942-) Writer, poet, lecturer, literary critic, folk singer, educator, gay and women's rightsactivist p. 286
• Dellums, Ronald V. (1935-) Congressman p. 289
• Denby, Charles (1907-1983) Autoworker, newspaper editor, Marxist-humanist p. 291
• DePriest, Oscar S. (1871-1951) Entrepreneur, politician, congressman p. 294
• Dett, R. Nathaniel (1882-1943) Musician, composer, educator p. 297
• Diggs, Charles C., Jr. (1922-) Congressman, broadcast journalist, entrepreneur p. 301
• Dinkins, David N. (1927-) Lawyer, politician, mayor, public official, educator p. 304
• Divine, M. J. "Father" (1879-1965) Religious leader p. 307
• Dixon, Dean (1915-1976) Symphonic conductor p. 310
• Dodson, Howard, Jr. (1939-) Library curator, historian, lecturer, educator, consultant p. 312
• Dodson, Owen (1914-1983) Poet, novelist, playwright, director, educator p. 315
• Dorsey, Thomas Andrew (1899-1993) Musician, composer p. 319
• Douglas, Aaron (1899-1979) Artist, educator p. 322
• Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895) Abolitionist, orator, reformer, editor, humanitarian, statesman p. 326
• Drew, Charles R. (1904-1950) Educator, scientist, health administrator, surgeon, physician, publisher, athlete, coach p. 331
• Driskell, David C. (1931-) Artist, educator, writer, curator, foundation director p. 333
• Du Bois, W. E. B. (1868-1963) Writer, scholar, activist, Pan Africanist p. 336
• Dudley, Edward R. (1911-) Lawyer, diplomat, politician, judge p. 341
• Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872-1906) Poet, short story writer, novelist, lyricist p. 344
• Duncanson, Robert S. (1822?-1872) Painter p. 347
• Du Sable, Jean Baptiste Pointe (1745-1818) Settler, explorer, trader p. 349
• Dykes, De Witt S., Sr. (1903-1991) Minister, church official, architect p. 352
• Eckstine, Billy (1914-1993) Singer, bandleader p. 357
• Edmondson, William (1870?-1951) Sculptor, laborer p. 359
• Edwards, Nelson J. (1917-1974) Labor union official, civic leader p. 361
• Elder, Lee (1934-) Professional golfer p. 362
• Ellington, Duke (1899-1974) Bandleader, composer, pianist p. 364
• Elliott, Robert Brown (1842-1884) Politician, lawyer, editor p. 367
• Ellison, Ralph (1914-1994) Writer p. 369
• Ellison, William (1790-1861) Slave, artisan, planter p. 373
• Erving, Julius (1950-) Basketball player, entrepreneur, sports analyst, basketball executive p. 375
• Espy, Mike (1953-) Cabinet member, lawyer, congressman p. 378
• Estes, Simon (1938-) Singer p. 381
• Europe, James Reese (1880-1919) Musician p. 382
• Evers, Medgar (1925-1963) Civil rights activist p. 386
• Farmer, James L., Jr. (1920-) Civil rights activist, educator p. 389
• Farrakhan, Louis (1933-) Religious leader p. 393
• Fauntroy, Walter E. (1933-) Minister, civil rights leader, congressman, human rights activist p. 396
• Fisher, Rudolph (1897-1934) Writer, physician, community leader p. 400
• Flipper, Henry O. (1856-1940) Military officer, writer, engineer p. 403
• Foreman, George (1949-) Boxer, Olympic medalist, minister, youth mentor, actor p. 404
• Forman, James (1928-) Civil rights activist, writer p. 406
• Forten, James (1766-1842) Manufacturer, abolitionist, community leader p. 408
• Fortune, T. Thomas (1856-1928) Journalist, civil rights activist, poet p. 411
• Foster, Henry W., Jr. (1933-) Surgeon, medical school educator p. 414
• Foster, Rube (1879-1930) Baseball player, sports administrator, sports organizer, organization founder p. 417
• Francis, Norman C. (1931-) College president, lawyer p. 420
• Franklin, John Hope (1915-) Historian, writer, lecturer, educator p. 421
• Fraunces, Samuel (1722?-1795?) Entrepreneur, caterer, servant p. 427
