Famous Black Historical Personalities

This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

1 Kamehameha I

Famous As: King of Hawaii

Birthdate: 1758 AD

Nationality: American

Died: May 8, 1819

2 Jean-Jacques Dessalines

Famous As: Haitian General

Birthdate: September 20, 1758

Sun Sign: Virgo

Nationality: Guinean, Haitian

Died: August 17, 1806

Jean-Jacques Dessalines was an important figure and leader of the Haitian Revolution. He went on to rule an independent Haiti, which became the first country to abolish slavery permanently. Considered one of Haiti's founding fathers, Dessalines reigned as the emperor of Haiti from 1804 until his murder in 1806. Today, he is regarded as an icon of Haitian nationalism.

3 Queen Nzinga

Famous As: 17th Century Queen of Angola

Birthdate: 1583 AD

Nationality: Angolan

Died: December 17, 1663

Queen Nzinga, also known as Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba, was the queen of the Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba. Born into the family of Ndongo, Nzinga assumed power after the demise of her father and sibling, after which she fought for the stature and Independence of her kingdoms from the Portuguese. Her reign lasted 37 years.

4 Sobhuza II

Famous As: Former King of Swaziland

Birthdate: July 22, 1899

Sun Sign: Cancer

Nationality: South African

Died: August 21, 1982

Sobhuza II was the king of Swaziland from 1899 to 1982, although his coronation took place in 1921 as he was too young to rule early in his reign. His reign of 82 years and 254 days makes him the longest-reigning monarch in recorded history. Sobhuza II played a key role in events that eventually led to his country's independence.