Since 1619, when Africans first came ashore in the swampy Chesapeake region of Virginia, there have been many individuals whose achievements or strength of character in the face of monumental hardships have called attention to the genius of the African American people. This book attempts to distill from many wonderful possibilities the 100 most outstanding examples of greatness. Pioneering scholar of African American Studies Molefi Kete Asante has used four criteria in his selection: the individual''s significance in the general progress of African Americans toward full equality in the American social and political system; self-sacrifice and the demonstration of risk for the collective good; unusual will and determination in the face of the greatest danger or against the most stubborn odds; and personal achievement that reveals the best qualities of the African American people. In adopting these criteria Professor Asante has sought to steer away from the usual standards of popular culture, which often elevates the most popular, the wealthiest, or the most photogenic to the cult of celebrity. The individuals in this book - examples of lasting greatness as opposed to the ephemeral glare of celebrity fame - come from four centuries of African American history. Each entry includes brief biographical information, relevant dates, an assessment of the individual''s place in African American history with particular reference to a historical timeline, and a discussion of his or her unique impact on American society. Numerous pictures and illustrations will accompany the articles. This superb reference work will complement any library and be of special interest to students and scholars of American and African American history.

Amazing stories of 100 Black Americans who everyone should know—for kids eight and up Engaging and packed with facts, 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History is the perfect Black history book for kids! This biography book for kids features 100 easy-to-read one-page biographies: Find out how these Black Americans changed the course of history! Illustrated portraits: Each biography includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! Discover artists, activists, icons, and legends throughout American history! 100 African Americans Who Shaped American History introduces kids of all ages to some of the most influential Black Americans from the very beginning of the country all the way up to present day. Learn all about the incredible lives and lasting legacies of figures like Harriet Tubman, Duke Ellington, Malcolm X, Mae Jemison, and many more!

Learn all about the fascinating lives and tremendous impact of 100 extraordinary Native Americans with this fact-filled biography collection for kids. Educational and engaging, 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History features: Simple, easy-to-read text that has been freshly updated and now includes brand-new additions of John Herrington and Deb Haaland Illustrated portraits of each figure Fascinating facts about famous and lesser-known Native American heroes A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas and more! From Squanto to Sacagawea, Sitting Bull to Crazy Horse, Ramona Bennett to Louise Erdrich and many more, readers will be introduced to artists, activists, scientists, and icons throughout history. Organized chronologically, 100 Native Americans Who Shaped American History offers a look at the prominent role these men and women played and how their talents, ideas, and expertise have influenced the country from its very beginnings all the way through the present day.

Short biographies of American personalities.

In this fascinating book, Steve Skiena and Charles Ward bring quantitative analysis to bear on ranking and comparing historical reputations by aggregating the traces of millions of opinions, just as Google ranks webpages. They present rankings of more than one thousand of history's most significant people in science, politics, entertainment, and all areas of human endeavor.

Offers profiles of the men and women, past and present, who have shaped American history, society, and culture, in a who's who of American politics, arts, science, religion, business, sports, and popular culture.