• Frazier, E. Franklin (1894-1962) Sociologist, educator, writer, activist p. 428
• Freeman, Morgan (1937-) Actor, dancer, singer, director p. 431
• Fuller, S. B. (1895-1988) Entrepreneur p. 433
• Gardner, Newport (1746?-1826) Musician, community leader, schoolteacher, religious leader, missionary p. 436
• Garnet, Henry Highland (1815-1882) Abolitionist, religious worker p. 437
• Garvey, Marcus (1887-1940) Organization founder, Pan Africanist, nationalist, newspaper founder, writer, entrepreneur p. 441
• Gaston, Arthur G. (1892-1996) Entrepreneur p. 445
• Gates, Henry Louis, Jr. (1950-) Educator, scholar, literary critic, writer p. 448
• Gibbs, Mifflin Wistar (1823-1915) Abolitionist, entrepreneur, politician, lawyer, government official p. 450
• Gibson, Benjamin F. (1931-) Federal judge p. 452
• Gibson, Truman K., Jr. (1912-) Lawyer, boxing promoter, entrepreneur p. 456
• Gillespie, Dizzy (1917-1993) Musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, entertainer p. 458
• Gilpin, Charles S. (1878-1930) Actor, singer p. 460
• Gloucester, John (1776?-1822) Religious leader p. 462
• Glover, Danny (1947-) Actor p. 464
• Goode, Mal (1908-1995) Journalist, consultant p. 466
• Gordy, Berry (1929-) Songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur p. 468
• Granger, Lester B. (1896-1976) Civic leader, organization executive p. 472
• Gravely, Samuel L., Jr. (1922-) Military officer p. 473
• Graves, Earl G. (1935-) Publisher, corporate executive p. 475
• Gray, William H., III (1941-) Foundation executive, minister, congressman p. 478
• Greaves, William "Bill" G. (1926-) Film producer, director, writer p. 481
• Greener, Richard T. (1844-1922) Educator, lawyer, government official p. 483
• Gregory, Dick (1932-) Comedian, civil rights activist, nutrition advocate p. 484
• Grimke, Archibald Henry (1849-1930) Lawyer, journalist, editor, government official, civil rights activist p. 487
• Grimke, Francis J. (1850-1937) Minister, civil rights activist p. 490
• Gumbel, Bryant (1948-) Broadcast journalist p. 492
• Haley, Alex (1921-1992) Writer, genealogical researcher p. 496
• Hall, George Cleveland (1864-1930) Physician, surgeon, civic worker p. 499
• Hall, Prince (1735?-1807) Organizer, abolitionist, leather crafter p. 502
• Hammon, Jupiter (b.1711) Poet, tract writer p. 504
• Hampton, Lionel (1908-) Musician, bandleader, composer p. 506
• Handy, W. C. (1873-1958) Composer, musician, music publisher, bandleader, choral director, concert producer, educator p. 508
• Harrington, Oliver W. (1912-1995) Cartoonist, journalist, writer p. 511
• Harrison, Richard B. (1864-1935) Actor, teacher, dramatic reader, lecturer, elocutionist, railroad worker, bellhop p. 513
• Harvey, William R. (1941-) College president, educator, entrepreneur p. 516
• Hastie, William Henry (1904-1976) Judge, educator, civil rights advocate, governor p. 519
• Hawkins, Augustus F. (1907-) Congressman p. 522
• Hayden, Robert E. (1913-1980) Poet, educator, editor p. 523
• Hayes, Roland (1887-1977) Concert singer, voice instructor p. 526
• Haynes, George Edmund (1880-1960) Social work educator, scholar, organization founder p. 528
• Haynes, Lemuel (1753-1833) Patriot, minister p. 532
• Healy, James Augustine (1830-1900) Religious leader p. 533
• Henderson, Fletcher (1898-1952) Musician, bandleader p. 537
• Henry, Warren E. (1909-) Scientist, inventor, educator, scholar p. 539
• Henson, Matthew A. (1866-1955) Seaman, explorer, writer p. 541
• Herndon, Alonzo F. (1858-1927) Entrepreneur, philanthropist p. 544
• Hewlett, James (fl. 1820s) Actor, entertainer p. 546
• Higginbotham, A. Leon, Jr. (1928-) Judge, educator, writer p. 548
