Janet Mock born 1983 is the first Black transgender woman to direct a television episode in her directorial debut for FX’s Pose in 2018.

June Jordan (1936-2002) was a poet, writer, and activist who was known as “poet of the people.”

Shaun T born 1978 is a motivational speaker, fitness trainer, fitness motivator, businessman, television personality and choreographer. He is best known for his home fitness programs, T25, Insanity and Hip-Hop Abs.

Rebecca Walker born 1969 is a writer, feminist, and activist who founded The Third Wave Fund/Third Wave Foundation.

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917 – 2000) was the first Black woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950.

Kin Folkz born 1966 is CEO and founder Spectrum Queer Media.

Laverne Cox born 1981 was the 1st Black transgender person to play a transgender series regular on broadcast TV as Cameron Wirth on CBS’ Doubt in 2017.

Ajita Wilson 1950 – 1987, a transgender woman, was a foreign film actress who would later become a JET Beauty of the Week, appearing in the magazine’s 1981 August 20 issue.

Adam Davenport born 1984 is the first Black artist/producer in history to eponymously chart on Billboard for EDM (electronic dance music).