For centuries, there have been many Black leaders and political activists who worked valiantly to change the world. We’re looking at you, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X! But who are our notable Black icons that are helping change the world today as we speak?
Incandescent individuals like Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges, and Rosa Parks brought their passions, convictions, and love to the table and the impact they made is undeniable. They paved the way for Black folks to thrive and succeed today.
Here’s a roundup of some of the most brilliant Black leaders, political activists, and enlightened celebs to keep an eye out for during Black History Month and beyond.
Kamala Harris
For a moment there, millions of democratic voters had a glimmer of hope that Kamala Harris would become the first female president of the United States. Former Vice President, Kamala served alongside Joe Biden as the highest-ranking female official in US history. And even though she wasn’t elected to be our current president, she still inspires women and people of color every single day.
Quinta Brunson
Award-winning actress, comedian, producer, and writer, Quinta Brunson has taken home multiple primetime Emmys, multiple NAACP Image Awards, and a Golden Globe. Who doesn’t love watching hilarious episodes of her show, Abbott Elementary? Quinta’s committed to being a shining light for people of color who have big dreams to achieve.
Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett
Only 35 years old, Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett was the lead scientist for the team desperately working on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine during the terrifying global pandemic. Folks were trying to figure out what their next steps would be amid the pandemic. Doctor Corbett went out of her way to bring people peace of mind with a solution that would save the world.
Kendrick Lamar
What would the music industry be without Kendrick Lamar in the mix? He’s a megastar rapper who walks into a studio with a message to share. He doesn’t waste our time mumbling nonsense.
His voice deserves to be heard because his message has value. Kendrick released multiple songs dedicated to the empowerment of Black people, including “Alright,” “DNA,” and “The Blacker the Berry.”
Victor J. Glover Jr.
Victor Jake Glover Jr. is a trailblazing astronaut whose groundbreaking journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Capsule marks a historic milestone in space exploration. As part of NASA’s Artemis program, Glover embarked on a six-month mission, contributing to vital research and technology aboard the ISS.
Glover is one of just 14 Black American astronauts out of 300 in NASA’s history. His success underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in the space program, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
Amanda Gorman
At 22, Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in American history. A poet’s life involves solitude. It’s a quiet, intimate act. Poets craft elegant lines, giving voice to the unspoken, weaving fragments of the soul into words.
Mastering the ability to speak your words out loud in front of large masses of people is an entirely different story. And Amanda slayed when she recited her original poem, “The Hill We Climb.” during Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021.
LeBron James
LeBron James’ non-profit organization More Than a Vote increased voter registration in the Black community.
The Lakers player also spends time raising awareness about racial inequality, along with advocating for mental wellness across the board. His determination to break stereotypes surrounding Black fatherhood is also on display based on the way he treats his wife and kids.
Viola Davis
A quick scroll through Viola Davis’s Instagram page reveals that she’s passionate about civil rights activism. Viola grew up facing racism, abuse, and poverty when she was a little girl.
As an adult, she’s taken it upon herself to use her voice for groups that go largely unheard and ignored. Viola never shies away from speaking her mind, especially when it comes to the betterment of the Black community.
J. Cole
J. Cole will always be respected in the rap music game for his legendary discography. Also a significant producer, he signed on with Jay Z’s Roc Nation in 2009 and has produced for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson.
The hip-hop star surprised fans with the 2020 release of “Snow on Tha Bluff,” an introspective track that addresses racism, activism and police brutality.
Colin Kaepernick
When Colin Kaepernick decided to bend a knee as the football quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, he instantly turned from a football player to an American civil rights activist. In August of 2016, his football career was hitting the stratosphere when he decided to take a stance. Instead of standing to attention during the national anthem, he kneeled upon one knee. His was Kaepernick’s way of peacefully fighting American racism and police brutality
By “taking the knee” — or taking a knee — Kaepernick launched what soon became a global symbolic gesture. It caused him to lose his career entirely since it was such a polarizing move.
Raphael Warnock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jvoj1xFFIY
Raphael Warnock is the state of Georgia’s first Black senator. Since the 18th century, Georgia residents never believed they’d see a Black senator get elected. But that’s exactly what happened in the Empire State of the South when January 2021 rolled around. Raphael Warnock went from working as a reverend to serving Georgia in the U.S. Senate.
Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino
When the Black Lives Matter movement was at an all-time high in 2020, Donald Glover’s song “This is America” became an unofficial anthem. Inspired by the BLM movement, Donald took a stance against police violence and systematic racism with the release of this song. He has never hidden his worldview.
Magic Johnson
If you’re curious to know what former basketball star Magic Johnson has done for the black community, it’s been a lot! Throughout his career, he’s raised millions of dollars for charity, built business opportunities in minority communities, and did so much to shift the negative stigma around AIDS and HIV. The inspiration Magic has provided the world goes well beyond what he achieved on the basketball court back in the day.
Zendaya
You might recognize Zendaya’s work as an actress in movies like Dune, Challengers, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. But the benefits she’s brought the Black community also deserve some attention. Zendaya once donated $100,000 to California Shakespeare Theater in her hometown of Oakland to support racial equality and diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
She’s also gone out of her way to call out the colorism and shadism Black people face daily. Zendaya has done so gracefully by acknowledging that she benefits greatly from having a light-skinned complexion, even though she doesn’t believe it’s fair.
Rashida Jones
President of MSNBC Rashida Jones is not to be confused with Rashida Jones, the American actress from The Office. As MSNBC’s president, Rashida is the first Black executive to run a major television news network. Sadly, as of January 2025, she’s decided to step down from her impressive four-year tenure but her legacy will continue to resonate for quite a while.