• Hill, Jesse, Jr. (1926-) Corporate executive, entrepreneur p. 549
• Himes, Chester (1909-1984) Writer p. 553
• Holder, Eric H., Jr. (1951-) Federal deputy attorney general p. 556
• Holland, Jerome "Brud" (1916-1985) Educator, college president, diplomat, business executive p. 558
• Holly, James T. (1829-1911) Religious leader, missionary, black separatist p. 560
• Holstein, Caspar A. (1876-1944) Entrepreneur, racketeer p. 563
• Hooks, Benjamin L. (1925-) Lawyer, organization leader, minister p. 565
• Hope, John (1868-1936) College president, educator p. 568
• Horton, George Moses (1797?-1883?) Poet, slave p. 571
• Hosier, "Black Harry" (1750?-1806) Preacher, slave, servant p. 573
• Houston, Charles Hamilton (1895-1950) Lawyer, educator p. 575
• Hubbard, William DeHart (1903-1976) Olympic track star, public housing official p. 579
• Hughes, Langston (1902-1967) Writer, playwright, editor, columnist, lecturer p. 580
• Hunton, William Alphaeus (1863-1916) Founder, organizer, administrator, orator, writer p. 584
• Imes, Elmer S. (1883-1941) Scientist, inventor, teacher, scholar p. 589
• Ingram, Rex (1895-1969) Actor p. 591
• Jack, Hulan (1905-1986) Politician p. 594
• Jackman, Harold (1901-1961) Educator, model, editor, bibliophile, theater cofounder, patron of the arts p. 596
• Jackson, Jesse L. (1941-) Human rights activist, minister, organization founder, speaker, political appointee p. 598
• Jackson, Maynard H. (1938-) Lawyer, mayor, entrepreneur p. 602
• Jackson, Michael (1958-) Entertainer, singer, dancer, composer, actor, humanitarian p. 605
• Jacob, John E. (1934-) Organization and corporate executive p. 608
• James, Daniel "Chappie," Jr. (1920-1978) Military officer p. 610
• Jarrett, Vernon D. (1921-) Journalist, radio and television producer and moderator p. 612
• Jefferson, Blind Lemon (1897-1929) Musician, composer p. 614
• Johnson, Charles S. (1893-1956) Sociologist, college president, civil rights leader p. 616
• Johnson, Frank (1792-1844) Composer, bandleader, orchestra leader, violinist p. 619
• Johnson, J. Rosamond (1873-1954) Composer, entertainer p. 621
• Johnson, Jack (1878-1946) Boxing champion p. 624
• Johnson, James Weldon (1871-1938) Writer, lyricist, diplomat, critic, educator, lawyer, editor, activist p. 626
• Johnson, John H. (1918-) Entrepreneur, publisher, insurance company executive p. 630
• Johnson, Joshua (1765?-1830?) Painter p. 634
• Johnson, Mordecai W. (1890-1976) College president, educator, minister p. 635
• Johnson, Rafer (1935-) Athlete, Olympic medalist, public service worker p. 638
• Johnson, Robert L. (1946-) Television executive, entrepreneur p. 640
• Johnson, Sargent (1887-1967) Sculptor p. 642
• Jones, Absalom (1746-1818) Religious leader p. 644
• Jones, Eugene Kinckle (1885-1954) Social welfare organizer p. 645
• Jones, Frederick McKinley (1893?-1961) Inventor, refrigeration engineer p. 647
• Jones, James Earl (1931-) Actor p. 648
• Jones, Laurence Clifton (1884-1975) School founder, school administrator p. 652
• Jones, LeRoi See Baraka, Amiri
• Jones, Prophet (1907-1971) Religious leader p. 654
• Jones, Quincy (1933-) Composer, arranger, musician, producer, entrepreneur, civil rights advocate, humanitarian p. 656
• Jones, Scipio Africanus (1863?-1943) Attorney, civil rights activist, politician p. 660
• Joplin, Scott (1868?-1917) Composer p. 661
• Jordan, Michael (1963-) Basketball player p. 664
• Jordan, Vernon (1935-) Lawyer, civil rights leader, presidential adviser p. 667
• Josey, E. J. (1924-) Librarian, writer, activist p. 670
• Julian, Percy L. (1899-1975) Scientist, educator, entrepreneur, inventor p. 672
• Just, Ernest Everett (1883-1941) Biologist, educator, writer p. 675
• Kay, Ulysses S. (1917-1995) Composer, educator p. 679
• Kelley, William Melvin (1937-) Novelist, essayist, short story writer p. 681
• King, B. B. (1925-) Musician p. 683
• King, Martin Luther, Jr. (1929-1968) Civil rights leader, minister p. 686
• Lafon, Thomy (1810-1893) Entrepreneur, philanthropist p. 692
• Langston, John Mercer (1829-1897) Lawyer, politician, congressman, diplomat, educator, orator p. 693
• Latimer, Lewis Howard (1848-1928) Inventor, writer p. 698
• Lawless, T. K. (1892-1971) Dermatologist, philanthropist p. 700
• Lawrence, Jacob (1917-) Artist, educator p. 702
• Lee, Spike (1957-) Filmmaker, screenwriter, actor p. 705
• Leevy, Carroll M. (1920-) Medical researcher, educator, administrator, humanitarian p. 709
• Leidesdorff, William A. (1810-1848) Pioneer, entrepreneur, civic leader p. 711
• Lewis, David Levering (1936-) Educator, writer, historian p. 713
• Lewis, Henry (1932-1996) Symphony orchestra conductor, opera conductor p. 716
• Lewis, John R. (1940-) Congressman, politician, civil rights activist p. 718
• Lewis, Reginald F. (1942-1993) Entrepreneur, philanthropist p. 720
• Liele, George (1750?-1820) Religious worker p. 723
• Little Richard (1932-) Singer, entertainer p. 724
• Locke, Alain Leroy (1886-1954) Philosopher, patron of the arts, writer, educator p. 728
• Logan, Rayford W. (1897-1982) Historian, educator, writer, civil rights activist p. 732
• Long, Richard A. (1927-) Educator, writer, patron of the arts p. 734
• Looby, Z. Alexander (1899-1972) Attorney, civil rights activist, educator, politician p. 737
• Louis, Joe (1914-1981) Boxing champion p. 740
• Lowery, Joseph E. (1922-) Minister, civil rights activist, organization official p. 742
• Lucas, Sam (1840-1916) Entertainer p. 746
• Lynch, John Roy (1847-1939) State legislator, congressman, lawyer, realtor p. 748
• Madhubuti, Haki (1942-) Poet, essayist, educator, publisher p. 750
• Majors, Monroe A. (1864-1960) Physician, civil rights and political activist, editor, journalist, writer p. 753
• Marino, Eugene Antonio (1934-) Religious leader p. 756
• Marrs, Elijah P. (1840-1910) Minister, educator, school cofounder, political activist p. 757
• Marsalis, Wynton (1961-) Jazz and classical trumpeter, composer, lecturer, promoter, educator p. 758
• Marshall, Thurgood (1908-1993) U.S. Supreme Court judge, U.S. solicitor general, civil rights attorney, organizationofficial p. 762
• Martin, John Sella (1832-1876) Minister, abolitionist, organization worker, journalist, politician p. 767
• Mason, Charles Harrison (1866-1961) Religious leader p. 770
• Massey, Walter E. (1938-) Physicist, college president, educator p. 773
• Massie, Samuel Proctor, Jr. (1919-) Chemist, educator, college president, writer, entrepreneur p. 775
• Matzeliger, Jan E. (1852-1889) Inventor p. 776
• Maynard, Robert C. (1937-1993) Newspaper editor and publisher, journalist, reporter, social critic p. 778
• Mays, Benjamin E. (1894-1984) College president, educator, scholar, minister, civic leader, public speaker p. 780
• Mays, Willie (1931-) Baseball player p. 784
• McCoy, Elijah (1843-1929) Inventor p. 787
• McCree, Wade H., Jr. (1920-1987) Solicitor-general, judge, lawyer, educator p. 789
• McKay, Claude (1890?-1948) Writer, poet, editor p. 791
• McKissick, Floyd (1922-1991) Civil rights activist, lawyer, entrepreneur, city developer p. 795
• McMillan, Elridge W. (1934-) Foundation executive, government official, educator p. 797
• McNair, Ronald E. (1950-1986) Astronaut, physicist p. 798
• Meredith, James H. (1933-) Civil rights pioneer, writer, entrepreneur p. 801
• Metcalfe, Ralph H. (1910-1978) Congressman, politician, Olympic track star, coach, educator p. 803
• Meyzeek, Albert E. (1862-1963) Educator, civil rights activist p. 806
• Mfume, Kweisi (1948-) Congressman, civil rights leader, organization executive p. 808
• Micheaux, Oscar (1884?-1951) Filmmaker, novelist, farmer p. 810
• Miller, Dorie (1919-1943) Serviceman, hero p. 814
• Miller, Kelly (1863-1939) Mathematician, sociologist, educator, writer, journalist p. 815
• Mitchell, Arthur (1934-) Dancer, choreographer, educator, dance company founder p. 819
• Mitchell, Clarence M., Jr. (1911-1984) Administrator, civil rights activist, lawyer p. 822
• Mitchell, Loften (1919-) Playwright, theater historian, writer p. 823
• Mitchell, Parren J. (1922-) Congressman, civil rights activist, educator p. 824
• Molineaux, Tom (1784-1818) Boxer, athlete p. 826
• Mollison, Irvin C. (1898-1962) Lawyer, scholar, judge p. 828
• Morgan, Garrett A. (1875-1963) Inventor, entrepreneur p. 829
• Morial, Ernest (1929-1989) Mayor, politician, lawyer, judge p. 831
• Morrow, E. Frederic (1909-1994) Lawyer, television executive, White House aide p. 833
• Morton, "Jelly Roll" (1885?-1941) Composer, musician p. 834
• Moses, Bob (1935-) Civil rights activist, educator p. 837
• Mosley, Walter (1952-) Writer p. 839
• Moss, Carlton (1910-1997) Filmmaker, actor, writer, social critic, educator p. 841
• Motley, Archibald J., Jr. (1891-1981) Painter p. 843
• Motley, Willard (1909-1965) Writer p. 845
• Moton, Robert Russa (1867-1940) Educator, writer p. 847
• Muddy Waters (1915-1983) Musician p. 850
• Muhammad, Elijah (1897-1975) Religious leader, black nationalist p. 853
• Murphy, Eddie (1961-) Entertainer p. 856
• Murphy, Isaac (1861?-1896) Jockey p. 858
• Murray, Daniel (1852-1925) Librarian, bibliophile p. 860
• Murray, Peter Marshall (1888-1969) Physician p. 862
• Muse, Clarence (1889-1979) Actor, entertainer, composer, writer, director p. 864
• Myers, Isaac (1835-1891) Labor leader, entrepreneur p. 865
• Napier, James C. (1845-1940) Lawyer, entrepreneur, register of the U.S. Treasury p. 868
• Nell, William C. (1816-1874) Abolitionist, civil servant, community activist, writer, historian p. 871
• Newton, Huey P. (1942-1989) Political activist, organization cofounder p. 874
• Nix, Robert N. C., Sr. (1898?-1987) Congressman, lawyer, politician p. 876
• Nixon, E. D., Sr. (1899-1987) Union leader, civil rights activist, railroad porter p. 878
• Oliver, Joseph "King" (1895-1938) Bandleader, musician p. 883
• O'Neal, Frederick D. (1905-1992) Actor, theater organizer p. 885
• Ottley, Roi (1906-1960) Journalist, writer p. 888
• Overton, Anthony (1865-1946) Entrepreneur, banker p. 890
• Owens, Jesse (1913-1980) Olympic track star, entrepreneur p. 893
• Pace, Harry H. (1884-1943) Entrepreneur, insurance executive, music publisher, record producer, educator, lawyer p. 897
• Page, Alan Cedric (1945-) Football player, lawyer, state Supreme Court justice, patron of education p. 899
• Paige, "Satchel" (1906-1982) Baseball pitcher, coach p. 901
• Parker, Charlie "Yardbird" (1920-1955) Musician p. 904
• Parks, Gordon (1912-) Photographer, writer, director, composer, musician p. 907
• Parrish, Charles H., Sr. (1859-1931) Educator, minister, school founder, college president, activist p. 911
• Patterson, Frederick D. (1901-1988) Veterinarian, educator, college president, fund raiser, organization founder p. 914
• Payne, Daniel A. (1811-1893) Religious leader, educator, college president, historian p. 917
• Penn, I. Garland (1867-1930) Educator, journalist, religious worker p. 921
• Pennington, James W. C. (1807-1870) Minister, abolitionist p. 923
