Marion Wright Edelman born 1932 founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. In 1964 she became the first Black woman admitted to practice law in Mississippi.

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Myrtis Dightman born 1935. “Jackie Robinson of rodeo”. First Black American to compete at the National Finals Rodeo in 1964.

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Dr. Ayodele “WordSlanger” Nzinga Oakland, California’s first poet laureate.

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Edouard Wah 1938 – 2003 Afro-Haitian and Chinese painter.

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Kenneth Kaunda 1924 – 2021. First president of Zambia in 1934.

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Mary Ellen Pleasant 1814 – 1904 “The Mother of Civil (or Human) Rights in California.” Also a chef.

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Cheryl White 1954 – 2019 first licensed Black woman jockey at age 17 in 1971.

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Sidney Dearing was first Black homeowner in Piedmont, California.

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Cerelyn “CJ” Davis first Black woman Chief of Police of Memphis in their 194-year history.

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William Dorsey Swann 1858 – 1925 aka “The Queen” first drag queen, former slave.

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