Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements or strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. This book attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of greatness. Pioneering scholar of African American Studies Molefi Kete Asante has used four criteria in his selection: the individual''s significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and the demonstration of risk for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of the greatest danger or against the most stubborn odds; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria Professor Asante has sought to steer away from the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most popular, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity. The individuals in this book - examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity fame - come from four centuries of African American history. Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual''s place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society. Numerous pictures and illustrations will accompany the articles. This superb reference work will complement any library and be of special interest to students and scholars of American and African American history.

Lists and ranks those black Americans who have had the greatest impact on the progress toward complete participation in our society.

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 42. Chapters: 100 Greatest African Americans, African-American Primetime Emmy nominees and winners, Lists of African Americans, List of African-American abolitionists, List of African-American astronauts, List of African-American inventors and scientists, List of African-American jurists, List of African-American mathematicians, List of African-American Medal of Honor recipients, List of African-American nonfiction writers, List of African-American officeholders during the Reconstruction, List of African-American Republicans, List of African-American visual artists, List of African-American writers, List of civil rights leaders, List of composers of African descent, List of Ethiopian Americans, List of Nigerian Americans, List of people of African American and Native American admixture, List of winners of the William E. Harmon foundation award for distinguished achievement among Negroes, List of Zeta Phi Beta sisters. Excerpt: The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. Recipients must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Because of the nature of this medal, it is commonly presented posthumously. Of the 3,464 Medals of Honor awarded as of June 2009, 88 have been awarded to 87 different African American recipients. Robert Augustus Sweeney is one of nineteen men, and the only African American, to have been awarded two Medals of Honor. A 1993 study commissioned by the Army investigated racial discrimination in the awarding of medals. At the time, no Medals of Honor had been awarded to black soldiers who served in World War II. After an exhaustive review of files, the study recommended that several...

Great achievements by african american people highlights some of the great achievements of black people in ?America.

Amazing stories of 100 Black Americans who everyone should know—for kids eight and up Engaging and packed with facts, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History is the perfect Black history book for kids! This biography book for kids features 100 easy-to-read one-page biographies: Find out how these Black Americans changed the course of history! Illustrated portraits: Each biography includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! Discover artists, activists, icons, and legends throughout American history! 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History introduces kids of all ages to some of the most influential Black Americans from the very beginning of the country all the way up to present day. Learn all about the incredible lives and lasting legacies of figures like Harriet Tubman, Duke Ellington, Malcolm X, Mae Jemison, and many more!

Tracing the struggle for freedom and civil rights across two centuries, this anthology comprises speeches by Martin Luther King, Jr., Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Barack Obama, and many other influential figures.