Writing History: 13 Black Leaders You Should Know

Honoring Black history and futures

Every Black History Month, we're met with the usual images of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and the like. These extraordinary heroes have undeniably shaped the world we live in today, laying the groundwork for social justice and freedom. We are better because they were here, and they deserve to be exalted 365 days a year.

But their legacy continues.

History is being written in real-time by contemporary Black leaders who are marking major milestones and having a meaningful impact along the way. This Black History Month, while we honor the pillars of our past, let's also take the time to celebrate the builders of our present and architects of our future. Now more than ever — as bad actors attempt to erase Black history from our schools and diminish the achievements of our community — we have a responsibility to celebrate our community's wins at every turn.

Here are some leaders you should know:

REP. JASMINE CROCKETT

As an advocate and Congresswoman, Rep. Jasmine Crockett's (D-TX) work has centered on amplifying marginalized communities' voices and driving lasting change. Known for her unwavering commitment to justice and equity, she has championed a variety of issues including police reform, voting rights, and DEI. Whether standing her ground during legislative sessions or connecting with constituents directly, Rep. Crockett's passion lies in ensuring everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

'THE MARYLAND FOUR' 

Black political representation is essential to the implementation of policies that foster equity, justice, and opportunity for our communities, and Maryland is one state that has certainly set a precedent when it comes to electing Black leadership. 

In 2022, Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) became the first Black governor of the state and last year he took a historic step toward justice when he pardoned 175,000 Maryland residents with low-level cannabis convictions. 

Other history-making leaders in the state include Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D-MD), who is the youngest person ever elected to that role, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown, who became the first Black attorney general elected in the state in 2023, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), who made history just last year when she became the first Black woman elected to the Senate from the state.

SENATOR LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER

Alongside Senator Alsobrooks, Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del) made history when they became the first two Black women to serve in the U.S. Senate at the same time. Senator Rochester is also the first Black woman to serve Delaware in the Senate, bringing her state's voice to Washington, D.C. with a perspective shaped by a commitment to health equity, justice, and opportunity.

REP. SHOMARI FIGURES

Last year, Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala) became the first congressman elected in Alabama's newly redrawn second congressional district after it was redrawn to give Black voters a voice. As a newly elected official, Figures continues a legacy of public service, following in the footsteps of his father, the late Senator Michael Figures, who was instrumental in bankrupting the United Klans of America in 1987 through a civil lawsuit after two of its members kidnapped and murdered 19-year-old Michael Donald.

KIMBERLÉ W. CRENSHAW

Kimberlé W. Crenshaw is a renowned scholar, civil rights advocate, and professor of law at UCLA and Columbia Law School. She is known for coining the term "intersectionality," the framework that highlights how overlapping social identities — such as race, gender, and class — create interconnected systems of oppression. She is also one of the originators of the framework behind critical race theory.

DR. WES BELLAMY

Dr. Wes Bellamy combines education, activism, and leadership to uplift the Black community. A former Vice Mayor of Charlottesville, Va. Dr. Bellamy is recognized for advocating for racial equity and social justice. As the youngest person elected to that role on the Charlottesville City Council, he helped lead efforts to remove Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson statues from the city's public parks. Beyond politics, Dr. Bellamy is also the political science chair at Virginia State University, CEO of the Black College Invitational Championship, and a board member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

DR. KIZZMEKIA S. CORBETT

As the scientific lead for the Coronavirus Vaccines and Immunopathogenesis team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett's groundbreaking work as an immunologist played a critical role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. She is also a vocal advocate for global health equity and STEM education.

BLACK WOMEN IN BIZ

When Black women lead, extraordinary things can happen, and Black women like Arian Simone, Mellody Hobson, and Fawn Weaver are reshaping the business landscape. 

Arian Simone co-founded the Fearless Fund to open doors for women of color to access venture capital, creating opportunities for underrepresented innovators and entrepreneurs. After a year-long battle, the venture capital firm was forced to end its grant program, but its impact remains.

Mellody Hobson, co-CEO and president of Ariel Investments is a respected financial literacy advocate and businesswoman. Author of the children's book "Priceless Facts About Money," Hobson is passionate about teaching young people the importance of financial literacy.

Fawn Weaver is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. She established the company in 2016 in honor of Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller and a pioneer in the whiskey industry. Under her leadership, Uncle Nearest has become one of the fastest-growing independent whiskey brands in U.S. history.

Black history is not just something of the past — it is alive and evolving right now. As we celebrate the icons who paved the way, let's honor those who continue to inspire change and push boundaries. Their achievements remind us that progress is ongoing. Let's ensure that Black history — both past and present — remains an undeniable force in shaping our future.