Famous American Civil Rights Activists

Malcolm X was an African-American revolutionary, Muslim minister, and human rights activist prominent during the civil rights movement. Initially a spokesman for the Nation of Islam, he advocated for Black empowerment and the promotion of Islam within the African-American community. He later grew disillusioned with the Nation of Islam, embraced Sunni Islam, and founded the Islamic Muslim Mosque, Inc. and the Pan-African Organization of Afro-American Unity. He was known for his conflict with the Nation of Islam, leading to his assassination in 1965. Despite controversy, he is celebrated for his pursuit of racial justice.

Rosa Parks was a prominent American civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. She became an NAACP activist in 1943 and participated in various civil rights campaigns. Parks gained international recognition for her act of defiance against bus segregation in Montgomery, Alabama, which sparked a year-long boycott. She worked closely with civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and was actively involved in the black Power movement. Parks continued to advocate for justice even after retirement, receiving numerous national honors for her contributions.

Ruby Bridges is an American civil rights activist known for her pivotal role in the desegregation of schools in the United States. As the first African American child to attend William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana, she made significant contributions to the civil rights movement. Ruby's bravery and perseverance in the face of adversity have inspired generations of individuals to stand up against injustice and fight for equality. Her story has been immortalized in Norman Rockwell's iconic painting, "The Problem We All Live With."

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was an American investigative journalist, educator, and civil rights leader. She was a co-founder of the NAACP and dedicated her career to combating prejudice and violence, advocating for African-American equality, particularly women. Wells documented lynching in the US, exposing its brutality and analyzing its sociology. She was a pioneering journalist, writing for Black-owned newspapers and facing threats for her work. Wells was a vocal activist in the civil rights and women's suffrage movements, establishing women's organizations and delivering persuasive speeches nationally and internationally.

Coretta Scott King was an American author, activist, and civil rights leader known for her advocacy for African-American equality. She played a crucial role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, utilizing music in her activism. After her husband's assassination, she took on a leadership role in the fight for racial equality and also became involved in the Women's Movement. King founded the King Center and successfully campaigned for Martin Luther King Jr. Day to be recognized as a national holiday. She also expanded her advocacy to include LGBTQ rights and opposition to apartheid.

Cesar Chavez was an American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers labor union. He organized strikes and utilized nonviolent tactics to advocate for farmworkers' rights, drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi. Chavez expanded the UFW's influence nationally and campaigned against illegal immigration. Despite controversies over his leadership style and actions, he remains an icon for organized labor and leftist groups, with a lasting legacy seen in federal holidays and posthumous honors.

Angela Davis is an American Marxist and feminist political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. She is a professor emerita at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Davis has been a member of the Communist Party USA and a founding member of the Committees of Correspondence for Democracy and Socialism. She has been actively involved in various movements, including the Occupy movement and the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign. Throughout her career, Davis has been a prominent figure in far-left politics, feminist movements, and campaigns against war and the prison-industrial complex.

Fredrick Allen Hampton Sr. was a prominent American activist and leader in the national Black Panther Party. He founded the anti-racist, anti-classist Rainbow Coalition, bringing together diverse groups for social change. As a progressive African American, he worked to unite street gangs in Chicago and combat fascism, which he viewed as a significant threat. Hampton's life was tragically cut short at the age of 21 when he was killed during a predawn raid by law enforcement agencies, sparking controversy and legal action.

Medgar Wiley Evers was an American civil rights activist and soldier. He served as the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi, where he fought against racial segregation at the University of Mississippi and worked to expand opportunities for African Americans. Evers was involved in efforts to enforce voting rights, challenge segregation in public facilities, and advocate for economic opportunity. His assassination by a member of the White Citizens' Council spurred civil rights protests, leading to the eventual conviction of his killer in 1994.

Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Ture, was a prominent American activist who played a significant role in the civil rights movement and global pan-African movement. He was a key leader in the Black Power movement, leading the SNCC and the Black Panther Party. Carmichael was a voting rights activist in Mississippi and Alabama and advocated for independent all-black political organizations. He popularized the philosophy of black power and became a popular but controversial figure in the late 1960s, targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO program. He later campaigned internationally for revolutionary socialist pan-Africanism.

Johnnie Cochran Jr. was a prominent American attorney known for his involvement in civil rights and police brutality cases over his 38-year career. Renowned for his courtroom skills, he led the "Dream Team" in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Cochran also represented notable figures such as Sean Combs, Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and Snoop Dogg, among others. His legal prowess and advocacy in high-profile cases solidified his reputation as a top defense attorney, making a lasting impact on the legal profession.

Walter Francis White was a prominent American civil rights activist, journalist, novelist, and essayist. He led the NAACP for a quarter of a century, directing legal challenges against racial segregation and disfranchisement. White's investigative work on lynchings and race riots in the South was crucial to the NAACP's mission. He played a key role in desegregating the armed forces after World War II and oversaw the Legal Defense Fund's successful legal battles against segregation. White's leadership saw significant growth in NAACP membership and landmark victories in civil rights advocacy.

Claudette Colvin is an American pioneer of the 1950s civil rights movement and retired nurse aide. She was arrested at the age of 15 in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus. Colvin was a plaintiff in the Browder v. Gayle case challenging bus segregation, leading to a Supreme Court ruling declaring all segregation on public transportation unconstitutional. Despite her significant contribution, her efforts were not widely publicized during that time.

Yolanda King was an activist for African-American rights who pursued artistic and entertainment endeavors, public speaking, and acting. She supported a retrial for James Earl Ray and did not harbor hatred towards him. King's acting career took off in the 1990s with appearances in films such as "Ghosts of Mississippi," "Our Friend, Martin," and "Selma, Lord, Selma." She became a supporter of gay rights and an ally to the LGBT community. King also served as a spokesperson for her mother during her illness.

Benjamin Banneker was a self-taught African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer, and almanac author. He worked as a surveyor and farmer, assisting in establishing the original borders of the District of Columbia. Banneker's expertise in astronomy led to the creation of successful almanacs. He corresponded with Thomas Jefferson on issues of slavery and racial equality. Abolitionists praised his works. Despite the loss of many of his papers in a fire, Banneker's legacy as a folk-hero lives on through various commemorations and tributes.

Betty Shabazz was an American educator and civil rights advocate. She began her career as a nurse in New York City before marrying Malcolm X in 1958. Together, they left the Nation of Islam in 1964. After Malcolm X's assassination, Shabazz raised their six daughters as a widow, pursued higher education, and worked at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. She also took in her grandson following her daughter's arrest in 1995. Shabazz tragically passed away in 1997 due to injuries from a fire set by her grandson.

Viola Desmond was a Canadian civil and women's rights activist, businesswoman, and pioneer in the fight against racial discrimination. Her courageous act of challenging segregation at a cinema in Nova Scotia in 1946 sparked the modern civil rights movement in Canada. Despite facing unjust conviction, she continued to advocate for equality and justice. In recognition of her impact, she was posthumously granted a free pardon in 2010, and in 2018, became the first Canadian-born woman to appear on a Canadian banknote, solidifying her legacy as a National Historic Person.

Mamie Elizabeth Till-Mobley was an American educator and activist who became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Following the tragic murder of her son Emmett Till, she dedicated her life to advocating for justice and racial equality. She played a significant role in raising awareness about her son's case and the broader issues of racial violence in the United States. Mamie Till's insistence on displaying her son's brutalized body at his funeral had a profound impact on the nation, highlighting the harsh realities of racial injustice.

James Meredith is an American civil rights activist, writer, and political adviser known for his pivotal role in desegregating the University of Mississippi in 1962. He became the first African-American student to be admitted to the institution, sparking the Ole Miss riot. In 1966, he organized the March Against Fear to protest racism in the South and promote voter registration. Meredith's activism led to significant advancements in civil rights, inspiring thousands to join his cause and register to vote.

Mary McLeod Bethune was an influential American educator, philanthropist, and civil rights activist. She founded the National Council of Negro Women and established various organizations advocating for African American women. Bethune also played a key role in the creation of the United Nations charter and held leadership positions in several important initiatives. She founded a private school for African-American students which later evolved into Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune worked closely with President Franklin D. Roosevelt on civil rights issues and was instrumental in the establishment of the Federal Council on Colored Affairs. She was widely recognized for her contributions, including being honored with a National Historic Landmark designation and a statue in Washington, D.C.

Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was a prominent American Baptist pastor and politician who represented Harlem in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1945 to 1971. He was the first African American elected to Congress from New York and the Northeast, serving as a powerful Democratic politician advocating for civil rights and social issues. Powell chaired the Education and Labor Committee, supporting significant legislation under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Despite facing allegations of corruption, he was re-elected after a Supreme Court ruling but eventually lost his seat in 1970.

A. Philip Randolph was an influential American labor unionist and civil rights activist known for founding and leading the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful African American-led labor union. His advocacy against racist labor practices played a key role in President Roosevelt issuing Executive Order 8802 in 1941, banning discrimination in defense industries. Randolph's leadership also led to President Truman's Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 in 1948, promoting fair employment and ending racial segregation in the armed services. He furthered his impact by organizing the March on Washington in 1963 and inspiring the "Freedom Budget" to address economic challenges in the black community.

Fannie Lou Hamer was a prominent American civil rights activist, community organizer, and leader in the women's rights movement. She served as the vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party and played a key role in organizing Mississippi's Freedom Summer. Hamer co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus to support women seeking elected office. Known for her resilience, she faced threats and violence while advocating for voting rights. She helped thousands of African-Americans register to vote and led legal challenges against segregation. Hamer's impactful career was recognized with posthumous induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Barbara Charline Jordan was a trailblazing American lawyer, educator, and politician. As the first African American elected to the Texas Senate post-Reconstruction, she made history as the first Southern African American woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her impactful opening statement during the Nixon impeachment hearings garnered widespread recognition. Jordan also delivered a groundbreaking keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and chaired the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform. Her legacy includes being the first African American woman buried in the Texas State Cemetery.

Vernon Jordan Jr. was a prominent American business executive and civil rights attorney known for his impactful work in the civil rights movement. He played a key role in desegregating the University of Georgia and worked with various civil rights organizations throughout the 1960s and 1980s. In the early 1990s, Jordan became a trusted advisor to President Bill Clinton, serving on his transition team. Following his time in the White House, he continued his career in the corporate world, working with multiple corporations and investment banking firms.

Max Roach was an influential American jazz drummer and composer known for his pioneering work in bebop and his contributions to various music styles. Regarded as one of the most important drummers in history, he collaborated with legendary jazz musicians such as Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis. Roach co-led a quintet with Clifford Brown in the mid-1950s and later founded the percussion ensemble M'Boom in 1970. He was honored with inductions into the DownBeat Hall of Fame and the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

James Weldon Johnson was an American writer, civil rights activist, and leader of the NAACP. He served as executive secretary of the organization from 1920 to 1930. Known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, Johnson established himself as a prominent writer of poems, novels, and anthologies reflecting Black culture. He wrote the lyrics for "Lift Every Voice and Sing," known as the Black National Anthem. Johnson also held positions as a U.S. consul, the first African American professor at New York University, and a professor at Fisk University.

Hosea Lorenzo Williams was a prominent American civil rights leader and activist, known for his close association with Martin Luther King Jr. He played a crucial role in organizing and leading nonviolent protests against racial, political, economic, and social injustices as a trusted member of King's inner circle. Williams was recognized for his leadership within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and as King's chief field lieutenant. He continued his advocacy for the poor by establishing Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, one of North America's largest social services organizations.

Rachel Aliene Corrie was an American nonviolence activist and diarist who was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). She protested the Israeli army's actions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, advocating for peace and solidarity. Corrie demonstrated against the demolition of Palestinian property and tragically lost her life in 2003 when she was killed by an Israeli bulldozer. Her death sparked controversy and criticism, leading to legal action taken by her parents against the Israeli state, which ultimately did not hold responsibility for her demise.

Ella Josephine Baker was a prominent African-American civil rights and human rights activist with a career spanning over five decades. She worked alongside renowned civil rights leaders like W. E. B. Du Bois, Thurgood Marshall, A. Philip Randolph, and Martin Luther King Jr. Baker mentored emerging activists and played a pivotal role in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s. She advocated for grassroots organizing, radical democracy, and empowering the oppressed to advocate for themselves. Baker is recognized for her influential leadership and critiques of racism and sexism within American culture and the civil rights movement.

