40 Famous Black People Who Changed the World

40 Famous Black People Who Changed the World

*Originally published by Brian in November 2022 and updated by Brian in January 2024

The black dynasty has been a matter of concern in prominent activities worldwide today. Progress is the largely suppressed story of race and race relations over the past half-century. 

By 1960 only one out of seven black men still laboured on the land, and almost a quarter were in white-collar or skilled manual occupations. Therefore, it’s astonishing that we have black people who happened to shake or change the world either mentally, physically, or emotionally. In the article are the 40 famous black people who changed the world.

1. Martin Luther King Sr.

Martin Luther King Sr. photo by White House Staff Photographer – Wikimedia commons

Martin Luther King, Sr. was born Michael King on 19 December 1899 and died on 11 November 1984. He was an African-American Baptist pastor, missionary, and an early figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He was the father and namesake of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

King was the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church for four decades, wielding significant influence in the black community and earning some degree of respect from the white community. He also broadcast on WAEC, a religious radio station in Atlanta.

2. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. by Nobel Foundation – Wikimedia commons

Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr. on 15 January 1929 and died on 14 April 1968. He was an American Baptist minister and activist, one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

An African American church leader and the son of early civil rights activist and minister Martin Luther King Sr., King advanced civil rights for people of colour in the United States through nonviolence and civil disobedience.

3. Denmark Vesey

Have you watched the series, Outer Banks? To be exclusive some history about Denmark Vesey who is portrayed as Denmark Tanny in the series is authentic. Denmark Vesey also Telemaque was born around c. 1767 and died on 2 July 1822.

He was an early 19th-century free Black and community leader in Charleston, South Carolina. Denmark was accused and convicted of planning a significant slave revolt in 1822.

Although the alleged plot was discovered before it could be realized, its potential scale stoked the fears of the antebellum planter class and led to increased restrictions on slaves and free blacks.

4. Barack Obama

Barack Obama Photo by Pete Souza – Wikimedia commons

Barack Hussein Obama II was born on August 4, 1961. He is an American politician who served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the first African-American president of the United States.

Obama previously served as a U.S. senator from Illinois from 2005 to 2008 and as an Illinois state senator from 1997 to 2004. He changed the prejudice that also black people could lead white nations.

5. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, and died on August 16, 2018. She was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the “Queen of Soul”, she has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. With global sales of over 75 million records, Franklin is one of the world’s best-selling music artists.

6. Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman photo by Horatio Seymour – Wikimedia commons

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta Ross in c. March 1822 and died on March 10, 1913. She was an American abolitionist and social activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 slaves, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women’s suffrage.

7. Thurgood Marshall

Thurgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, and died on January 24, 1993. He was an American civil rights lawyer and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1967 until 1991.

He was the Supreme Court’s first African-American justice. Before his judicial service, he was an attorney who fought for civil rights, leading the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Marshall coordinated the assault on racial segregation in schools.

He won 29 of the 32 civil rights cases he argued before the Supreme Court, culminating in the Court’s landmark 1954 decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which rejected the separate but equal doctrine and held segregation in public education to be unconstitutional.

8. Maurice Ashley

Maurice Ashley photo by Jennifer Huemmer – Wikimedia commons

Maurice Ashley was born on 6 March 1966. He is a Jamaican-American chess player, author, and commentator. In 1999, he earned the FIDE title of Grandmaster (GM), making him the first black person to do so. On April 13, 2016, Ashley was inducted into the US Chess Hall of Fame.

9. Victor J. Glover

Victor Jerome Glover was born on 30 April 1976. He is a NASA astronaut of the class of 2013 and Pilot on the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon to the International Space Station. Glover is a captain in the U.S. Navy where he pilots a F/A-18, and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School.

10. Mike Tyson

Michael Gerard Tyson was born on 30 June 1966. He is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005. Tyson is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

He reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990. Tyson won his first 19 professional fights by knockout.

11. Amanda Gorman

Amanda S. C. Gorman was born on 7 March 1998. She is an American poet and activist. Her work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora.

