Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Billy Strayhorn
Learn biographical details about American pianist and composer, Billy Strayhorn, who spent his entire career in collaboration with and as amanuensis to the composer and bandleader Duke Ellington.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Bobby Seale
Learn about the life of Bobby Seale, African-American political activist, founder, along with Huey Newton, and national chairman of the Black Panther Party. Seale was one of a generation of young African-American radicals who broke away...
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Carl Rowan
Learn about the life and career of Carl Rowan, an American journalist, writer, and radio and television commentator, who was one of the first African American officers in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Carl Stokes
Biographical sketch of American lawyer and politician, Carl Stokes, who became the first African-American to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city, having been elected to that office in Cleveland, Ohio (1967-71).
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Carl Van Vechten
Learn about Carl Van Vechten, a U.S. novelist, music and drama critic, and an influential figure in New York literary circles in the 1920s.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Carrie Mae Weems
Provides biographical details on the life of Carrie Mae Weems, American artist and photographer known for creating installations that combine photography, audio, and text to examine many facets of contemporary American life.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles Clinton Spaulding
Brief account of the life of Charles Spaulding, American business leader who built the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company into the nation's largest black-owned business by the time of his death, when it was worth about $40...
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Chick Webb
Features a biographical sketch of Chick Webb, black American jazz drummer who led one of the dominant big bands of the swing era.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Cicely Tyson
learn about the life and career of Cicely Tyson, an American model and actress noted for her vivid portrayals of strong African American women.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Clarence Thomas
Learn biographical details on Clarence Thomas, associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1991, the second African-American to serve on the court.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Condoleezza Rice
Learn about the life and career of Condoleezza Rice, an American educator and politician, who served as national security adviser and secretary of state to U.S. Pres. George W. Bush.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Cootie Williams
Learn about the life of Cootie Williams, an African-American trumpeter whose mastery of mutes and expressive effects made him one of the most distinctive jazz musicians.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Cornel West
Read about the life of Cornel West, American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Daley Thompson
Provides a biographical sketch of British decathlete, Daley Thompson, who became only the second competitor in history to win the decathlon at two Olympic Games, capturing gold medals in 1980 and 1984.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Daniel Hale Williams
Learn about the life of Daniel Hale Williams, American physician and founder of Provident Hospital in Chicago, credited with the first successful heart surgery.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Dennis Rodman
Biographical account of Dennis Rodman, an American professional basketball player who was one of the most skilled rebounders, best defenders, and most outrageous characters in the history of the professional game. He was inducted into...
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Denzel Washington
A brief biographical sketch of African-American actor Denzel Washington. His performances have earned him seven Oscar nominations for acting.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Derek Walcott
Biographical sketch of Derek Walcott, a West Indian poet and playwright noted for works that explore the Caribbean cultural experience. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Desmond Tutu
This entry summarizes the life of Desmond Tutu, a South African Anglican cleric who in 1984 received the Nobel Prize for Peace for his role in the opposition to apartheid in South Africa.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Dicky Wells
Biographical sketch of Dicky Wells, leading black American jazz trombonist noted, especially in the big band era, for his melodic creativity and expressive techniques.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Emmett Till
Biographical details on Emmett Till, the African-American teenager whose murder catalyzed the emerging civil rights movement.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: George Weah
Biographical sketch of George Weah, Liberian football (soccer) player, who was named African, European, and World Player of the Year in 1995, an unprecedented achievement. He won his first African Player of the Year award in 1989.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Henry Ossawa Tanner
Brief biography on Henry Tanner, an American painter who gained international acclaim for his depiction of landscapes and biblical themes.
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Encyclopedia Britannica: Henry Threadgill
Summarizes the life and career of Henry Threadgill, an African American improviser, composer, and bandleader, an important figure in free jazz in the late 20th century.