Dolores Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist known for co-founding the United Farmworkers Association with Cesar Chavez. She played a crucial role in organizing the Delano grape strike in 1965 and leading negotiations for the workers' contract. Huerta has been recognized for her advocacy work with awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award. She is renowned for originating the phrase "Sí, se puede" and is a prominent figure in the Latino community, inspiring many through her actions and words.

James Earl Chaney was an American civil rights activist and a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He played a significant role in advocating for racial equality and social justice during the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Chaney dedicated his professional life to challenging segregation and discrimination in the South, particularly in Mississippi. His courageous activism and commitment to the cause of civil rights ultimately led to his tragic death at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan in 1964.

Viola Fauver Liuzzo was an American civil rights activist known for her dedicated efforts in the fight for voting rights. She bravely supported the Selma to Montgomery march in Alabama in 1965. Tragically, she was fatally shot by Ku Klux Klan members while driving activists between cities. Her commitment to the cause led to a landmark legal outcome, with the perpetrators convicted under civil rights legislation. Liuzzo's legacy lives on through posthumous honors, including an inscription on the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama.

James Leonard Farmer Jr. was an influential American civil rights activist who co-founded the Committee of Racial Equality, later known as the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), in 1942. He served as the national chairman of CORE from 1942 to 1966, advocating for racial equality through nonviolent means. Farmer was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for promoting nonviolent protest to combat segregation. He organized the first Freedom Ride in 1961, contributing to the desegregation of interstate transportation in the United States.

Alveda Celeste King is an American activist, author, and former state representative for the 28th District in the Georgia House of Representatives. She is a Fox News Channel contributor and has served as a senior fellow at the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution, a conservative Washington, D.C., think tank. King is the founder of Alveda King Ministries and has been involved in various civil rights and political activities throughout her career. She is known for her advocacy work and contributions to public discourse.

Billy Eckstine was a highly influential American jazz and pop singer and bandleader during the swing and bebop eras. Known for his rich bass-baritone voice, he left a lasting impact on the music industry. Posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, he was recognized for his outstanding contributions to recording. His recording of "I Apologize" received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. Eckstine's suave and full-throated singing style inspired a generation of singers and cemented his legacy as a prominent figure in music history.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a Somali-born, Dutch-American writer, activist, and former politician known for her criticism of Islam and advocacy for women's rights. She gained recognition for her work in Dutch politics, including her collaboration on the controversial film Submission, which led to death threats and the murder of her colleague. In the United States, she established herself as a bestselling author with books promoting reform within Islam. Ali founded the AHA Foundation and holds roles at various institutions, advocating for women's rights and democratic values.

Anna Julia Cooper was an influential American author, educator, sociologist, speaker, Black liberation activist, and Black feminist leader. She made significant contributions to social science fields, particularly sociology. Cooper received her PhD from the Sorbonne, University of Paris, becoming the fourth African-American woman to earn a doctoral degree. She was a prominent member of Washington, D.C.'s African-American community and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Her book, "A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South," is considered a pioneering work in Black feminism, earning her the title "the Mother of Black Feminism."

Alicia Garza is a prominent American civil rights activist and writer, best known for co-founding the Black Lives Matter movement. She is a dedicated advocate for social and racial justice, with a strong focus on issues impacting marginalized communities such as Black women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and immigrants. Garza's work as a writer and public speaker has been widely recognized, with her insightful pieces appearing in various esteemed publications. She has also collaborated with organizations like the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the Black Futures Lab, aiming to empower Black communities and drive systemic change through community organizing efforts and leadership roles in several impactful organizations.

David T. Dellinger was an American pacifist and activist known for advocating nonviolent social change. He gained prominence as one of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti-war activists tried in 1969 for their protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Dellinger's professional life was characterized by his dedication to pacifism and his involvement in various social justice movements. He was a key figure in promoting nonviolent resistance as a means to challenge systemic injustices and bring about positive change in society.

Homer Plessy worked in various professions including as a shoemaker, laborer, warehouseman, clerk, and insurance premium collector for the black-owned People's Life Insurance Company. He became known for his involvement in the landmark civil rights case Plessy v. Ferguson, which challenged racial segregation laws in the United States in the late 19th century. Plessy's actions and the subsequent Supreme Court decision laid the groundwork for the "Separate but Equal" legal doctrine, impacting state-sponsored racial segregation policies for decades.