Gorman was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. She published the poetry book The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough in 2015.

12. Lupita Nyong’o

A photo of Lupita Nyong’o by Daniel Benavides – Wikimedia commons

Lupita Amondi Nyong’o was born on 1 March 1983. She is a Kenyan-Mexican actress. She is the recipient of several accolades, including an Academy Award, and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. She is known for her film role as Patsey in Steve McQueen’s biopic 12 Years a Slave (2013).

13. Raphael Warnock

Raphael Gamaliel Warnock was born on 23 July 1969. She is an American pastor and politician serving as the junior United States senator from Georgia since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he assumed office on January 20, 2021.

14. Rashida Jones

Rashida Leah Jones was born on 25 February 1976. She is an American actress, director, writer, and producer. Jones appeared as Louisa Fenn on the Fox drama series Boston Public (2000–2002), as Karen Filippelli on the NBC comedy series The Office (2006–2009; 2011), and as Ann Perkins on the NBC comedy series Parks and Recreation (2009–2015).

15. Chadwick Boseman

Chadwick Boseman photo by Gage Skidmore – Wikimedia commons

Chadwick Aaron Boseman was born on 29 November 1976 and died on 28 August 2020. He was an American actor. During his two-decade career, Boseman received two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award, among other accolades. He was also nominated for an Academy Award.

16. Tupac Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur was born on 16 June 1971 and died on 13 September 1996. He was also known as 2Pac and Makaveli and was an American rapper. He is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time.

Shakur is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Much of Shakur’s music has been noted for addressing contemporary social issues that plagued inner cities, and he is considered a symbol of activism against inequality.

17. Sandra Lindsay

Sandra Lindsay and President Joe Biden photo – Wikimedia commons

Sandra Lindsay was the first critical nurse in America to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Lindsay has been a Leading Advocate for Health Care Equity at CUNY and Nationwide. Sandra Lindsay is a victim of serial killer Gary M. Heidnik.

18. Noah Harris

Noah Harris is a recent graduate of Harvard with a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. In 2021, Harris served as president of the Harvard student government, becoming the first Black male student body president in Harvard’s 386-year history.

19. Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson photo by Joi Ito – Wikimedia commons

Mellody Hobson was born on 3 April 1969. She is an American businesswoman who is president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, and the chairwoman of Starbucks Corporation. She is the former chairwoman of DreamWorks Animation.

In 2017, she became the first African-American woman to head The Economic Club of Chicago. She was also named to chair the board of directors of Starbucks in 2021, making her one of the highest-profile corporate directors in the US.

20. Nia DaCosta

Nia DaCosta was born on 8 November 198. She is an American film director and screenwriter. She wrote and directed the crime thriller film Little Woods (2018), winning the Nora Ephron Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival.

21. Nelson Mandela

A photo of Nelson Mandela by South Africa The Good News – Wikimedia commons

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on 18 July 1918 and died on 5 December 2013. He was a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. His government focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by fostering racial reconciliation.

22. George Floyd

George Floyd Protest in Brighton England by Dominic’s pics – Wikimedia commons

George Perry Floyd Jr. was born on 14 October 1973 and May 25, 2020. He was an African-American man who was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during an arrest after a store clerk suspected Floyd may have used a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill, on May 25, 2020.

Derek Chauvin, one of four police officers who arrived on the scene, knelt on Floyd’s neck and back for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. After his murder, protests against police brutality, especially towards black people, quickly spread across the United States and globally. His dying words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry.

23. Dutchman Ruud Gullit

Dutchman Ruud Gullit was Chelsea’s first top-flight black manager in 1995 and the first to win the FA Cup in 1997. In June 2008, Paul Ince became the first black English manager in the Premier League, taking over at Blackburn Rovers after his spell at Milton Keynes Dons.

24. Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington by Harris & Ewing – Wikimedia commons

Booker Taliaferro Washington was born on 5 April 1856 and died on 14 November 1915. He was an American educator, author, orator, and adviser to several presidents of the United States.

Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African-American community and of the contemporary black elite. Washington was from the last generation of black American leaders born into slavery and became the leading voice of the former slaves and their descendants.

25. Thomas Mundy Peterson

Thomas Mundy Peterson was born on 6 October 1824 and died on 4 February 1904. Peterson has been claimed to be the first African American to vote in an election under the just-enacted provisions of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

26. Diane Abbott

Diane Julie Abbott born on 27 September 1953 is a British politician who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for Hackney North and Stoke Newington since 1987. A socialist member of the Labour Party.

She served in Jeremy Corbyn’s Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Home Secretary from 2016 to 2020. Abbott is the first black woman elected to Parliament and the longest-serving black MP in the House of Commons.

27. Idi Amin Dada

A photo of Idi Amin Dada by Bernard Gotfryd – Wikimedia commons

Idi Amin Dada Oumee was born in c. 1925 and died on 16 August 2003. He was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served as the third president of Uganda from 1971 to 1979. He ruled as a military dictator and is considered one of the most brutal despots in modern world history.

28. Mary Chinery-Hesse

Mary Chinery-Hesse born 29 October 1938 is an international civil servant and diplomat serving as the first woman Chancellor of the University of Ghana, inducted on 1 August 2018. She was the first female Deputy Director-General of the International Labour Organization.

29. John Baxter Taylor Jr.

John Baxter Taylor Jr. was born on 3 November 1882, in Washington, D.C. and died on 2 December 1908, in Philadelphia. He was an American track and field athlete, notable as the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal.

30. Roger W. Ferguson Jr.

Roger W. Ferguson Jr. born on 28 October 1951, in Washington, D.C. is an American economist, attorney and corporate executive who served as the 17th vice chair of the Federal Reserve from 1999 to 2006.

A member of the Democratic Party, Ferguson was the first African American to hold that post. After leaving the Fed, he served as president and CEO of the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) from 2008 to 2021.

31. Mae Jemison

A photo of Mae Jemison by NASA – Wikimedia Commons

Mae Jemison, who was born on October 17, 1956, broke down barriers and made history as the first African American woman in space. Jemison, a trailblazer and visionary, made a historic journey aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992, which marked a watershed moment in space exploration.

Aside from her groundbreaking achievement, Jemison has inspired countless people to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), emphasizing the value of diversity and inclusion.

Mae Jemison, an accomplished physician, engineer, and astronaut, left a legacy that extends beyond the cosmos, representing resilience, intellect, and the limitless potential of individuals who overcome societal constraints.

32. Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Anita Chisholm, born November 30, 1924, and died January 1, 2005, left an indelible mark on the globe as a pioneering political force. She was elected as the first African American woman to the United States Congress in 1968, representing New York’s 12th congressional district.

Chisholm’s historic 1972 presidential campaign established her as the first Black woman to seek a major party’s candidacy. She was a dedicated fighter for civil rights, gender equality, and education, always challenging the established quo, tearing down obstacles and inspiring future generations.

Shirley Chisholm’s legacy is remembered as a trailblazer who changed American politics and championed neglected voices.

33. Fannie Lou Hamer

Fannie Lou Hamer, born on October 6, 1917, and died on March 14, 1977, emerged as a strong influence in America’s civil rights struggle. Hamer, a sharecropper turned activist, cofounded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and spoke out against racial segregation at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.

Her riveting testimony on the brutalities suffered by Black voters in the South sparked national attention, resulting in the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Hamer, a relentless campaigner for economic justice and educational equality, inspired a generation with his unwavering energy and fortitude, establishing an enduring legacy as a catalyst for social and political change in the battle against institutional racism.

34. Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell, a Canadian journalist, author, and thought leader, was born on September 3, 1963. His astute works have dramatically altered public understanding of human behaviour. Gladwell, known for best-selling works such as “Outliers” and “The Tipping Point,” delves into complicated concepts with clarity, making psychology and social science accessible to a wide audience.

His thought-provoking analysis challenges conventional knowledge, stimulating critical thinking and creating a greater understanding of the world. Gladwell’s work has sparked discussions on themes ranging from success to decision-making, influencing debate in a variety of sectors. His intellectual curiosity and captivating narrative have left an indelible imprint on current conversation.

