No products in the cart.

No products in the cart.

Image Alt

Notable Figures in Black History

These leaders in government, arts, advocacy, business and sports helped shape American history.

Notable Figures in Black History

African American history is a story of resilience, resistance, ingenuity and creativity—as these 12 men and women exemplify. Their achievements as activists, politicians, entrepreneurs, athletes and entertainers must be understood in the context of the centuries-long struggle for truly equal rights for Black Americans.

Image and research credits: Walker Family Collection, NPG/Smithsonian, Wikimedia Commons, Thought Co.

100 Greatest African Americans

A Ranking of the Most Influential African Americans, Past and Present

The following list presents the most influential African Americans, past and present, as assessed by Temple University professor Molefi Kete Asante in 2002. The individuals are listed in alphabetical order and are not ranked by order of influence. Asante makes it clear that he intentionally excluded numerous popular contemporary figures because he believed that the hype surrounding a public persona does not necessarily determine an individual’s true importance or lasting influence.

Criteria

Asante used five factors in establishing the list:

  • Significance in the general progress of African-Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system
  • Self-sacrifice and a willingness to take great risks for the collective good
  • Unusual will and determination in the face of great danger and against the most stubborn odds
  • A consistent posture toward raising the social, cultural and economic status of African Americans
  • Personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people
  1. Hank Aaron (1934–2021)
  2. Ira Aldridge (1807–1867)
  3. Muhammad Ali (1942–2016)
  4. Richard Allen (1760–1831)
  5. Marian Anderson (1897–1993)
  6. Maya Angelou (1928–2014)
  7. Arthur Ashe (1943–1993)
  8. Crispus Attucks (1723–1770)
  9. James Baldwin (1924–1987)
  10. Benjamin Banneker (1731–1806)
  11. Amiri Baraka (1934–2014)
  12. Romare Bearden (1911–1988)
  13. Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955)
  14. Guion Bluford (born 1942)
  15. Arna Bontemps (1902–1973)
  16. Edward W. Brooke (1919–2015)
  17. Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000)
  18. Blanche K. Bruce (1841–1898)
  19. Ralph Bunche (1903–1971)
  20. George Washington Carver (1864–1943)
  21. Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005)
  22. Kenneth B. Clark (1914–2005)
  23. John Henrik Clarke (1915–1998)
  24. John Coltrane (1926–1967)
  25. Bill Cosby (born 1937)
  1. Alexander Crummell (1819–1898)
  2. Countee Cullen (1903–1946)
  3. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. (1912–2002)
  4. Martin R. Delany (1812–1885)
  5. Frederick Douglass (1817–1895)
  6. Charles Drew (1904–1950)
  7. W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963)
  8. Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906)
  9. Katherine Dunham (1909–2006)
  10. Duke Ellington (1899–1974)
  11. James Forten (1766–1842)
  12. John Hope Franklin (1915–2009)
  13. Henry Highland Garnet (1815–1882)
  14. Marcus Garvey (1887–1940)
  15. Prince Hall (1735–1807)
  16. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977)
  17. Lorraine Hansberry (1930–1965)
  18. Dorothy Height (1912–2010)
  19. Matthew Henson (1866–1955)
  20. Charles Hamilton Houston (1895–1950)
  21. Langston Hughes (1901–1967)
  22. Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960)
  23. Jesse Jackson (1941–2026)
  24. Mae Jemison (born 1956)
  25. Jack Johnson (1878–1946)
  1. James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938)
  2. John H. Johnson (1918–2005)
  3. Percy Julian (1899–1975)
  4. Ernest Just (1883–1941)
  5. Maulana Karenga (born 1941)
  6. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968)
  7. Edmonia Lewis (1844–1907)
  8. Alain Locke (1885–1954)
  9. Joe Louis (1914–1981)
  10. Thurgood Marshall (1908–1993)
  11. Benjamin E. Mays (1894–1984)
  12. Elijah McCoy (1844–1929)
  13. Claude McKay (1890–1948)
  14. Oscar Micheaux (1884–1951)
  15. Dorie Miller (1919–1943)
  16. Garrett Morgan (1877–1963)
  17. Toni Morrison (1931–2019)
  18. Elijah Muhammad (1897–1975)
  19. Jesse Owens (1913–1980)
  20. Rosa Parks (1913–2005)
  21. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (1908–1972)
  22. Colin Powell (1937–2021)
  23. A. Philip Randolph (1889–1979)
  24. Hiram Revels (1827–1901)
  25. Paul Robeson (1898–1978)
  1. Jackie Robinson (1919–1972)
  2. John Russwurm (1799–1851)
  3. Arturo Schomburg (1874–1938)
  4. Benjamin “Pop” Singleton (1809–1900)
  5. Mary Church Terrell (1863–1954)
  6. William Monroe Trotter (1872–1934)
  7. Sojourner Truth (c. 1797–1883)
  8. Harriet Tubman (1822–1913)
  9. Kwame Ture (1941–1998)
  10. Henry McNeal Turner (1834–1915)
  11. Nat Turner (1800–1831)
  12. David Walker (1796–1830)
  13. Madame C. J. Walker (1867–1919)
  14. Booker T. Washington (1856–1915)
  15. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862–1931)
  16. Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753–1784)
  17. Walter F. White (1893–1955)
  18. Roy Wilkins (1901–1981)
  19. Daniel Hale Williams (1856–1931)
  20. August Wilson (1945–2005)
  21. Oprah Winfrey (born 1954)
  22. Tiger Woods (born 1975)
  23. Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950)
  24. Richard Wright (1908–1960)
  25. Malcolm X (1925–1965)

