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Black History Month (Feb.)

Select Important African American Figures in U.S. History

There are far too many notable African American historical figures to list them all here, but we've compiled the slideshow below to honor the some prominent, well-known African American figures in American history and putting a spotlight on  others who do not often get much recognition.

Scroll through our slideshow to learn more about select key historical African American men in the United States.

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    Public Domain

    James Forten

    Abolitionist | 1766-1842

    Forten was an African American abolitionist and wealthy businessman in Philadelphia. Born free in the city, he became a sailmaker after the American Revolutionary War. Following an apprenticeship, he became the foreman and bought the sail loft when his boss retired. Based on equipment he developed, he established a highly profitable business on the busy waterfront of the Delaware River, in what's now Penn's Landing. Having become well established, in his 40s Forten devoted both time and money to working for the national abolition of slavery and gaining civil rights for blacks. By the 1830s, his was one of the most powerful African American voices in the city.

    BlackPast.org
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    Public Domain

    Octavius V. Catto

    Civil Rights Activist | 1839-1871

    Known as one of the most influential civil rights' activists in Philadelphia during the 19th century, Catto fought for the abolition of slavery and the implementation of civil rights for all. He was prominent in the actions that successfully desegregated Philadelphia's public trolleys and played a major role in the ratification of the 15th amendment, baring voter discrimination on the basis of race. Catto was only 32 when he was shot and killed outside of his home on South Street in 1871, the first Election Day that African Americans were allowed to vote. In 2017, a monument to Catto was unveiled at Philadelphia's City Hall.

    Villanova.edu

Key historical African American women

Scroll through our slideshow to learn more about select key historical African American women in the United States.

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    Encyclopedia Britannica

    Sojourner Truth

    Former Slave, Advocate for Abolition, Civil and Women’s Rights | 1797-1883

    A former slave, Sojourner Truth became an outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the 19th century. Her Civil War work earned her an invitation to meet President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.

    History.com
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    Photographer: Horatio Seymour Squyer

    Harriett Tubman

    Escaped Slavery, A “Conductor" of the Underground Railroad. A Scout, Spy, Guerrilla Soldier, and Nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. | 1820-1913

    Known as the “Moses of her people,” Harriet Tubman was enslaved, escaped, and helped others gain their freedom as a “conductor" of the Underground Railroad. Tubman also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She is considered the first African American woman to serve in the military.

    WomensHistory.org
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