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Get To Know These Black Americans

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ArapahoeSusan

Arapahoe Libraries

Staff-created list

We are all familiar with the legacy of our most famous Black Americans—Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens and more. These picture books highlight the lives of significant Black Americans you may not know. Explore their lives with your children.

By:

ArapahoeSusan

Arapahoe Libraries

1-25 of 77 items

1-25 of 77 items

Flying Free

Flying Free

How Bessie Coleman's Dreams Took Flight

by Parsons, Karyn

Book - 2020

Bessie Coleman is one of my favorite historical figures. She grew up working cotton fields with her family in Texas in the late 1890's but she dreamed abo...Show more Bessie Coleman is one of my favorite historical figures. She grew up working cotton fields with her family in Texas in the late 1890's but she dreamed about flying. She had to leave the US, for France, to find someone to teach her to fly and then became the first licensed civilian Black American pilot in the world. She traveled across the country performing - barnstorming, parachuting, and lecturing - but would only perform to desegregated audiences. Show less

Bessie Coleman is one of my favorite historical figures. She grew up working cotton fields with her family in Texas in the late 1890's but she dreamed abo...Show more Bessie Coleman is one of my favorite historical figures. She grew up working cotton fields with her family in Texas in the late 1890's but she dreamed about flying. She had to leave the US, for France, to find someone to teach her to fly and then became the first licensed civilian Black American pilot in the world. She traveled across the country performing - barnstorming, parachuting, and lecturing - but would only perform to desegregated audiences. Show less

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Sprouting Wings

Sprouting Wings

The True Story of James Herman Banning, the First African American Pilot to Fly Across the United States

by Jaggar, Louisa

Book - 2021

James Herman Banning fell in love with flying as a boy and never let go of his dream to be a pilot. A contemporary of Bessie Coleman, he and Thomas Allen flew the first US transcontinental flight by Black airmen. James Herman Banning fell in love with flying as a boy and never let go of his dream to be a pilot. A contemporary of Bessie Coleman, he and Thomas Allen flew the first US transcontinental flight by Black airmen. Show less

James Herman Banning fell in love with flying as a boy and never let go of his dream to be a pilot. A contemporary of Bessie Coleman, he and Thomas Allen flew the first US transcontinental flight by Black airmen. James Herman Banning fell in love with flying as a boy and never let go of his dream to be a pilot. A contemporary of Bessie Coleman, he and Thomas Allen flew the first US transcontinental flight by Black airmen. Show less

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She Was the First!

She Was the First!

The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm

by Russell-Brown, Katheryn

Book - 2020

An historic American during a tumultuous time - in 1968 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She was also the first woman, and first Black American, to seek the office of President. An historic American during a tumultuous time - in 1968 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She was also the first woman, and first Black American, to seek the office of President. Show less

An historic American during a tumultuous time - in 1968 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She was also the first woman, and first Black American, to seek the office of President. An historic American during a tumultuous time - in 1968 Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. She was also the first woman, and first Black American, to seek the office of President. Show less

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Above the Rim

Above the Rim

How Elgin Baylor Changed Basketball

by Bryant, Jen

Book - 2020

Everybody plays above the rim in basketball now, right? Want to know about the very first player to leap for the basket and suspend in mid-air? Check out this story on Elgin Baylor - one of the NBA's all-time greats. Everybody plays above the rim in basketball now, right? Want to know about the very first player to leap for the basket and suspend in mid-air? Check out this story on Elgin Baylor - one of the NBA's all-time greats. Show less

Everybody plays above the rim in basketball now, right? Want to know about the very first player to leap for the basket and suspend in mid-air? Check out this story on Elgin Baylor - one of the NBA's all-time greats. Everybody plays above the rim in basketball now, right? Want to know about the very first player to leap for the basket and suspend in mid-air? Check out this story on Elgin Baylor - one of the NBA's all-time greats. Show less

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William Still and His Freedom Stories

William Still and His Freedom Stories

The Father of the Underground Railroad

by Tate, Don

Book - 2020

William Still was a free-born Black American; his father bought his own freedom and his mother escaped slavery. He taught himself to read and write and, as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, recorded the stories of hundreds of freedom seekers. William Still was a free-born Black American; his father bought his own freedom and his mother escaped slavery. He taught himself to read and write and, as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, recorded the stories of hundreds of freedom seekers. Show less

