African American Biography: Background Information

Library of Congress Digital Collections on African Americans.

Learn more about the black individuals who have made extraordinary achievements in their fields, including inventors such as George Washington Carver, activists like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks, athletes such as Willie Mays and Michael Jordan, and entertainers like Bessie Smith and Oprah Winfrey.

Short descriptions of individuals, places and events which have contributed to the shaping of African American history.

An African Biographical Dictionary provides a wealth of vital information for students of African culture and is an indispensable reference guide for anyone interested in African affairs.

Features 800 essays covering African Americans, from the eighteenth century through the early twenty-first century, famous for their work in such fields as entertainment, sports, civil rights, politics, and literature.