Black historical figures from Somerville

The Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion honors the remarkable Black men and women whose lives, achievements, and contributions helped shape the history of Somerville and the surrounding community. Their stories reflect perseverance, leadership, creativity, service, and a commitment to creating opportunities for generations to come.

This collection highlights individuals whose contributions may not always appear in traditional accounts of local history, but whose presence and accomplishments are an essential part of Somerville’s story. From community leaders and educators to artists, veterans, entrepreneurs, activists, and families who helped build the community, each person represents an important chapter in the African American experience of Somerville.

Through these biographies, photographs, archival records, and historical research, the Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion seeks to preserve these stories and make them accessible to the community. By remembering those who came before us, we gain a deeper understanding of where we came from—and a greater appreciation for the people who helped make Somerville what it is today.

Their stories are part of our history. Their legacy is part of our future.

Evelyn S. Field
Educator | Civil Rights Activist
(1928–2015)
A pioneering educator, civil rights activist, and founding board member of Raritan Valley Community College from Somerville, New Jersey. She leaves behind a profound legacy of community leadership and barrier-breaking achievements

Frederick H. Moore, Sr.
Postal Clerk | Organist
(1893–1960)
In 1911, he became the first African-American graduate of Somerville High School. His high school attendance and graduation signaled more educational opportunities for African American children in the upper grades until segregation in Somerville’s schools ended 1918.

Bernard “Bernie” Field
Supervisor | Organist
(1935–1994)
The Bernie Field Parking Deck was dedicated in 1995 for his service as a Supervisor at the Somerset County Parking Deck. He was a talented organist for St. Paul and St. Thomas AME Churches.

Paul Leroy Robeson
Artist | Scholar | Athlete |Human Rights Advocate
(1898–1976)
He an American bass-baritone concert artist, actor, professional football player, and activist who became famous both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.

Mahala Fields Atchinson
Educator | Activist
(1904–1985)
In 1973, Mahala Field-Atchison’s dedication and activism were recognized by the Tinton Fall’s community with the naming of The Mahala Field Atchison Middle School.

Stewart Schenck
Educator | Art Teacher
(1935–2009)
He was born in New Brunswick and moved to Somerville as a child. Upon graduation from Somerville High School, he attended Kutztown State Teachers College in PA, then returned to Somerville High to teach art education for 35 years, retiring in 1992.

United States Colored Troops interned at New Cemetery, Somerville

Resting in Somerville’s New Cemetery are African American veterans who served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT) during the Civil War. These courageous men answered the call to defend the Union and helped advance the cause of freedom and the abolition of slavery.

Their service was especially significant at a time when African Americans faced discrimination even within the military. Despite these challenges, nearly 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army as USCT soldiers. The veterans buried here returned to their communities after the war and became part of the history and legacy of Somerset County.

