Celebrating Black History

Leona Tate’s perception of race changed drastically in November 1960 — when she became one of the first Black children to desegregate New Orleans schools.

The 422-0 vote follows a long-running campaign to recognize the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Award-winning journalist Joan Murray was the first black female television news reporter.

Two years ago, New York City officials agreed to rename more than two dozen parks and public spaces to spotlight Black New Yorkers and honor their contribution to the city. Here’s how that project is going. NBC New York’s Erica Byfield reports.

From organizing marches in D.C. like John Lewis to transforming the Broadway stage like Lorraine Hansberry, Black history is rich in countless icons.

Actor and activist Sidney Poitier served as the first black male to win best actor at the Oscars.

Susan Taylor showcases black pride through her work as editor-in-chief of Essence magazine.

Terence Blanchard makes waves in the music industry as an iconic black trumpeter and composer.

Shani Davis and Debi Thomas make history as Black Olympians.

Paul Leroy Robeson was an American bass baritone concert artist, stage and film actor, athlete, and activist who became well known both for his cultural accomplishments and for his political stances.

Madam C.J. Walker was a Black entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist. She is recorded as the first Woman self-made millionaire in America.

Lee Elder broke color barriers in golf by being the first Black man to play in the Masters Tournament following his 1974 win in the Monsanto Open.

Known as “The Funniest Woman in the World,” Jackie “Moms” Mabley served as comedic trailblazer.

The New Federal Theatre has produced award-winning black actors and actress, such as Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Samuel L. Jackson.

Poet Maya Angelou left her mark on the world through her award-winning literature.

Author Langston Huges embodied the Harlem Renaissance through his poetry.

Academy award winning actress, Hattie McDaniel’s was the first black person to win an Oscar among many other feats.

George Washington Carver paved lanes in the fields of agricultural science, botany, engineering and invention.

Author and essayist Zora Neale Hurston was the most significant and successful black woman author of the early 20th century.

Vertner Woodsen Tandy was the first registered architect in the state of New York and was one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Cornell University in 1906.