• Perkins, Edward J. (1928-) Diplomat, ambassador p. 925
• Perry, Harold R. (1916-1991) Priest, bishop p. 927
• Petersen, Frank, Jr. (1932-) Military officer p. 930
• Pickens, William (1881-1954) Educator, college administrator, orator, writer, civil rights leader, government official p. 931
• Pickett, Bill (1870-1932) Wild West show performer, cowboy p. 935
• Pierce, Samuel R., Jr. (1922-) Lawyer, government official p. 936
• Pinchback, P. B. S. (1837-1921) Politician, entrepreneur, newspaper editor p. 938
• Pippin, Horace (1888-1946) Painter p. 941
• Plinton, James O., Jr. (1914-1996) Business executive, pilot, instructor p. 943
• Poitier, Sidney (1927-) Actor, director, producer p. 944
• Poor, Salem (b. 1747) Revolutionary War patriot p. 947
• Poston, Ted (1906-1974) Journalist, civil rights activist, writer p. 949
• Poussaint, Alvin F. (1934-) Psychiatrist, educator, writer p. 951
• Powell, Adam Clayton, Jr. (1908-1972) Minister, councilman, congressman, civil rights activist, politician p. 954
• Powell, Colin (1937-) Military leader p. 958
• Pratt, Awadagin (1966-) Concert pianist p. 961
• Price, J. C. (1854-1893) Minister, college president, educator, orator p. 963
• Pride, Charley (1938?-) Country singer, baseball player p. 966
• Proctor, Henry Hugh (1868-1933) Minister, writer, lecturer p. 968
• Proctor, Samuel D. (1914-1997) Minister, college president, educator, public servant, lecturer p. 971
• Prosser, Gabriel (1775?-1800) Slave, insurrectionist p. 973
• Purvis, Robert (1810-1898) Abolitionist p. 976
• Quarles, Benjamin A. (1904-1996) Historian, scholar, educator, administrator, writer p. 979
• Randolph, A. Philip (1889-1979) Union organizer, labor leader p. 983
• Rangel, Charles B. (1930-) Congressman, lawyer p. 987
• Ransom, Reverdy C. (1861-1959) Religious leader, civil rights activist p. 990
• Rapier, James T. (1837-1883) Congressman, farmer, government official p. 994
• Raspberry, William J. (1935-) Journalist, television commentator, teacher, speaker p. 996
• Reason, Charles Lewis (1818-1893) Educator, abolitionist p. 998
• Redding, J. Saunders (1906-1988) Writer, critic, educator p. 1000
• Reid, Ira De A. (1901-1968) Sociologist, scholar, educator p. 1002
• Remond, Charles Lenox (1810-1873) Abolitionist p. 1003
• Revels, Hiram Rhoades (1827-1901) Minister, educator, college president, U.S. senator p. 1005
• Ribbs, Willy T. (1956-) Automobile racer p. 1008
• Richardson, Willis (1889?-1977) Playwright, writer, director, drama historian, educator, government worker p. 1010
• Riles, Wilson C. (1917-) Educational administrator p. 1011
• Robeson, Paul (1898-1976) Actor, singer, activist p. 1013
• Robinson, Bill "Bojangles" (1878?-1949) Dancer p. 1016
• Robinson, Frank (1935-) Baseball player and manager p. 1020
• Robinson, Jackie (1919-1972) Baseball player, civil rights activist p. 1022
• Robinson, Randall (1941-) Civil rights activist, lawyer p. 1025
• Robinson, Sugar Ray (1921-1989) Boxing champion, entrepreneur, philanthropist p. 1027
• Rogers, J. A. (1883?-1965) Historian, writer, journalist p. 1029
• Rowan, Carl (1925-) Journalist, government official, writer p. 1031
• Ruggles, David (1810-1849) Abolitionist, hydrotherapist, editor, entrepreneur p. 1034
• Russell, Bill (1934-) Basketball player, coach p. 1035
• Russworm, John Brown (1799-1851) Journalist, abolitionist, colonizer p. 1038
• Rustin, Bayard (1910-1987) Pacifist, civil and human rights activist p. 1039
• Satcher, David (1941-) U.S. surgeon general, physician, medical school president, educator, research center administrator p. 1044
• Schomburg, Arthur Alfonso (1874-1938) Bibliophile, library curator, writer p. 1046