Today, their graves stand as a lasting reminder of their courage, sacrifice, and determination to fight for a more just and united nation. 19 United States Colored Troops (USCT) are buried at the New Cemetery of Somerville located at 192 South Bridge Street, Somerville, New Jersey 08876.
View New Cemetery of Somerville on Google Maps.

  • Beverly, William H private 29th us CT April 12th 1936
  • Boyer, Henry Private H 127th usct January 9th 1911
  • Dickerson ,Peter qm sergeant Btty f, 11th USCT April 1898
  • Field, Emanuel corporal A, 41st usct October 3rd 1903
  • Harris, Gabriel corporal Btty D 11th US c h a 1902
  • Jewell, Theodore a privateA, usct new Cemetery
  • Kline, Andrew privateA, 41st usct August 1st 1904
  • Kline, John (1844- ) private F, 22nd usct February 16th 1891
  • Layton, Nathan private, a 41st usct May 18th 1897
  • Layton, Theodore private, h, 127th usct April 17th 1897
  • Orton, Albert (AKA Auton Albert) private, 29th CT Infantry November 22nd 1932
  • Pierson, Jo private, K 22nd us CT ( wounded Sept 29th 1864 at chaffin’s Farm Virginia) 1910
  • Rodgers, Norman Corporal I, 8 usct, August 21st 1891
  • Rodgers, Theodore private H 127th UCT July 2nd 1910
  • Sloan, John musc, second usct Brigade band
  • St John, Samuel, private, Btty K, 11th US c h a May 8th 1909
  • Timbrook, James ( AKA tenbrook) Corporal, I , 8 usct [ wounded in action]
  • Vandoren, Abram p. Private A, 41st, February 27th 1889
  • Washington, George, private, C, 45th usct, 1914

Civil Rights Leaders and Activists

Black Americans have advocated for civil rights since the earliest days of the United States. Leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X are two of the best-known civil rights leaders of the 20th century. Others, like Black journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett and scholar W.E.B. DuBois, paved the way with their own contributions in the century’s first decades.

Inventors, Scientists and Educators

Innovations and advancements of Black scientists and educations transformed life in the 20th century. Charles Drew’s work in blood transfusions, for example, saved thousands of lives during World War II and is still used in medicine today. And Booker T. Washington’s pioneering work in agricultural research transformed farming.

Politicians, Lawyers and Other Government Leaders

Black Americans have served with distinction in all three branches of government, in the military, and in legal practice. Thurgood Marshall, a leading civil rights lawyer, ended up on the U.S. Supreme Court. Others, like Gen. Colin Powell, are notable political and military leaders.

Entertainers, Singers and Musicians

Whether performing on stage, in films, or on TV, Black Americans entertained the United States throughout the 20th century. Some, like Sidney Poitier, challenged racial attitudes with his role in popular films like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” while others, such as Oprah Winfrey, have become media moguls and cultural icons.

  • Josephine Baker
  • Halle Berry
  • Bill Cosby
  • Dorothy Dandridge
  • Sammy Davis, Jr.
  • Morgan Freeman
  • Gregory Hines
  • Lena Horne
  • James Earl Jones
  • Spike Lee
  • Eddie Murphy
  • Sidney Poitier
  • Richard Pryor
  • Will Smith
  • Denzel Washington
  • Oprah Winfrey
  • Marian Anderson
  • Louis Armstrong
  • Harry Belafonte
  • Chuck Berry
  • Ray Charles
  • Nat King Cole
  • Miles Davis
  • Duke Ellington
  • Aretha Franklin
  • Dizzy Gillespie
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • Billie Holiday
  • Michael Jackson
  • Robert Johnson
  • Diana Ross
  • Bessie Smith
  • Stevie Wonder

Athletes

Nearly every professional and amateur sport has a Black star athlete. Some, like Olympic track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, have set new records for athletic achievement. Others, like Jackie Robinson, also are remembered for courageously breaking longstanding racial barriers in their sport.

  • Hank Aaron
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  • Muhammad Ali
  • Arthur Ashe
  • Charles Barkley
  • Wilt Chamberlain
  • Althea Gibson
  • Reggie Jackson

P.O. Box 453 Piscataway, NJ 08855-0453
ucpavilion@gmail.com
781-562-9355