35. Alice Walker

Alice Malsenior Walker, an American author, poet, and activist, was born on February 9, 1944. Her creative efforts have had a significant influence on literature and social consciousness. Walker is well known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Color Purple,” which tackles issues of race, gender, and spirituality. She is a leading personality in the feminist and civil rights movements, advocating for social justice and equality.

Walker’s work, marked by beautiful vocabulary and great empathy, questions established standards and elevates disadvantaged voices. Her persistent influence extends beyond writing, motivating future generations to oppose oppression and embrace human resilience. Alice Walker’s impact is recognized as a revolutionary force in literature and social campaigning.

36. Langston Hughes

A photo of Lanston Hughes by Jack Delano – Wikimedia Commons

Langston Hughes, who was born on February 1, 1902 and died on May 22, 1967, was a significant player in the 1920s literary and cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Hughes, an American poet, writer, and essayist, explored the African American experience via the rhythms of jazz and blues.

His poems, “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” and “Dream Deferred,” became civil rights anthems. Hughes also created dramas, novels, and essays, making major contributions to African American literature. As a social activist and prolific writer, his legacy stands as a beacon of artistic expression, social critique, and cultural pride.

37. Rosa Parks

Rosa Louise McCauley Parks, born on February 4, 1913 and died on October 24, 2005, was an iconic figure in the American civil rights movement. On December 1, 1955, her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a watershed moment in the fight against segregation.

Parks’ act of disobedience and subsequent leadership in the campaign earned her the moniker “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Her tenacity and dedication fueled larger activity, resulting in considerable progress in the battle for racial equality and justice. Rosa Parks’ legacy is still a symbol of resistance and fortitude in the face of injustice.

38. Colin Powell

Colin Luther Powell, born on April 5, 1937, and died on October 18, 2021, was a distinguished American military officer, diplomat, and politician. Powell, who served as the first African-American Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005, was instrumental in establishing American foreign policy.

He was a four-star general who chaired the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Gulf War, leading the successful military battle to liberate Kuwait. Powell’s leadership, charm, and determination shattered racial boundaries and inspired future generations. Despite the controversy surrounding the Iraq War, Powell’s influence on American diplomacy and the military remains crucial in moulding global relations.

39. Oprah Winfrey

A photo of Oprah Winfrey by US Embassy South Africa – Wikimedia Commons

Oprah Gail Winfrey, born January 29, 1954, is a media magnate, philanthropist, and prominent cultural figure. Oprah is best known for her trailblazing chat program “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which became a global phenomenon. She has been a transformational force in American television.

In addition to her media empire, she works as a producer, actor, and social activist. Oprah’s Book Club has influenced global literary preferences, and her humanitarian efforts, particularly in education and healthcare, have had a long-lasting impact. Her path from struggle to prosperity has inspired millions, making Oprah Winfrey a unique personality who goes beyond entertainment to represent empowerment and good change.

40. Malcolm X

A photo of Malcolm-X by Marion S. Trikosko – Wikimedia Commons

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, and killed on February 21, 1965, was a charismatic and powerful figure in the American civil rights movement. Initially affiliated with the Nation of Islam, he subsequently adopted orthodox Islam and a larger concept of racial justice. During his early years, Malcolm X promoted Black empowerment, self-defence, and isolation from white-dominated society.

However, his developing attitudes toward a more inclusive approach constituted a watershed moment. His lectures, notably the legendary “The Ballot or the Bullet,” encouraged African Americans to exercise their political rights. Malcolm X’s legacy stands as a symbol of unwavering resistance and the quest for racial justice.

Black people have left an indelible mark on the globe, making pioneering contributions in a variety of sectors. From civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to cultural superstars like Oprah Winfrey, their influence extends throughout literature, politics, science, and entertainment. Black figures have revolutionized their communities and the global landscape with their tenacity, talent, and determination, creating a lasting legacy of progress and inspiration.