This document lists and honors many pioneering African Americans who have influenced history and helped advance civil rights. It recognizes individuals from various fields, including politics, the military, science, entertainment, sports, and more, who broke barriers and racial obstacles as "firsts" in their respective areas. The list spans from the 19th century to present day and includes well-known figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Barack Obama as well as many lesser known but still important names.

1. SIT BACK, RELAX & ENJOY THE SIMPLE, YET REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THESE PIONEERS IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

3. IN 1926 CARTER G. WOODSON ORIGINATED NEGRO HISTORY WEEK THESE ARE SOME OF THE AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED US ALL

10. TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ALL GAVE SOME…SOME GAVE ALL

16. DR. CHARLES DREW DISCOVERED BLOOD PLASMA

17. DR. BEN CARSON FIRST TO SUCCESSFULLY SEPARATE TWINS JOINED AT THE HEAD

25. FREDA JOESEPHINE McDONALD BAKER 1906-1975 I did take the blows of life, in dignity

35. JOSH GIBSON NEGRO LEAGUE STAR HIT 75 HRS IN 1931 972 CAREER HRS