Michael Schwerner was a dedicated American civil rights activist who worked as a field worker for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He was committed to promoting voting registration among African Americans in Mississippi, a state where most had been disenfranchised since 1890. Alongside his colleagues James Chaney and Andrew Goodman, Schwerner faced danger and ultimately paid the ultimate price for his advocacy, being tragically killed by members of the Ku Klux Klan in Neshoba County. His courageous efforts in the fight for civil rights left a lasting impact on American history.

Jimmie Lee Jackson was an African American civil rights activist and a deacon in the Baptist church. He dedicated his life to fighting for equal voting rights for African Americans in Marion, Alabama. Jackson participated in peaceful protests and marches to advocate for the rights of his community. His tragic death at the hands of an Alabama state trooper during a voting rights march sparked national outrage and played a significant role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Sylvia Rivera was an American gay liberation and transgender rights activist known for her work in New York City. She co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Marsha P. Johnson to support homeless drag queens, gay youth, and trans women. Rivera participated in demonstrations with the Gay Liberation Front and was a noted community worker. Throughout her life, she identified as a drag queen before later coming out as a transgender person. Rivera's professional life was dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals.

Lucy Stone was a prominent American orator, abolitionist, and suffragist known for her tireless advocacy for women's rights. She was the first woman from Massachusetts to earn a college degree and was a key organizer of the National Women's Rights Convention. Stone played a crucial role in establishing the Woman's National Loyal League and the American Woman Suffrage Association, working towards achieving women's suffrage at both state and national levels. Through her speeches, writings, and leadership, she inspired and influenced other prominent figures in the women's rights movement.

Joseph Echols Lowery was an American minister in the United Methodist Church and a prominent leader in the civil rights movement. He co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference with Martin Luther King Jr. and played various key roles within the organization. Lowery actively participated in major civil rights activities during the 1950s and 1960s. His dedication to civil rights continued well into the 21st century. Lowery was recognized for his contributions when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Barack Obama in 2009.

Roy Wilkins was a prominent American civil rights leader known for his leadership of the NAACP during the 1950s and 1960s. He held key positions in the organization, serving as Executive Secretary and later as Executive Director. Wilkins played a central role in organizing various marches and protests during the civil rights movement. He also made significant contributions to African-American literature. Wilkins controversially advocated for African Americans to enlist in the military, showcasing his commitment to advancing civil rights through various avenues.

Roy Innis was an American activist and politician who served as the National Chairman of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) from 1968 until his passing. He was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and worked tirelessly to promote equality and justice for all. Innis was known for his strong leadership and advocacy for social change, making significant contributions to the advancement of civil rights in the United States. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of activists striving for a more equitable society.

Cynthia Delores Tucker, also known as C. Delores Tucker, was an American politician and civil rights activist with a significant impact on the American Civil Rights Movement. She served as the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1971 to 1977. In the 1990s, Tucker spearheaded a campaign against gangsta rap music, advocating for its censorship due to its perceived negative impact on society. Throughout her professional life, she remained dedicated to upholding civil rights and promoting social change.

Raymond St. Jacques was a prominent American actor, director, and producer with a career that lasted over three decades, encompassing stage, film, and television. He made history as the first African-American actor to have a regular role on a Western series, portraying Simon Blake on the eighth season of Rawhide. St. Jacques' contributions to the entertainment industry were significant, and his work helped pave the way for greater diversity and representation on screen.

John Hammond Jr. was an influential American record producer, civil rights activist, and music critic who played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of popular music in the 20th century. Serving as a talent scout, he discovered and nurtured the careers of numerous iconic musicians across various genres, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Aretha Franklin, and many others. Hammond was also instrumental in reviving the music of delta blues artist Robert Johnson, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

Andrew Goodman was an American civil rights activist known for his commitment to social and political activism. He volunteered for the Freedom Summer campaign to register black voters in Mississippi. While investigating a church fire, he, along with fellow activists Michael Schwerner and James Chaney, were murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Despite the initial convictions for civil rights violations, the mastermind behind their killings was eventually sentenced to imprisonment. Goodman's selfless sacrifice and dedication to social justice continue to inspire activists worldwide.

Autherine Juanita Lucy was an American activist known for being the first African-American student to attend the University of Alabama in 1956. Despite facing expulsion from the institution that same year, her actions ultimately led to the resignation of the university's President Oliver Carmichael. Years later, after being readmitted as a master's student, she continued to advocate for equality and justice. In 2010, a clock tower was erected in her honor on the University of Alabama's campus, recognizing her significant contribution to the advancement of civil rights.

Kenneth Bancroft Clark was a pioneering African-American psychologist who conducted influential research on racial identity and segregation's impact on children. He earned the first Ph.D. in psychology from Columbia University, supported the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, and advocated for civil rights and education reform. Clark founded the Northside Center for Child Development and Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited, working to improve mental health services and educational opportunities for minority children. He was a tenured professor, expert witness, and active advocate for integration throughout his career.

Mary Church Terrell was a pioneering American civil rights activist, journalist, and educator. She was one of the first African-American women to earn a college degree and taught at the M Street School in Washington, DC. Terrell made history as the first African-American woman appointed to a major city school board and was actively involved in various organizations promoting racial and gender equality, including the NAACP and the National Association of Colored Women. She played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and educational opportunities for African Americans.

James Forman was a prominent African-American leader in the civil rights movement, known for his involvement in key organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the Black Panther Party, and the League of Revolutionary Black Workers. As the executive secretary of SNCC, he played a crucial role in pivotal events such as the Freedom Rides, the Albany movement, the Birmingham campaign, and the Selma to Montgomery marches. Beyond the 1960s, Forman dedicated his adult life to organizing black communities around social and economic equality issues, while also teaching and authoring books on his experiences and political views.

Septima Poinsette Clark was a prominent African American educator and civil rights activist known for developing literacy and citizenship workshops that were pivotal in the fight for voting rights and civil rights for African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Despite facing under-appreciation from Southern male activists, she earned the titles of "Queen Mother" and "Grandmother" of the Civil Rights Movement. Martin Luther King Jr. also recognized her as "The Mother of the Movement." Clark believed in the power of knowledge to empower marginalized groups beyond formal legal equality.

Mary White Ovington was a prominent American socialist, suffragist, and journalist known for her advocacy for civil rights and social justice. She co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909, playing a crucial role in the fight against racial discrimination and segregation. Ovington dedicated her career to addressing issues of inequality and injustice, using her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to equality have left a lasting impact on American society.

Whitney Young Jr. was a prominent American civil rights leader known for his work in fighting employment discrimination and advocating for socioeconomic opportunities for marginalized communities. With a background in social work, he transformed the National Urban League into an active force in the civil rights movement. Young played a significant role in shaping the United States federal government's War on Poverty initiatives during the 1960s, leaving a lasting impact on efforts to address systemic inequalities and empower disadvantaged individuals.

Matilda Joslyn Gage was an influential American writer and activist known for her contributions to women's suffrage, Native American rights, abolitionism, and freethought. She was a prominent figure in the suffrage movement, co-founding the National Woman's Suffrage Association, and was a prolific writer and public speaker. Gage's work in advocating for women's rights extended to editing newspapers, collaborating on important publications, and founding the Woman's National Liberal Union to promote women's self-government and civil liberties.

Odetta, known as "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement," was an influential American singer specializing in folk music, blues, jazz, and spirituals. She played a key role in the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s, inspiring notable artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, and Janis Joplin. Her impact extended beyond music, with prominent figures like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. admiring her work. Time magazine recognized her rendition of "Take This Hammer" as one of the 100 Greatest Popular Songs.

Jo Ann Gibson Robinson was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement, known for her activism and dedication to social justice. As an educator in Montgomery, Alabama, she utilized her platform to advocate for desegregation and equal rights for African Americans. Robinson played a pivotal role in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycott in response to racial segregation on public transportation. Her leadership and commitment to nonviolent protest inspired a generation of activists and helped pave the way for significant civil rights reforms.

Marsha P. Johnson was an influential American gay liberation activist and self-identified drag queen. She was a key figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969 and a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF). Johnson co-founded the radical activist group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Sylvia Rivera. She was active in New York's gay community, the City's art scene, and as an AIDS activist with ACT UP. Johnson's professional life was marked by advocacy for gay rights, art modeling, drag performances, and AIDS activism.

