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Jack Johnson
Johnson made his debut as a pro on November 1, 1897 in Galveston, when he knocked-out Charley Brooks in the second round of a 15-round fight. The fight was called the Texas State Middle Weight Title. He went on to be the first African American Heavy Weight Champion. For the 13 years, he was arguably the most famous African American in the world. His final record was 80-13. -
Negro National League
The Negro national league was created on Februray 13, 1920 and was the first professional baseball league for african americans. Andrew Foster was a driving force in creating the league. He was considered one of the greatest pitcher of the 1900's. Consisting of 8 teams, it was the first league of its kind to last more than a year. -
Fritz Pollard
In 1920, Fritz made his professional football debute with the Akron Pros. Prior to that, Fritz led his team to the Rose Bowl in 1916. He was the first African American football player along with Bobby Marshall. He then went on to be the co-head coach of the Pros while maintaining a roster spot. -
Louise Stokes
Louise Stokes became one of the first African American woman to qualify for the olympics. However, once at the games she was replaced by a white competitor and did not compete. The same thing happened in 1936 so she quit track and became a professional bowler which lasted 30 years. -
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson became the first African American MLB player of the modern era when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He broke the color barrier in Major League Basbeall and opened the door for many talented athletes. He also had an exceptional career playing in 6 world series in just 10 seasons. -
Donald Barksdale
Donald Barksdale was the first African American to be on the olympic basketball team. He was also the first African American to be named to the NCAA All American basketball team after the 1947 season where he played for the UCLA Bruins. He was later named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. -
Bill Russell
Bill Russell started his NBA career in 1956. He was one of the greatest basketball players ever to play being named the NBA finals MVP 5 times and being selected to the All-Star team in twelve seasons. He is one of just two players to grab fifty rebounds in a single game. -
Ernie Davis
Ernie Davis was the first African- American athlete to win the Hiesman in 1962 following his 1961 college season with the Syracuse Orange. He was then drafted by the Cleavland Browns in the 1962 NFL draft. However, he would never play a professional game as he was diagnosed with Lukemia in late 1962. -
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron became the all time MLB leader in home runs on April 8, 1974 when he hit his 715 homerun breaking Babe Ruths past record. He hit the homerun against the Los Angeles Dodgers off of Al Downing. He was later inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1982. -
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods won his first Major Championship in the 1997 Masters Tournament. He won the tournament in record fashion by 12 strokes over Tom Kite. He was also the first non-white golfer to win at Augusta. He later went on to win 14 majors and is currently playing on the PGA Tour.
