This unparalleled resource celebrates the remarkable contributions of black men and women to the United States, beginning with the earliest slave ships to cross the Atlantic and culminating at the close of the 20th century. Witten by four African-American professionals with over 75 years of collective experience in education and counseling, this compendium documents the vital impact of African-Americans on America’s past and present. Spanning history, popular culture, education, religion, science, technology, business, law, government, fine arts, sports, and the military, the authors spotlight dozens of trail blazers, from Dorothy Height to Warren Thompson, from Dr. Benjamin Carson to Barbara Jordan. Entries include: Enduring African-American folk remedies and innovative contributions in medical research. Pioneering African-American attorneys, judges, governors, and senators. Notable Broadway plays and award-winning movies with African-American themes. A tribute to African-American soldiers, including the fearless women nurses in World War I.