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William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare has shaped theater and poetry through his famous works of art. "Romeo and Juliet" is only one example of the many historic classical tales told by Shakespeare. His powerful writings and ability to bring life into plays have influenced American literature today. https://www.amrevmuseum.org/founders-writings-on-their-admiration-of-william-shakespeare -
Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, author, editor, and literary critic. He is best known for his poetry and short stories. His tales of mystery has been passed down through generations in classrooms and is recognized as a central figure of Gothic fiction. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edgar-Allan-Poe -
Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley was an English novelist who wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein. considering that this was an early example of science fiction in her time; She has still paved a pathway for today's writers by carving out a new genre and making space for female authors. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/first-edition-of-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-breaks-records-at-auction-180978724/ -
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, Known as the “Moses of her people,” was enslaved, escaped, and helped others gain their freedom as a “conductor" of the Underground Railroad. She also served as a soldier and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Her strength and determination are still recognized today everywhere. https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman -
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter and one of history's most famous and influential figures. He has created over 2,000 artworks; in doing so, he has altered how artists create their art in today's day and age, which shows how he changed society as a whole. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Vincent-van-Gogh -
Ronald Reagan
Ronald Reagan was the 40th president of the United States. He influenced the economy by creating "Reaganomics. " Besides being an actor and adored by many Americans, he was also considered one of American history's most prominent conservative figures. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/ronald-reagan/ -
Walt Disney
Walter Elias Disney was an American animator, film producer, and entrepreneur. He introduced several developments in the production of cartoons. As a film producer, he holds the record for most Academy Awards earned and nominations by an individual. His legacy lives on still today. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Walt-Disney -
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer and writer. Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her bravery inspired women globally and made a pilot's career open to everyone. https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/earhart-crosses-atlantic/ -
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German mathematician and physicist. In 1921, he won the Nobel Prize in Physics for explaining the photoelectric effect. Because of Albert Einstein's success, he is still considered the most influential physicist today; this shows how much dedication he put into his work back then to still be relevant today. https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/albert-einstein -
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is one of the most powerful athletes of all time. He is best known for making history with his 60 home run hits in 1927. This remains such a monumental benchmark in sports history because he has become a role model for people of today as well as other athletes. His hard work and determination will never go unnoticed and will forever be instilled in people's memories. https://www.thoughtco.com/babe-ruth-1779893 -
Michael Jackson
"The King Of Pop" is known as Michael Jackson; his music and dance skills have brought people together. Michael Jackson influenced generations even after his passing, showing that people will forever look up to him as a role model. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/inside-michael-jacksons-iconic-first-moonwalk-onstage-56650/ -
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley almost does it all: ranging from singing, dancing, and acting he has also served in the military. Listening to music today you can still hear his influence in music from different artists now. Elvis is known for being one of the most powerful artists making his iconic name the "King Of Rock And Roll." https://www.graceland.com/biography -
Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo was a feminist icon through her character, activism, and art. Her art was so powerful based on the fact that her artwork acts as a tool of expression, making you form an emotion in all her pieces of work. https://www.fridakahlo.org/
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Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington helped bridge the gap between the concert halls and intimate jazz settings. By bringing jazz to wider circles at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, Duke Ellington was able to help people find their inner voice through music, making individuals more confident and powerful in the jazz music they played. This shows the impact he had on others from being a great leader. https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/19239-when-duke-ellington-played-carnegie-hall -
Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is a major figure of the New Hollywood era and is the most commercially successful director in history. Because of this, Spielberg's techniques influenced future filmmakers producing media. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steven-Spielberg -
Rosa Parks
Rosa Parks is recognized as the mother of the civil rights movement. Rosa Parks was also known for refusing to give up her seat to a white man in Montgomery. This incident sparked racial awareness of how people of color were mistreated. https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks -
Martin Luther King, Jr
Martin Luther King is historically remembered as a great leader and role model. His impact helped bring about the passage of the Civil Rights Movement and the Voting Rights Act. His famous "I Have A Dream" speech was so powerful it still resonates today. https://www.npr.org/2010/01/18/122701268/i-have-a-dream-speech-in-its-entirety -
Judy Chicago
Judy Chicago is a female artist best known for her iconic artwork called The Dinner Party (1974–1979). This work of art celebrated women's history through place settings designed for 39 important women. Her power showed how influential this piece of art was because "women artists throughout history have worked as amateurs receiving a lower status than men, as critics had deemed an art career was incompatible with femininity." https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/dinner_party/ -
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa devoted her life to caring for the sick and poor. She treated everyone compassionately and supported them regardless of their religious beliefs or social status. Mother Teresa has also received the Nobel Peace Prize for her humanitarian work. She had the power to influence people to follow in her footsteps and create positivity within the world. https://my.neighbor.org/mother-teresa/ -
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is a former American professional tennis player. She is known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time; Serena Williams was ranked world No. 1 in singles by Women's Tennis. Her empowering story of determination and success shows how it's possible to come from nearly nothing and be successful at whatever you want. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Serena-Williams