Featuring an excerpt from a memoir written by Ruby Bridges telling of her experience as the first African American child to attend an all white elementary school in New Orleans in the year 1960.

In April 1994, South Africans, for the first time, were able to cast their vote in a national election. View this illustrated account of Nelson Mandela's landslide victory.

Black people have played an important part in the history of Canada from its earliest days when the first black man came to Canada in 1606. Learn about these pioneers and their accomplishments.

America honors Jackie Robinson's first year in baseball's major leagues. This site has a brief biography of Jackie Robinson and how he broke the race barrier.

The first African American woman to receive an official pilot's license, Bessie Coleman led a captivating life. Here you can learn about her many accomplishments.

Discusses the early life and career of Barbara Jordan who was the first African American elected to the Texas Senate and then the U.S. House of Representatives. When her political career was over, she took a teaching position at the...

Celebrate Black Heritage Month by studying this extraordinary vocalist who transcended a troubled childhood to become an American treasure. Create a musical timeline of the noteworthy events in Ella's life. Explore her sensational lyrics...

Provides biography of an African American 49er with first hand accounts.

Maggie L. Walker was the first female bank president of the United States. Learn about the life and work of this African American teacher and entrepreneur. This brief biography includes accompanying audio [1:49], as well as a...

Jazz pianist and singer Hazel Scott was not only the first African-American woman to host her own television show, but she also bravely stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Hollywood studio machine.

Read about the life of Shirley Chisholm who in 1968 became the first African American woman to serve in Congress.

Biographical details on Harriet Wilson, one of the first African-Americans to publish a novel in English in the United States.

Gibson was a woman of many firsts. She was the first black to compete at a national tennis tournament and then later at Wimbledon. She was the first black to win either and also won the French championship. This article discusses her...

Odyssey Online is a resource for both students and teachers as they explore world mythology in reading, writing, history, and art classes. Providing sections on Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and African mythology, Odyssey uses...

This very brief encyclopedia entry gives a short overview of Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court judge.

In this article and the accompanying radio broadcasts, Ghana reflects back on its accomplishments in the fifty years since it became independent of colonial rule. It was the first African nation south of the Sahara to do so. [March 7, 2007]

An interview conducted by Jim Lehrer. Topics included "Syria's presence in Lebanon, diplomatic efforts to end Iran's nuclear aspirations, the U.S. relationship with Europe, and her first months as America's top diplomat."

Comprehensive facts about Barack Obama and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.

A dramatic summary of Carney's heroic actions during the Battle of Fort Wagner as well as a brief recount of his life following the Civil War.

Article and interview first published in Clockwork Review about Koko Taylor's, "Queen of the Blues", career.

In this student-written article, read about Madam C.J. Walker, the pioneering entrepreneur who started the first hair-care products line for African-American women.

In this short encyclopedia entry, you can read about Arthur Ashe, professional black champion. There are links to other websites for more information.

Learn about inventor and African-American slave, Benjamin Bradley, developer of a steam engine large enough to run the first steam-powered warship.

The hideaway bed was originally invented by a former slave and furniture store owner, Sarah E. Goode.