Whoopi Goldberg – Whoopi Goldberg is most famous for her comedy, but she has long been a humanitarian and a strong role model for both women and people of color. In addition to her film roles, she was a long-time head-liner on Comic Relief. She was the second black woman to win an Oscar. She is one of only 13 people to have won an Emmy, Tony, Grammy and Academy award, and she also has Golden Globe and Saturn awards to her credit. She currently co-host the daytime talk show “The View” with Barbara Walters.
Jesse Jackson – Jesse Jackson began participating in the Civil Rights Movement in 1965 in Selma, Alabama. He eventually began working for Martin Luther King in 1966 until MLK’s death in 1968. In addition to his many bids for the US Presidency, Jackson has been involved as a peace keeper in several situations, from a racially charged occurrence with comedian Michael Richards and hostage negotiations in Lebanon. However, he remains a somewhat controversial figure, due to allegations of apparent anti-Jewish racism, alleged remarks made against various public figures, including Barack Obama, and disputes over his degree of stated involvement with MLK. He currently heads the RainbowPUSH Coalition.
Oprah Winfrey – Oprah Winfrey was the first black female television host and became the world’s first female African American billionaire in 2003. Her daily talk show now has been nationally syndicated for over 20 years. She is known world-wide for her charitable efforts and she is also a strong proponent for literacy.
Jackie Robinson – Jackie Robinson was the first African American Major League Baseball player. During his career, he won awards for both Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Year (first black winner). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, having played for 6 different World Series teams. His jersey number, 42, was retired in 1997, 25 years after his death.
Maya Angelou – Maya Angelou is many things – activist, actress, director – but she is most famous for her writing, particularly her series of 6 autobiographical works, which began with 1969’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, in which she chronicles early childhood trauma and how it left her mute for 5 years. She was the first African American to have to longest running New York Times bestseller status. She is fluent in 6 languages. She last published a book of poetry in 2007.
Bill Cosby – Bill Cosby was the first black man to star in a network television show with 1965’s “I, Spy. He is also one of the most famous comedians of all time, African American or otherwise. He has received the Kennedy Center Honors for his work in entertainment as well as his contributions to charities and in 2002, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Rosa Parks – In 1955, Rosa Parks became an icon of the Civil Rights Movement when she refused to give up her bus seat to a white person. She was not the first African American person to take such a stand, but her actions led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She died in 2005 at the age of 92.
Martin Luther King, Jr – Martin Luther King was a Baptist minister who became perhaps the best-known Civil Rights activist and leader, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to end racial segregation. His speeches helped bring people together to fight racial injustice as a group. He was arrested thirty times over the course of his life for participating in various protests for civil rights and desegregation. Sadly, Dr. King was ultimately assassinated for his efforts in 1968.
Muhammed Ali – Born Cassius Clay, Ali started boxing when he was twelve years old. His battles against racial and religious discrimination are nearly as famous as his fights in the ring. At the time he became Golden Glove champion, he still could not eat at local restaurants in his hometown Louisville, KY. His boxing license was revoked in all states when he refused to join the armed forced because of his Muslim beliefs. After retiring from boxing, Muhammed Ali became a champion for humanity, at one point even negotiating the release of US hostages held in Iraq. He has suffered from Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years, but remains active, particularly in charitable works.
Barack Obama – Barack Obama is a former US Senator and community organizer who became famous for his moving and powerful speeches, as much as his political work. In February of 2007, he announced his candidacy for President of the United States and was elected on November 4, 2008. Since race is generally determined by one’s mother, Obama’s race could be officially white. However, he is considered the first person of color to be elected President of the United States. He will be inaugurated into office on January 20th, 2009.
