The Dahomey Amazons, were an all-women military regiment of the Kingdom of Dahomey, now Republic of Benin, until the end of the 19th century. The fictional Dora Milaje of Black Panther are modeled after them.

Robert Smalls was the 1st black commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, 1863.  

Sheila Y. Oliver was the first woman of color to serve as speaker of the New Jersey Assembly; 2011.

Painter Simmie Knox is the 1st black artist to create an official U.S. presidential portrait. He debuted his portrait of President Bill Clinton in 2004.

Molly Williams is known as America’s first female firefighter, working with New York’s Oceanus Engine Company #11 starting in 1818.

Harold Washington became the 1st black mayor of Chicago in 1983.