10 African-Americans You Might Not Know (But Should!)
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division [LC-USZ62-35751] ; February’s focus on Black History is often about people you’ve heard of. Learn more about a new generation in this story.
Even modern-day legends like the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey, the Williams sisters, Beyonce’ and Tyler Perry have become household names for their accomplishments and abilities to inspire us.
So, let’s turn the focus this month on some up-and-coming African Americans to celebrate Black History Month for 2014.
Politics
- Benjamin Jealous As the youngest leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Jealous has managed to revive the famous civil rights organization. Racial profiling, voter suppression and marriage equality are just a few of the issues Jealous is bringing to a national stage.
- Heather Foster Not many people are aware of the massive team of people that work in the White House. Foster is the Public Engagement Adviser in the Office of Public Engagement, working with the public to advance the president’s priorities. She was recently named one of the 25 most influential Washington Women. She’s come a long way from her internship with the Obama campaign back in 2007.
- Cory Booker The current mayor of Newark, New Jersey, Booker is making a bid for a U.S. Senate seat in this year’s upcoming election. He’s considered a “hands-on” politician, in touch with the people he serves. With 1.4 active followers on Twitter and a willingness to take on challenges like living in the projects on food stamps for one week, he’s making a lot of people take notice. He even managed to convince Mark Zuckerberg to pledge $100 million to Newark public schools.
Entertainment
- Janelle Monae This R&B singer made a big splash in 2010 when she came on the scene with her debut album, The ArchAndroid. She is fast becoming a fashion icon as well as a muli-talented artist.
- Sasheer Zamata The late night sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live has long been criticized for its lack of African American female cast members. (There have only been four in its previous 37 seasons). On January 18, comedienne and actress Zamata made her debut on the long-running sketch comedy show to positive reviews.
- Kendrick Lamar Even though his debut album, “good kid, m.A.A.d city” wasn’t released until 2012, this hip hop star started gaining attention in 2010 with his independently-produced “mixtapes.” At 26, he’s already earned seven Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
- Kerry Washington While she’s earning new buzz and A-list status for her hit-show Scandal, Washington has paid her dues. She’s already acted in 34 movies, including Save the Last Dance, opposite Jamie Foxx in the Ray Charles biopic Ray, and Django Unchained.
Sports
- Russell Wilson At age 25, this quarterback recently led his Seattle Seahawks to its first-ever Super Bowl victory. He is the second African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl. In addition to his many professional achievements (including Rookie of the Year and a two-time Pro Bowl team member), Wilson is very active in charitable pursuits.
- Candace Parker When this 6’4” tall athlete played basketball for the University of Tennessee, she became the first woman ever to dunk a basketball in a NCAA tournament game. She was the #1 overall draft pick in the 2008 WNBA draft, joining the Los Angeles Sparks. A fan favorite, Parker won a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice award for Favorite Female Athlete.
- USA Women’s Bobsled Team When the official team for the U.S. women’s bobsled teams were announced last month, it included a record four African-American members–Aja Evans, Jazmine Fenlator, Lauryn Williams, and Lolo Jones. Jones and Williams will also become the ninth and tenth American athletes to participate in both the Winter and Summer Olympic games.