Melnea Cass’ advocacy and commitment to improve the quality of lives of Black people in her community solidified a place in history and in the hearts of those she knew and impacted.

Over her accomplished career, Condoleezza Rice has been a beacon of change, diplomacy and peace. And through education, dedication and service, Rice has secured her legacy in American history.

Maybe in this era, the mark of a professional athlete worthy of adoration is speaking your truth, not just going along to get along, and that’s what Serena Jameka Williams has done.

Lucille Clifton wanted her children to read and enjoy books featuring Black protagonists, but in the 1960s and 1970s, there weren’t many to choose from—so she wrote her own.

Mahalia Jackson had a powerful impact on a lot of people, and one of them was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., of whom she was a loyal supporter and his favorite opening act around the country.

Coretta Scott King successfully aspired to be more than just the wife of famed civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “I am not a ceremonial symbol. I am an activist,” she stated.