• Scott, Dred (1795-1858) Slave, litigator p. 1049
• Scott, Emmett Jay (1873-1957) Editor, college administrator, political activist p. 1051
• Scott, Wendell (1921-1990) Automobile racer p. 1054
• Seymour, William Joseph (1870-1922) Religious leader p. 1056
• Shaw, Bernard (1940- ) Television journalist, reporter p. 1059
• Shirley, George I. (1934- ) Opera singer, educator p. 1061
• Sifford, Charlie (1922- ) Professional golfer p. 1063
• Simmons, William J. (1849-1890) Religious worker, educator, journalist, college president, writer p. 1066
• Slaughter, Henry Proctor (1871-1958) Bibliophile, organization leader, journalist, publisher p. 1067
• Sleet, Moneta J., Jr. (1926-1996) Photojournalist p. 1069
• Smalls, Robert (1839-1916) Naval hero, state legislator, congressman, customs collector p. 1071
• Smith, James McCune (1813-1865) Physician, abolitionist, journalist p. 1073
• Spaulding, Charles C. (1874-1952) Insurance executive, entrepreneur, civic leader p. 1075
• Steward, William Henry (1847-1935) Editor, publisher, church leader, activist p. 1078
• Still, William (1821-1902) Abolitionist, reformer, writer, entrepreneur p. 1080
• Still, William Grant (1895-1978) Composer, arranger, conductor p. 1082
• Stokes, Carl B. (1927-1996) Mayor p. 1086
• Sullivan, Leon H. (1922- ) Minister, civil rights leader, entrepreneur p. 1089
• Sullivan, Louis (1933- ) Medical school president, physician, government official p. 1092
• Sutton, Percy E. (1920- ) Lawyer, civil rights activist, lecturer, public official, entrepreneur p. 1094
• Tanner, Benjamin Tucker (1835-1923) Church leader, editor, journalist p. 1098
• Tanner, Henry Ossawa (1859-1937) Painter p. 1099
• Taylor, Marshall W. "Major" (1878-1932) Bicycle racer p. 1103
• Temple, Edward S. (1927- ) Track coach, educator p. 1105
• Thomas, Clarence (1948- ) U.S. Supreme Court judge, lawyer, administrator p. 1108
• Thomas, Franklin A. (1934- ) Lawyer, foundation executive, humanitarian p. 1112
• Thomas, Jesse O. (1883-1972) Educator, government official, civic worker p. 1113
• Thurman, Howard (1900-1981) Theologian, minister, mystic, civil rights advisor p. 1114
• Thurman, Wallace (1902-1934) Novelist, playwright, ghostwriter, journalist p. 1118
• Tindley, Charles Albert (1851-1933) Minister, composer p. 1121
• Tobias, Channing H. (1882-1961) Organization official, minister, social worker, civic leader p. 1122
• Toomer, Jean (1892-1967) Writer, philosopher p. 1125
• Trotter, Monroe (1872-1934) Publisher, editor, civil rights activist p. 1130
• Turner, Henry McNeal (1834-1915) Religious worker, emigrationist, educator p. 1133
• Turner, Nat (1800-1831) Slave, liberation theologian, insurrectionist p. 1137
• Tyler, Ralph (1859-1921) Editor, journalist, government official p. 1142
• Underwood, Edward Ellsworth (1864-1942) Physician, minister, editor, civil rights leader, politician p. 1145
• Van DerZee, James (1886-1983) Photographer p. 1147
• Vann, Robert L. (1887-1940) Journalist, lawyer, politician, civil rights activist, entrepreneur p. 1149
• Van Peebles, Melvin (1932- ) Novelist, playwright, screenwriter, director, actor, composer, stock market trader p. 1152
• Varick, James (1750?-1827) Religious leader p. 1155
• Vashon, George Boyer (1824-1878?) Teacher, lawyer, writer p. 1157
• Vesey, Denmark (1767-1822) Carpenter, liberation theologian, slave, insurrectionist p. 1158
• Vincent, U. Conrad (1892-1938) Physician, hospital founder, reformer p. 1163
• Walker, David (1796?-1830) Abolitionist, protest writer p. 1165
• Walker, Leroy T. (1918- ) Educator, Olympic coach, Olympic administrator p. 1166
• Walker, Moses Fleetwood (1857-1924) Baseball player, activist, inventor, entrepreneur p. 1168
