Miles Davis(1926-1991) Trumpeter, composer

Duke Ellington(1899-1974) Composer, pianist
Langston Hughes(1902-1967) Poet, writer, journalist
Gordon Parks(1912-2006) Photographer, director, journalist
Sammy Davis Jr.(1925-1990) Singer, dancer, TV and movie star
Otis Redding(1941-1967) Singer
Ernie Barnes(1938-2009) Artist; professional football player (AFL: New York Titans, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos)
Matthew Henson(1866-1955) Arctic explorer
Richard Pryor(1940-2005) Stand-up comedian, actor, writer
Bill T. Jones(b.1952) Choreographer, dancer, director
Huey P. Newton(1942-1989) Co-founder and leader of the Black Panther Party
Teddy Pendergrass(1950-2010) Singer, songwriter
Vivien Thomas(1910-1985) Surgeon
Sidney Poitier(b.1927) Actor, director, writer
Jean-Michel Basquiat(1960-1988) Artist
Harry Belafonte(b.1927) Singer, actor, civil rights activist
Marvin Gaye(1939-1984) Singer and songwriter
Richard Roundtree(b.1942)Actor
Dick Gregory(b.1932) Stand-up comedian; civil rights activist
Johnny Hodges(1906-1970)Sax player in Duke Ellingtons band
