rights & revolution
1950 - 1999
The second half of the 20th century was a time of big changes, like the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and new African nations gaining independence.
As black communities around the globe fought for justice, equality, and recognition, they made groundbreaking strides in politics, culture, and society. This timeline’s all about the amazing individuals like Rosa Parks, who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Nelson Mandela, the South African activist who became the nation’s first black president!
anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela gets arrested for the first time, but he won't let that stop him!
Actress Dorothy Dandridge becomes the first black woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, lighting up Hollywood!
Singer Harry Belafonte wows the world as the first black artist to sell over a million copies of an album in the United States!
Althea Gibson smashes records, becoming the first black player to win the prestigious Wimbledon tennis tournament!
Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald makes history, winning the first two Grammy Awards for a black woman!
The festival in Dakar, Senegal, unites artists and intellectuals from across Africa and the diaspora for a celebration of culture.
Patrice Lumumba steps up as the Republic of Congo's first Prime Minister, championing his people's cause.
Sidney Poitier makes Hollywood history as the first black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor!
Miriam Makeba's golden voice earns her the title of the first African Grammy Award winner!
Toronto comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture at the first-ever Caribana Festival!
Black leaders unite for change at the first National Black Political Convention in the United States.
Arthur Ashe serves up greatness, becoming the first black man to win the Wimbledon tennis tournament!
Gwendolyn Brooks breaks more barriers by becoming the first Black person to be named U.S. Poet Laureate.
The United States celebrates the very first Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the iconic civil rights leader!
Sharon Pratt shatters glass ceilings, becoming the first black woman elected as mayor of a major city in the United States!
Mae Jemison reaches for the stars as the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Endeavour space shuttle.
toni Morrison's extraordinary writing earns her the title of the first black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature!
Nelson Mandela makes history as South Africa's first black president, leading his nation towards healing and unity.
Desmond Tutu paves the way as the first black Archbishop of Cape Town, championing peace and justice.
Lauryn Hill stuns the world by becoming the first woman to win five Grammy Awards in a single night!