An orphan with very little formal education, Jones became one of the great American inventors, with over 60 patents. From engines and X-ray machines to movie theater sound systems and refrigeration, this genius made our modern way of life possible.

At the birth of hip-hop, before superstar rappers, there was the legendary, groundbreaking New York City DJ, Disco King Mario.

A former slave, Bass Reeves became the first black Deputy U.S. Marshall and tamed the Western badlands, making over 3,000 felony arrests. Fearless and formidable, legend has it that he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

Long before Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate, Moses Fleetwood Walker was among the first black pro baseball players on a national team. Eventually forced from baseball by bigotry and racial segregation, Walker went on to be a successful businessman and inventor.

Breaking records and breaking barriers, Simone Manuel became the first African American to win Olympic gold in an individual swimming event, highlighting the many accomplishments of black swimmers who have overcome racist mistreatment at public swimming pools.

Before Chuck Berry, before Elvis…there was the true "Mother of Rock 'n' Roll." From child prodigy gospel singer to international star, this often-overlooked, guitar-slinging musical pioneer has earned her place among rock royalty.

The very first African American woman to be elected to Congress and the first to run for President, Shirley Chisolm stands as an inspiration, paving the way for all women and minorities serving in government.

Overcoming a childhood in slavery, Mary Fields made a home on the Wild West frontier as a gun-toting, bar-brawling force of nature. The first African American woman to deliver the U.S. mail, Mary was a pillar of her community and a true pioneer.