William Still was a free-born Black American; his father bought his own freedom and his mother escaped slavery. He taught himself to read and write and, as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, recorded the stories of hundreds of freedom seekers. William Still was a free-born Black American; his father bought his own freedom and his mother escaped slavery. He taught himself to read and write and, as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, recorded the stories of hundreds of freedom seekers. Show less

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Jump at the Sun

Jump at the Sun

The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston

by Williams, Alicia

Book - 2021

Zora Neale Hurston lived her creative life in a bold manner. She was a Black American author and playwright that influenced generations of other authors. Zora Neale Hurston lived her creative life in a bold manner. She was a Black American author and playwright that influenced generations of other authors. Show less

Zora Neale Hurston lived her creative life in a bold manner. She was a Black American author and playwright that influenced generations of other authors. Zora Neale Hurston lived her creative life in a bold manner. She was a Black American author and playwright that influenced generations of other authors. Show less

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Lift as You Climb

Lift as You Climb

The Story of Ella Baker

by Powell, Patricia Hruby

Book - 2020

The grandaughter of enslaved people, Ella Barker is considered the "mother" of the civil rights movement. She was instrumental in gathering support for human rights for black citizens and creating national organizations like the NAACP. The grandaughter of enslaved people, Ella Barker is considered the "mother" of the civil rights movement. She was instrumental in gathering support for human rights for black citizens and creating national organizations like the NAACP. Show less

The grandaughter of enslaved people, Ella Barker is considered the "mother" of the civil rights movement. She was instrumental in gathering support for human rights for black citizens and creating national organizations like the NAACP. The grandaughter of enslaved people, Ella Barker is considered the "mother" of the civil rights movement. She was instrumental in gathering support for human rights for black citizens and creating national organizations like the NAACP. Show less

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Runaway

Runaway

The Daring Escape of Oney Judge

by Shepard, Ray Anthony

Book - 2021

Ona "Oney" Judge was a woman enslaved to Martha Washington's family. She fled for freedom while George Washington was serving as president. For more on Ona Judge, check out "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Ona "Oney" Judge was a woman enslaved to Martha Washington's family. She fled for freedom while George Washington was serving as president. For more on Ona Judge, check out "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Show less

Ona "Oney" Judge was a woman enslaved to Martha Washington's family. She fled for freedom while George Washington was serving as president. For more on Ona Judge, check out "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Ona "Oney" Judge was a woman enslaved to Martha Washington's family. She fled for freedom while George Washington was serving as president. For more on Ona Judge, check out "Never Caught" by Erica Armstrong Dunbar. Show less

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Dream Builder

Dream Builder

The Story of Architect Philip Freelon

by Lyons, Kelly Starling

Book - 2020

Philip Freelon was a significant African American architect. He was especially known for designing many museums and buildings dedicated to the Black experience like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Philip Freelon was a significant African American architect. He was especially known for designing many museums and buildings dedicated to the Black experience like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Show less

Philip Freelon was a significant African American architect. He was especially known for designing many museums and buildings dedicated to the Black experience like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Philip Freelon was a significant African American architect. He was especially known for designing many museums and buildings dedicated to the Black experience like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Show less

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We Wait for the Sun

We Wait for the Sun

by Roundtree, Dovey Johnson

Book - 2021

Dovey Roundtree was an attorney and Black American civil rights activist. Thurgood was one of her instructors in law school. Dovey Roundtree was an attorney and Black American civil rights activist. Thurgood was one of her instructors in law school. Show less

Dovey Roundtree was an attorney and Black American civil rights activist. Thurgood was one of her instructors in law school. Dovey Roundtree was an attorney and Black American civil rights activist. Thurgood was one of her instructors in law school. Show less

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Stompin' at the Savoy

Stompin' at the Savoy

How Chick Webb Became the King of Drums

by Donohue, Moira Rose

Book - 2021

Chick was was an American jazz drummer who overcame physical disability to establish a big band during the swing era. A young Ella Fitzgerald got her start recording at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb's band. Chick was was an American jazz drummer who overcame physical disability to establish a big band during the swing era. A young Ella Fitzgerald got her start recording at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb's band. Show less

Chick was was an American jazz drummer who overcame physical disability to establish a big band during the swing era. A young Ella Fitzgerald got her start recording at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb's band. Chick was was an American jazz drummer who overcame physical disability to establish a big band during the swing era. A young Ella Fitzgerald got her start recording at Harlem's Savoy Ballroom with Chick Webb's band. Show less

