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Mary McLeod Bethune

An African American educator and civil rights leader she is beat known for starting a school for black students in Daytona Beach, Florida that became Bethune-Cookman University. Bethune also worked as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and also for his election in 1932. She served as the Florida Chapter President of the National Association of Colored Women from 1917-1925. Bethune went on to found the National Council of Negro Women which facilitated the improvement of quality of life for women and black communities.

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Malcolm X

An African American Muslim, minister, public speaker, and human rights activist who has been described as one of the most influential African Americans in history. X’s speeches articulated and demonstrated a relative consistency of thought. He believed that by framing the African American struggle for equal rights as a fight for human rights, it would become an international issue which could be brought before the United Nations. He rejected nonviolence and was determined to gain freedom, justice, and equality “by any means necessary”.

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Toni Morrison

An African American author, editor, and professor most noted for her work concentrated on black women and their struggles within a male dominant society. Her novels are known for their epic themes, vivid dialogue, and richly detailed black characters. Some of her works include Song of Solomon, Sula, and Beloved. In 1993 Morrison became the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. In the 2008 presidential race, Morrison endorsed Senator Barack Obama. She is currently a member of the editorial board of The Nation Magazine.

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Whoopi Goldberg

An African American actress, comedienne, author, radio DJ, and television host who was born Caryn Elaine Johnson. Whoopi is one of only thirteen persons who have won Academy, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards. She became the second African American woman to win an Academy Award in 1990 for her performance in the film Ghost (1990). September 4, 2007, Goldberg became moderator and co-host of The View. There she expresses her strong views and irritations with our society. Whoopi also dabbles in politics and human rights, showing her support for equal rights for homosexuals by protesting California’s proposition 8.

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Stevie Wonder

An African American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who is known as the Seventh Wonder of the World. Blind from infancy, Wonder signed his first record deal at the age of twelve with Motown Records. Little Stevie has recorded over thirty top ten hits, won twenty two Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, Academy Award for Best Song, and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In the 2008 presidential race, Stevie Wonder endorsed Barack Obama.

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