Influential Black Figures

Born in 1892, Bessie Coleman made history as being the first licensed Black pilot in the world. Having originally gone to school to earn a college degree to be a manicurist, Bessie was informed by her brother that women in France could learn to fly planes. After studying at Caudron Brothers’ School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France, she became a very successful pilot. Unfortunately, Bessie’s time came to an end in 1926 when she experienced a horrible plane accident.

Nicknames of Bessie included “Brave

The Stonewall riots erupted when the Stonewall Inn, a bar many gay men frequented, was raided by the police and many customers were arrested.

Marsha P. Johnson was a Black transgender woman who paved the way for many members of the LGBTQ+ community. She was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1945 to a family of 9. Upon finishing highschool, Marsha moved to New York City and changed her name to Marsha P. Johnson. She found herself very involved with the Stonewall riots in 1969, and soon became a very important and respected figure to the queer community and allies alike. Cofounder of the STAR organization, Marsha helped give transgender youth homes if they were in need. Today, Marsha is remembered for her galvanizing efforts in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights.

Henry Highland Garnet was born into slavery in 1815. His family was able to escape their owner in Maryland and made it to New York City. Alongside being a minister, Garnet also gave many speeches about slavery. He is most known for his “Call to Rebellion” speech, where he urged slaves to revolt against their owners. Garnet was given an incredible opportunity when President Abraham Lincoln invited him to give a sermon before the House of Representatives–the first black man to ever do so.

Garnet was a Presbyterian Minister and studied at the Onedia Institute, a school that was very active in the abolitionist movement.