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Lizzie Demands A Seat

Lizzie Demands A Seat

Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights

by Anderson, Beth

Book - 2020

Lizzie Jennings fought for her right to take unsegregated public transportation and won, 100 years before Rosa Parks! Lizzie Jennings fought for her right to take unsegregated public transportation and won, 100 years before Rosa Parks! Show less

Lizzie Jennings fought for her right to take unsegregated public transportation and won, 100 years before Rosa Parks! Lizzie Jennings fought for her right to take unsegregated public transportation and won, 100 years before Rosa Parks! Show less

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A Voice Named Aretha

A Voice Named Aretha

by Russell-Brown, Katheryn

Book - 2020

You have to respect the legendary "Queen of Soul" and an iconic voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Aretha was the first woman admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You have to respect the legendary "Queen of Soul" and an iconic voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Aretha was the first woman admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Show less

You have to respect the legendary "Queen of Soul" and an iconic voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Aretha was the first woman admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You have to respect the legendary "Queen of Soul" and an iconic voice of the 1960s and 1970s. Aretha was the first woman admitted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Show less

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The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver

by Barretta, Gene

Book - 2020

A scientist and inventor from the early 1900s, George Washington Carver invented a lot of peanut-related products (although not peanut butter). He also ma...Show more A scientist and inventor from the early 1900s, George Washington Carver invented a lot of peanut-related products (although not peanut butter). He also made great contributions to agriculture in the South by developing crop rotation techniques for cotton farming. Show less

A scientist and inventor from the early 1900s, George Washington Carver invented a lot of peanut-related products (although not peanut butter). He also ma...Show more A scientist and inventor from the early 1900s, George Washington Carver invented a lot of peanut-related products (although not peanut butter). He also made great contributions to agriculture in the South by developing crop rotation techniques for cotton farming. Show less

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The Slave Who Went to Congress

The Slave Who Went to Congress

by Rosner, Marti

Book - 2020

Benjamin Turner spent the first 40 years of his life enslaved. In a lifelong quest to learn, he taught himself to read and was elected to the US Congress where he worked to restore economic stability to his home state, Alabama, after the Civil War. Benjamin Turner spent the first 40 years of his life enslaved. In a lifelong quest to learn, he taught himself to read and was elected to the US Congress where he worked to restore economic stability to his home state, Alabama, after the Civil War. Show less

Benjamin Turner spent the first 40 years of his life enslaved. In a lifelong quest to learn, he taught himself to read and was elected to the US Congress where he worked to restore economic stability to his home state, Alabama, after the Civil War. Benjamin Turner spent the first 40 years of his life enslaved. In a lifelong quest to learn, he taught himself to read and was elected to the US Congress where he worked to restore economic stability to his home state, Alabama, after the Civil War. Show less

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The Power of Her Pen

The Power of Her Pen

The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne

by Cline-Ransome, Lesa

Book - 2020

Ethel Payne used the power of her writing to be a tireless advocate for civil rights. Ethel Payne used the power of her writing to be a tireless advocate for civil rights. Show less

Ethel Payne used the power of her writing to be a tireless advocate for civil rights. Ethel Payne used the power of her writing to be a tireless advocate for civil rights. Show less

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Mamie on the Mound

Mamie on the Mound

A Woman in Baseball's Negro Leagues

by Henderson, Leah

Book - 2020

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues for men. In the 1950's, no taller than 5'4", she pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns. Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues for men. In the 1950's, no taller than 5'4", she pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns. Show less

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues for men. In the 1950's, no taller than 5'4", she pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns. Mamie "Peanut" Johnson was the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues for men. In the 1950's, no taller than 5'4", she pitched for the Indianapolis Clowns. Show less

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Dark Was the Night

Dark Was the Night

by Golio, Gary

Book - 2020

American blues musician Blind Willie Johnson sang with a perpetual smile on his face. His soulful song, "Dark Was the Night," was selected as a...Show more American blues musician Blind Willie Johnson sang with a perpetual smile on his face. His soulful song, "Dark Was the Night," was selected as a song that represented the human experience on Earth. It was included on the album sent up on the Voyager probe to communicate with other life forms in the universe. Show less

American blues musician Blind Willie Johnson sang with a perpetual smile on his face. His soulful song, "Dark Was the Night," was selected as a...Show more American blues musician Blind Willie Johnson sang with a perpetual smile on his face. His soulful song, "Dark Was the Night," was selected as a song that represented the human experience on Earth. It was included on the album sent up on the Voyager probe to communicate with other life forms in the universe. Show less

