Black leaders have been vital to making America strong.
Jazz performer and pioneer Louis Armstrong called her the “second best trumpet player” in the world; Armstrong placed himself first. Valaida Snow (1904-1956) was born into a show business family […]
Valaida Snow: Jazz Pioneer and “Queen of the Trumpet” Read More »
Had a true photographer’s eye for capturing people doing everyday things; took more than 80,000 images during his career, mostly of daily life in Pittsburgh but also of presidents, celebrities,
Moms was a first; no previous stand-up female comedian preceded Mabley First woman comedian to be featured at the Apollo Theater (1930s); she went on to appear there more times
Jackie “Moms” Mabley: Trailblazing Comedian Read More »
World-class athlete specializing in the high jump First African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal (1948 in London); paved the way for other young women to follow their
Alice Coachman (1923-2014): First African American Woman to Win an Olympic Gold Medal Read More »
First African-American woman to sing on radio First African-American to win an Oscar (Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gone with the Wind); however, McDaniel was not permitted to
Hattie McDaniel (1895-1952), First African-American to Win an Oscar Read More »
Top National League catcher of his day Second Black player selected to play in the Major Leagues Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame 1969 His playing career was ended
Roy Campanella (1921-1993), Negro League Superstar Chosen to Move to Major Leagues Read More »
