Lists of African Americans Facts for Kids

African Americans are a big and important group of people in the United States. They are also known as Black Americans or Afro-Americans. Most African Americans today are descendants of people from West Africa and Central Africa who were brought to the U.S. during the sad time of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Over time, they created their own special culture and identity in the Americas.

This list shares some amazing African Americans who have made a difference in many fields. To be on this list, a person needs to have a Wikipedia article and proof that they are African American.

People Who Made a Difference

African Americans have always worked hard to make the world a better place. Many have fought for equal rights and fairness for everyone.

Abolitionists: These brave people worked to end slavery.
Activists: People who speak up and work for change in society.
Education Pioneers: Those who helped open up colleges and universities to all students, no matter their race.
Suffragists: Women who fought for the right to vote.

Creative Artists

African Americans have brought so much beauty and creativity to the world through art.

Architects: People who design buildings.
Visual Artists: Those who create paintings, sculptures, and other visual art.

Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Many African Americans have been successful in business, creating companies and products that help people.

Wally Amos: He started the famous Famous Amos chocolate chip cookie brand.
Tyra Banks: A well-known television personality and former model.
Robert L. Johnson: He helped start BET, a popular TV channel.
Madam C. J. Walker: A very successful businesswoman who created hair care products and was also a generous giver to charity.

Amazing Chefs

These chefs have shared their talents and delicious food with the world.

Filmmakers and Cinematographers

These talented people work behind the scenes to make movies and TV shows look amazing. A cinematographer is like the artist who paints with light and camera angles.

Entertainers and Performers

African Americans have shined brightly in music, acting, and dance, bringing joy to millions.

Actors: People who perform in movies, TV, and plays.
Ballerinas: Talented dancers who perform ballet.
Singers: Musicians who share their voices.
Classical Musicians: Women who perform classical music.

Fashion and Style

African Americans have made a huge impact on fashion, from designing clothes to gracing the covers of magazines.

Beauty Queens and Models

These women and men have been recognized for their beauty and style.

Kimberly Clarice Aiken: Miss America 1994
Tyra Banks: A famous fashion model.
Deshauna Barber: Miss USA 2016
Beverly Johnson: A groundbreaking model.
Naomi Sims: A famous model and businesswoman.
Chelsi Smith: Miss USA 1995 and Miss Universe 1995

Fashion Designers

These creative minds design the clothes and styles we see on runways and in stores.

Government and Politics

African Americans have held many important positions in government, helping to lead the country and make laws.

Presidents and Vice Presidents

Barack Obama: He was the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. His father was Kenyan-American.
Kamala Harris: She is the 49th Vice President of the United States, starting in 2021. Her father is Jamaican-American.

First Ladies

Michelle Obama: She was the First Lady from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American First Lady.

Governors

Governors are the leaders of U.S. states.

P.B.S. Pinchback: He was the Governor of Louisiana from 1872 to 1873, the first African American to be a governor of a U.S. State.
Douglas Wilder: He was the Governor of Virginia and the first African American to be elected governor since the Reconstruction era.
Deval Patrick: He was the Governor of Massachusetts from 2007 to 2015.
Wes Moore: He became the Governor of Maryland in 2023, the first African American to hold that position in Maryland.

Other Important Political Roles

Valerie Jarrett: A senior advisor to former President Barack Obama.

Journalism and Media

African Americans have shared important stories and news with the world through journalism.

Journalists: People who report the news.

Legal System Leaders

These individuals have worked in courts and helped make sure laws are fair.

Federal Judges: Judges who work in the national court system.
Jurists: People who are experts in law, including judges and lawyers.

Religious Leaders

Richard Allen

Many African Americans have been important religious leaders, guiding their communities and inspiring change.

Richard Allen: A key figure in early African American religious history.
Martin Luther King Jr.: A famous civil rights leader and minister.
Jesse Jackson: A well-known civil rights activist and minister.
Al Sharpton: A prominent civil rights activist and minister.

Science and Math Heroes

African Americans have made incredible discoveries and advancements in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Astronauts: People who travel to space.
Inventors and Scientists: Those who create new things and explore how the world works.
Mathematicians: Experts in numbers and problem-solving.
Women in STEM: African American women who excel in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Women in Medicine: African American women who are doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Sports Stars

African Americans have achieved greatness in many different sports.

Sportspeople: Athletes who compete in various sports.

Writers and Storytellers

African Americans have written powerful stories, poems, and books that share their experiences and ideas.

Writers: Authors of books and stories.
Nonfiction Writers: Those who write about real events and facts.
Poets: People who write poems.

Publishers

These individuals have helped bring important books and ideas to readers by publishing them.

W. Paul Coates: Founder of Black Classic Press.
John H. Johnson: A very influential publisher.

Other Notables

Medal of Honor Recipients: Brave individuals who received the highest military award for courage.

Lists of African Americans facts for kids

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