Al Sharpton is a prominent American civil rights and social justice activist, Baptist minister, radio talk show host, and TV personality. He is the founder of the National Action Network civil rights organization and has been involved in Democratic presidential politics. Sharpton hosts the nationally syndicated radio talk show Keepin' It Real and serves as a political analyst and weekend host for MSNBC. Throughout his career, he has been known for making controversial and incendiary comments, facing accusations of making homophobic, antisemitic, and racially insensitive remarks.

Isra Hirsi is an American environmental activist who co-founded and served as the co-executive director of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike. She has been recognized for her impactful work in the field of climate activism, being named in Fortune's 40 Under 40 Government and Politics list. Isra Hirsi's professional life revolves around advocating for climate action and empowering young people to engage in environmental issues. She plays a significant role in mobilizing youth voices and driving positive change in the fight against climate change.

Gloria Richardson Dandridge was an American civil rights activist known for leading the Cambridge movement in Maryland during the early 1960s. She played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, being a signatory to "The Treaty of Cambridge" aimed at reconciliation and change. Richardson was honored at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. She later moved to New York City, where she continued her work on civil rights and economic development in Harlem.

Ralph David Abernathy Sr. was a prominent American civil rights activist and Baptist minister who played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., co-founding the Montgomery Improvement Association and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Abernathy led various initiatives for disenfranchised Americans and served on the advisory committee of the Congress on Racial Equality. He addressed the United Nations on world peace, mediated conflicts, testified before Congress, and authored a controversial autobiography. Abernathy's impactful career culminated in his advocacy work and ministerial duties until his passing.

Percy Sutton was a prominent American political and business figure known for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. He served as Manhattan borough president, making him the highest-ranking African-American elected official in New York City at that time. Sutton was a dedicated activist, lawyer, and Freedom Rider, representing notable figures like Malcolm X. He later transitioned into entrepreneurship, investing in influential institutions such as the New York Amsterdam News and the Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Tarana Burke is an American activist known for founding the MeToo movement to support women who have experienced sexual abuse. She began using the phrase in 2006 to empower survivors. In 2017, MeToo gained widespread attention as a viral hashtag following the Harvey Weinstein scandal. Burke was recognized as a Time Person of the Year in 2017 for her advocacy work. She is a sought-after speaker and serves as the Senior Director at Girls for Gender Equity in Brooklyn. Harvard University has even published a case study on her impactful work.

Florynce Kennedy was a prominent figure in American activism, known for her work as a lawyer, radical feminist, civil rights advocate, lecturer, and activist. She was a fierce advocate for social justice and equality, using her legal background to fight for marginalized communities. Kennedy was a powerful voice in the feminist movement, advocating for women's rights and challenging societal norms. Through her lectures and activism, she worked tirelessly to promote equality and empower individuals to stand up against injustice.

Charles Spurgeon Johnson was an American sociologist and college administrator known for being the first black president of historically black Fisk University. He was a lifelong advocate for racial equality and civil rights for African Americans and all ethnic minorities. Johnson preferred to collaborate with liberal white groups in the South as a "sideline activist" to achieve practical results. Despite legal racial segregation and discriminatory laws in the South, he tirelessly worked to improve race relations and bring about short-term practical gains.

Lorena Borjas was a prominent Mexican-American transgender and immigrant rights activist based in Queens, New York. Known as the mother of the transgender Latinx community in the area, she dedicated her professional life to advocating for the rights of immigrants and transgender individuals. Her impactful work earned recognition across New York City and the United States. Borjas resided in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, where she served as a respected community figure and leader, making significant contributions to the betterment of society.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton was an influential American writer and activist who played a pivotal role in the women's rights movement during the 19th century. She was a key figure in organizing the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and was the main author of its Declaration of Sentiments, advocating for women's right to vote. Stanton collaborated closely with Susan B. Anthony, leading various campaigns and establishing organizations such as the Women's Loyal National League and the National Woman Suffrage Association. She authored significant works documenting women's suffrage history and challenging traditional views on women in society.

Franklin Eugene McCain was an American civil rights activist known for his pivotal role in the Greensboro sit-ins. Along with three fellow students, he protested against racial segregation by staging a sit-in at a Woolworth lunch counter in North Carolina. Their bravery sparked a nationwide movement and contributed to the fight against discrimination in restaurants and stores. McCain's actions led to the reversal of Woolworth's segregation policy in southern stores and increased support for African-American rights in the south.