Olaudah Equiano, a former slave, became the first Black man to cross the Arctic Circle in 1773, leaving a remarkable account that influenced the abolitionist movement.
Discover the inspiring story of Emma Clarke, Britain’s first black female footballer who revolutionized the game in the 1890s, from Bootle streets to professional play.
Springfield, Massachusetts, is set to honor a trailblazing figure in its law enforcement history. Joseph A. Budd, the city’s first Black police officer to achieve multiple high-ranking positions, will have the new police station named after him. This…
Explore how Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader, became the first Black candidate to seriously run for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1980s.
Beloit School Board considers honoring basketball legend Johnny Watts by naming the high school court after him, recognizing his achievements and impact on local sports history.
Discover how Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns made boxing history in 1987 by becoming the first Black man to win world titles in five different weight classes.
Discover how Walter Moses Burton became America’s first Black sheriff in 1869 and fought for Black education as a Texas state senator, breaking racial barriers along the way.
Discover the extraordinary life of Harrel G. Tillman, Texas’ first Black judge, who balanced careers in law, ministry, acting, and broadcasting.
Macomb celebrates William Thorpe, its first Black police officer and Korean War veteran, honoring his pioneering career and lasting impact on the community.