Activist

Dr. Canady (1950) is a retired Pediatric Neurosurgeon, researcher, and professor. In 1981, she became the first Black woman neurosurgeon. She was the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan from 1987 until 2001.

Dandridge (1922-1965) was an actress and singer, known for her remarkable performances in films such as "Carmen Jones" (1954) and "Porgy and Bess" (1959). Dandridge's portrayal of the title role in "Carmen Jones" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first African American woman to be nominated in this category. Ironically, Halle Berry, who later became the first African American woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress (2001), portrayed Dandridge in the HBO biopic "Introducing Dorothy Dandridge" (1999), paying tribute to the iconic actress's life and legacy.

Actress, comedian, author, singer, and host, Goldberg (1955) was the first Black woman to earn EGOT status (2002)—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

Rice (1954) is an American diplomat, civil servant, professor, and part-owner of the Denver Broncos. She served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State (2005-2009), making her the second woman in U.S. history to serve in this role. She also served as the 19th U.S. National Security Advisor (2001-2005), becoming the first woman to hold this position. Both of these positions were held during the administration of President George W. Bush. Throughout her career, Rice has made significant contributions to American foreign policy and national security, while also maintaining a strong presence in academia as a professor and director of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

Coined the term “Jane Crow”.

Ambassador Thomas - Greenfield (1952) is the 31st United State’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

Civil rights Activist and mother of Emmitt Till.

Sociologist, Activitst

Eartha Kitt and Sammy Davis Jr.

Morial (1932-2024) was a staunch voting and civil rights activist, the wife of the first Black Mayor of New Orleans, Ernest "Dutch" Morial, and mother of Marc Morial, the second Black Mayor of New Orleans.

First Black Woman elected to Congress.

In 1942, Earley (1918-2002) became the first Black woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). After initially serving as a staff training officer, station control officer, and company commander at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, she was promoted to major in September 1943, coinciding with the transition from WAAC to WAC (Women's Auxillary Corps). In 1945, During World War II she commanded the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (The Six Triple 8) and led the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas. The 6888th was responsible for sorting and delivering mail to nearly seven million soldiers in the European Theater of Operations. She ultimately achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel, the highest rank available to women in the WAC at that time.

Multi-talent: a musicologist, diplomat, philanthropist, actress, singer, educator, sociologist, and administrator.

Co-Owner of Rose Meta House of Beauty

(1926-1984)

Civil Rights Activist

Eslanda "Essie" Robeson was a phenom!

YMCA, WWI