People

Famous Firsts By Black And African Americans

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Updated July 31, 2018 26.7K views 70 items

African Americans have been breaking the color barrier for centuries. Black history is full of incredible people who accomplished amazing feats, achieving success in the realms of politics, medicine, the arts, athletics, and science.

From being some of the first (and even youngest) to photograph for the likes of Vogue to the first Black billionaire, African Americans have achieved amazing cultural firsts.

Who was the first Black person to play in the MLB or become the first African American US Representative? How about the first African American to earn a PhD? There are even African American firsts that aren't just Black firsts – they are world firsts; a Black man invented the blood bank, and the gas heating furnace was invented by a Black woman. 

Black Americans continue to make history well into the 21st century. Learn about all of these awesome Black Americans who weren't afraid of being first.Â