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Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson

The Story of Tennis' Fleet-of-foot Girl

by Reid, Megan

Book - 2020

Althea Gibson smashed color barriers for Black American women in professional tennis. Raised in Harlem, she became the first black player to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open titles. Althea Gibson smashed color barriers for Black American women in professional tennis. Raised in Harlem, she became the first black player to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open titles. Show less

Althea Gibson smashed color barriers for Black American women in professional tennis. Raised in Harlem, she became the first black player to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open titles. Althea Gibson smashed color barriers for Black American women in professional tennis. Raised in Harlem, she became the first black player to win Wimbledon and the French and U.S. Open titles. Show less

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The Oldest Student

The Oldest Student

How Mary Walker Learned to Read

by Hubbard, Rita L

Book - 2020

You are never too old to learn new things. Mary Walker was born before the Civil War and learned to read at the ripe old age of 116. You are never too old to learn new things. Mary Walker was born before the Civil War and learned to read at the ripe old age of 116. Show less

You are never too old to learn new things. Mary Walker was born before the Civil War and learned to read at the ripe old age of 116. You are never too old to learn new things. Mary Walker was born before the Civil War and learned to read at the ripe old age of 116. Show less

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By and by

By and by

Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music

by Weatherford, Carole Boston

Book - 2020

Dr. Charles Albert Tindley wrote many of the songs that are sung in churches today, including the song that evolved into "We Shall Overcome." Dr. Charles Albert Tindley wrote many of the songs that are sung in churches today, including the song that evolved into "We Shall Overcome." Show less

Dr. Charles Albert Tindley wrote many of the songs that are sung in churches today, including the song that evolved into "We Shall Overcome." Dr. Charles Albert Tindley wrote many of the songs that are sung in churches today, including the song that evolved into "We Shall Overcome." Show less

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Buzzing With Questions

Buzzing With Questions

The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

by Harrington, Janice N

Book - 2019

Born just two years after the end of the Civil War, Charles Henry Turner earned a PhD in Zoology. He became a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, proving that insects can hear and learn. Born just two years after the end of the Civil War, Charles Henry Turner earned a PhD in Zoology. He became a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, proving that insects can hear and learn. Show less

Born just two years after the end of the Civil War, Charles Henry Turner earned a PhD in Zoology. He became a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, proving that insects can hear and learn. Born just two years after the end of the Civil War, Charles Henry Turner earned a PhD in Zoology. He became a pioneer in the field of animal behavior, proving that insects can hear and learn. Show less

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Mama Mable's All-gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza!

Mama Mable's All-gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza!

by Sieg, Annie

Book - 2019

A fictionalized all-female band during World War II era that highlights many of the Black American female jazz musicians of the time, like Billie Holliday, Lil Hardin and Ella Fitzgerald. A fictionalized all-female band during World War II era that highlights many of the Black American female jazz musicians of the time, like Billie Holliday, Lil Hardin and Ella Fitzgerald. Show less

A fictionalized all-female band during World War II era that highlights many of the Black American female jazz musicians of the time, like Billie Holliday, Lil Hardin and Ella Fitzgerald. A fictionalized all-female band during World War II era that highlights many of the Black American female jazz musicians of the time, like Billie Holliday, Lil Hardin and Ella Fitzgerald. Show less

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Sweet Dreams, Sarah

Sweet Dreams, Sarah

by Kirkfield, Vivian

Book - 2019

Entrepreneur and inventor Sarah E. Goode was the first Black American woman to receive a United States patent. Entrepreneur and inventor Sarah E. Goode was the first Black American woman to receive a United States patent. Show less

Entrepreneur and inventor Sarah E. Goode was the first Black American woman to receive a United States patent. Entrepreneur and inventor Sarah E. Goode was the first Black American woman to receive a United States patent. Show less

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The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan

The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan

Inventor, Entrepreneur, Hero

by DiCicco, Joan

Book - 2019

Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for Black American inventors with his patents, including those for a hair-straightening product, an improved sewing machine, and a breathing device that led to development of WWI gas masks. Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for Black American inventors with his patents, including those for a hair-straightening product, an improved sewing machine, and a breathing device that led to development of WWI gas masks. Show less

Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for Black American inventors with his patents, including those for a hair-straightening product, an improved sewing machine, and a breathing device that led to development of WWI gas masks. Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for Black American inventors with his patents, including those for a hair-straightening product, an improved sewing machine, and a breathing device that led to development of WWI gas masks. Show less

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