David Dinkins is the first black person (and as of 2019 the only one) to hold office as Mayor of New York City; 1990 to 1993.  

Read more "David Dinkins"

Maritza Correia first black woman to earn a place on the U.S.Olympic team, 2004 and first black American person of any gender to set an American and world swimming record.

Read more "Maritza Correia"

William Leidesdorff Jr. first black millionaire. One of the founders of San Francisco, California. Named “African founding father of California” by the California State legislature in 2011. He died in 1848.

Read more "William Leidesdorff Jr."

Karen Williams first openly black lesbian comic to discuss queer issues in her act starting in 1983.

Read more "Karen Williams"

Jesse L. Brown was the 1st black aviator in the U.S. Navy, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (1948), and the 1st black naval officer killed in the Korean War (1950).

Read more "Jesse L. Brown"

Rihanna first black woman to be the face of Dior.

Read more "Rihanna"

Toni Morrison in 1967 became the first black woman senior editor for fiction in Random House in New York City.

Read more "Toni Morrison"

Beyoncé, is the first artist of any race or gender to have 6 albums debut at Number 1 on the Billboard charts.

Read more "Beyoncé"