• Waller, Fats (1904-1943) Pianist, organist, composer, singer, bandleader p. 1171
• Walrond, Eric (1898-1966) Writer, journalist p. 1173
• Ward, Douglas Turner (1930- ) Playwright, director, producer, critic, theatrical company cofounder p. 1176
• Ward, Samuel Ringgold (1817-1866?) Abolitionist, religious worker, journalist p. 1177
• Warfield, William (1920- ) Concert singer, actor, educator p. 1179
• Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915) School founder, college president, educator, community leader, organization founder, writer p. 1181
• Washington, Denzel (1954- ) Actor, humanitarian p. 1186
• Washington, Harold (1922-1987) Lawyer, politician p. 1189
• Washington, Walter E. (1915- ) Mayor, lawyer, housing administrator p. 1191
• Watts, Andre (1946- ) Concert pianist p. 1193
• Weaver, Robert C. (1907-1997) Government official, scholar, labor and housing specialist p. 1195
• Wedgeworth, Robert, Jr. (1937- ) Library administrator, educator, organization executive p. 1198
• Wesley, Charles H. (1891-1987) Historian, minister, educator, college president p. 1200
• West, Cornel (1953- ) Philosopher, scholar, educator, writer p. 1202
• White, Charles (1918-1979) Painter p. 1204
• White, Clarence Cameron (1880-1960) Composer, violinist p. 1206
• White, Walter (1893-1955) Civil rights worker, organization executive, writer p. 1209
• Whitman, Albery (1851-1901) Poet, minister p. 1213
• Wideman, John Edgar (1941- ) Novelist, short fiction writer, essayist, critic, teacher p. 1214
• Wilder, L. Douglas (1931- ) Lawyer, governor, politician, radio talk show host p. 1217
• Wilkins, J. Ernest (1894-1959) Government official, lawyer p. 1220
• Wilkins, Roy (1901-1981) Organization executive, journalist p. 1222
• Williams, Avon Nyanza, Jr. (1921-1994) Lawyer, civil rights leader, politician p. 1224
• Williams, Bert (1873-1922) Entertainer p. 1227
• Williams, Daniel Hale (1856-1931) Physician, educator, hospital founder and administrator p. 1230
• Williams, Edward Christopher (1871-1929) Librarian, educator, writer p. 1232
• Williams, George Washington (1849-1891) Historian, politician, minister, journalist p. 1233
• Williams, John A. (1925- ) Writer, journalist, educator p. 1236
• Williams, Paul R. (1894-1980) Architect, entrepreneur p. 1238
• Wilson, August (1945- ) Playwright, poet p. 1241
• Wilson, William J. (b. 1810s?) Journalist, writer, educator, school administrator, activist, banker p. 1244
• Woodruff, Hale A. (1900-1980) Printer, printmaker, muralist, educator p. 1247
• Woods, Granville T. (1856-1910) Inventor, entrepreneur p. 1250
• Woods, Tiger (1975- ) Professional golfer p. 1252
• Woodson, Carter G. (1875-1950) Historian, writer, publisher, organization cofounder p. 1256
• Work, John Wesley, III (1901-1967) Composer, music educator, scholar p. 1259
• Work, Monroe Nathan (1866-1945) Sociologist, editor, bibliographer p. 1262
• Wright, Isaac See Coker, Daniel
• Wright, Louis Tompkins (1891-1952) Physician, civil rights activist p. 1266
• Wright, Richard (1906-1960) Writer, poet, dramatist, screenwriter p. 1268
• Wright, Stephen J. (1910-1996) Educator, college president, organization official, public servant p. 1272
• X, Malcolm (1925-1965) Human rights activist, lecturer, organizer p. 1276
• Young, Andrew (1932- ) Minister, civil rights activist, politician, ambassador, mayor p. 1280
• Young, Charles (1864-1922) Military officer, musician, educator, cartographer, congressman p. 1283
• Young, Coleman A. (1918-1997) Mayor, civil rights activist p. 1285
• Young, Whitney M., Jr. (1921-1971) Social worker, civil rights leader p. 1289