Facts about Blacks who changed the world

People who changed the World-darker the shade harder the impact

Black people and their culture always had a great impact on the history of the world. They went through several hardships in the past to create a position for themselves in the world. These people changed the course of history, and people still honor them for their immense contributions. But how much do we actually know about these personalities? So, to take a closer look at them and their achievements, we will share some of the most influential black personalities of all time.

Martin Luther King

Born on January 15, 1929, the great person Martin Luther King played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. He received the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of thirty-five , the youngest at that time and decided to give the prize money to the Civil Rights Movement. He fought for the black people’s voting rights and led a peaceful march in Washington D.C. This is where he gave his famous address, “I Have a Dream.” He fought against racial discrimination and prejudices that black people had to face. He was assassinated on April 14, 1968.  He was arrested 29 times and attacked 4 times in total.

Muhammad Ali

He was the greatest boxer of all time. Muhammad Ali was born on January 17, 1942. He, later on, became an influential figure and an inspiration for black people. In 1960, he won the Olympic gold medal. Apart from that, in 1964, Ali also became the world heavyweight boxing champion. He was a real Hero; he actually saved a man from jumping from a building.

Nelson Mandela

He was the first President of South Africa to be elected democratically. Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in South Africa. He was a great leader and philanthropist who promoted unity among all races. He also fought against the institutionalized racism that was prevalent in those times. He is one of the most inspiring and popular leader of all times so much so that Scientists have named a Woodpecker after him called Australopicus NelsonMandelai.

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu is one such inspirational figure who fought for civil and humanitarian rights. He was born on October 7, 1931, in South Africa. He is famous for his social works and even received the Nobel Peace Prize for his tremendous work in resolving apartheid. His main aim was to have “a democratic and just society without racial divisions’.

Barack Obama

We all know how amazing Barack Obama is as a person! He was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu and was the first African-American President of the United States. He was the President of the U.S for two consecutive terms and did notable works for the U.S citizens. In 2009 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his international policies and worked to strengthen foreign relations.

Michael Jordan

Born on February 17, 1963, Michael Jordan is a legendary basketball player. He won several awards and championships, but he is much more than just his awards. He has truly been a terrific athlete and keeps on influencing people all over the world till today.

Jesse Owens

Jesse Owens was born on September 12, 1913, in Alabama, United States. He had to face racial discrimination throughout his life, but still, he stood up against it. In the 1936 Olympic Games, he won the gold medal four times. Owens was a great personality and perhaps the best athlete in track and field history.

W.E.B Du Bois

William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born on February 23, 1868, in Massachusetts. He was a great sociologist and activist who fought against racial discrimination, lynching, and other social evils. He was also an writer who wrote books and essays like The Souls of Black Folk and Black Reconstruction in America.

Pele

Pele was born on October 23, 1940, in Brazil. He is one of the greatest footballers of all time. He won several tournaments during the time he played for his team. And after retirement, he became a global ambassador for sports and also helped people to overcome poverty.

Thurgood Marshall

Born on July 2, 1908, in Maryland, United States, Thurgood Marshall was a civil rights lawyer. He was also the first African-American to become the U.S. Supreme Court Justice. His victory in the “Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka” case in 1954 brought him huge fame.

Malcolm X

Malcolm X was born on May 19, 1925. He was a civil rights activist and also a huge supporter of black nationalism. He was a spokesperson and a member of the Nation of Islam. Through his works, he influenced a lot of people and urged them to support black nationalism.

Chinua Achebe

He is a famous Nigeran author who wrote the famous novel Things Fall Apart(1958). He was born on November 16, 1930, in Nigeria. Apart from being an author, he was also a professor at Bard College in the United States.

Bob Marley

Not just famous leaders and athletes, but many famous artists came from the black community. One such artist is the famous singer Bob Marley. He was born on February 6, 1945, in Jamaica. He was a great songwriter and musician and also the world ambassador for reggae music.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks was born on February 4, 1913. She started the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her term to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955. This action of hers inspired the local Black community leaders, and they organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She protested against the racial discrimination that black people had to face and thus influenced many people.

Oprah Winfrey

Born on January 29, 1954, Winfrey is among the most influential women in the world. She is a host, an author, an actor, and also a civil rights activist. She is also the first African-American woman to have her own production company. The Oprah Winfrey Show, in which she is the host, is quite popular.

Maya Angelou

When we talked about famous black personalities, it would be wrong not to talk about Maya Angelou. She was a famous poet and also a civil rights activist. Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in Missouri, United States. She wrote several poems and essays throughout her life. Her memoir, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, was published in 1969.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg is an American comedian, actor, and producer. She was born on November 13, 1955, in New York, United States. She won the Oscar for the best-supporting actress and the Emmy Award as well. Not just that, but she also won the Grammy Award as a musician. Goldberg also did a talk show called The View.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was born on August 29, 1958. He was given the title of the “King of Pop.” He ruled the music industry for years, and people listen to his music even today. From being a great musician to a terrific dancer, Michael Jackson had a huge impact on the music and fashion industry. He delivered several hit songs throughout his life and even made some signature dance moves like the ‘moonwalk.’

Serena Williams

Born on September 26, 1981, Serena Williams is a worldwide famous tennis player. She has won 23 single grand slam titles and 15 double titles throughout her career. She brought a revolution in women’s tennis with her success and a brilliant way of playing.

These were some of the black community’s great personalities who serve as an inspiration for the whole world. They changed the course of history and made a huge impact on the lives of people. They played a huge role in promoting black culture and its beauty across the entire world.

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