pioneers & progress

1900 - 1949

Fast-forward to the first half of the 20th century, when the world reeled from two World Wars, the Great Depression, and new political ideas.

Amidst the chaos, the black community pushed forward, breaking barriers and redefining the possible. From arts and entertainment to sports and politics, black pioneers were rising to the challenge and making history. You’ll encounter groundbreaking firsts, like Amy Ashwood Garvey, the Trinidadian-born Pan-African activist who co-founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association, and Jesse Owens, the legendary American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. So get ready to be amazed and inspired by the trailblazing visionaries who dared to dream, defied the odds, and changed the world forever!

1904
United kingdom πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
First Black Mayor in Britain

Allen Glaser Minns breaks new ground, becoming the first black mayor in Britain and inspiring future leaders!

1919
United kingdom πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
first black mayor of a london borough

john richard archer break barriers and becomes the first black mayor of a london borough, making history in jolly ol' england!

1919
France πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
first ever Pan-African congress

W.E.B. Du Bois brings together leaders from across the globe for the very first Pan-African Congress!

1920
United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
First UNIA International Convention

Founded by Amy Ashwood Garvey, The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) unites the world at its first international convention!

1927
France πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
first Black female movie star

Josephine Baker lights up the big screen by becoming the first black woman to star in aΒ  major motion picture!

1932
United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
First Black Woman to own Art Studio

Augusta Savage sculpts her dreams, becoming the first black woman to open her own art studio in the United States!

1940
United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
First Black Person to win an Academy Award

Hattie McDaniel triumphs in Hollywood, becoming the first black person to win an Academy Award!

1946
United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
first bestselling novel by a black woman

Ann Petry's "The Street" becomes the first bestselling novel by a black woman, taking the literary world by storm!

1946
United Kingdom πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
First british Race Riots

The UK's first race riots erupt in Liverpool, sparking a call for change and unity!

1949
United States πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
first black Pulitzer prize winner

Gwendolyn Brooks makes history as the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry!