Each February, we see an influx of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks images begin to surround us. Whether on shirts, calendars, or even corporate email blasts, the faces and names of the familiar famous Black heroes are, rightfully so, saturated in our minds.
But what about the unsung heroes—the ones whose names aren’t as widely recognized but whose impact is just as powerful?
We decided to compile a list of unsung Black history figures. How many of these leaders are you able to recognize? Comment after reading and let us know!
Arkansas’s Unsung Black Figures
Scipio Africanus Jones (1863-1943) – The Defender of Justice
"I am for justice, no matter who it is for or against." Born into slavery, Scipio Africanus Jones became one of Arkansas’ most prominent Black attorneys. His greatest contribution came after the Elaine Massacre of 1919, when he successfully fought to overturn the wrongful death sentences of 12 Black men. His work set important legal precedents for civil rights cases.
John H. Johnson (1918-2005) – The Media Mogul
"I believe that the greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it." Born in Arkansas City, John H. Johnson founded Ebony and Jet magazines, which became essential platforms for Black stories. His work helped shape Black media, giving visibility to Black culture, politics, and excellence at a time when mainstream media ignored these stories.
Charlotte Stephens (1854-1951) – The Lifelong Educator
Charlotte Stephens was the first Black teacher in Little Rock’s public school system, dedicating over 70 years to educating Black students during segregation. Her contributions to education paved the way for generations of Black scholars in Arkansas.
Daisy & L.C. Bates – The Voices for Change
"The flagrant violation of rights must be fought against, no matter the cost." – Daisy BatesDaisy Bates is widely recognized for mentoring the Little Rock Nine, but her husband, L.C. Bates, was also a crucial force behind the movement. As a journalist, L.C. used the Arkansas State Press to expose injustices against Black Arkansans, making their publication a powerful tool for change.
Sarah Rector (1902-1967) – The Youngest Black Millionaire
At just 11 years old, Sarah Rector of Muskogee, Oklahoma (formerly part of Arkansas Territory), became one of the wealthiest Black children in America after oil was discovered on her land. Despite legal battles and attempts to take control of her fortune, she maintained ownership and later became a philanthropist and businesswoman.
Other Unsung Black Figures in History
Bayard Rustin (1912-1987) – The Man Behind the March
"We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers." In the 1930s, Bayard Rustin was an active, early civil rights demonstrator and organizer. He was a crucial consultant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s. He continued to strive for equality despite being harassed and jailed numerous times for his nonviolent resistance tactics and sexual orientation.
Gerald A. Lawson (1940-2011) – The Pioneer of Video Games
Gerald "Jerry" Lawson was one of the fathers of modern gaming. As an engineer, he led the team that developed the first home video game console with interchangeable cartridges—the Fairchild Channel F. His innovation paved the way for the gaming industry as we know it today.
Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922-1999) – The Inventor of the Home Security System
A nurse from New York, Brown invented the first home security system in 1966, equipped with a camera, microphone, and remote door-locking mechanism. Her design is the foundation for modern home security technologies.
Claudette Colvin (b. 1939) – The Forgotten Pioneer
Nine months before Rosa Parks, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Though she played a critical role in challenging segregation, her story was overshadowed—largely because she was a pregnant teenager at the time.
Charles Richard "C.R." Patterson (1833-1910) – The Black Automotive Pioneer
C.R. Patterson, a formerly enslaved man, founded C.R. Patterson & Sons, the only known Black-owned automobile company in the U.S. before Ford dominated the industry. His company transitioned from making carriages to producing cars in the early 1900s.
Frederick McKinley Jones (1893-1961) – The Man Who Revolutionized Refrigeration
Jones invented refrigerated transport technology, making it possible to safely transport perishable goods like food and medicine over long distances. His contributions are vital to the modern supply chain.
Dr. Shirley Jackson (b. 1946) – The Telecommunications Trailblazer
Dr. Jackson was the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT and is credited with pioneering research in telecommunications, which led to the development of caller ID, touch-tone phones, and fiber optics.
761st Tank Battalion "The Black Panthers" – The Forgotten WWII Heroes
The 761st Tank Battalion was an all-Black tank unit in WWII that fought in some of the war’s most brutal battles. Despite facing racism within the military, they were highly decorated and instrumental in defeating Nazi forces.
Otis Boykin (1920-1982) – The Inventor Behind the Pacemaker
Boykin developed a crucial resistor used in pacemakers, computers, and guided missiles. His innovations helped make medical technology more reliable.
Lonnie G. Johnson (b. 1949) – The Engineer Who Created the Super Soaker
A former NASA engineer, Johnson invented the Super Soaker water gun, which became one of the best-selling toys of all time. He holds over 100 patents and has made advancements in energy technology.
Charles Drew (1904-1950) – The Father of Blood Banks
Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood storage and pioneered blood plasma preservation, leading to the creation of the modern blood bank system that saves millions of lives today.
Marian R. Croak (b. 1955) – The Voice-over-Internet (VoIP) Pioneer
Croak holds over 200 patents, including innovations in Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows people to make phone calls over the internet. Her work is the backbone of modern communication tools like Zoom and Skype.
Honoring Their Legacy
These hidden figures exemplify Black excellence, resilience, and innovation. Their contributions may not always be highlighted in history books, but their legacies remain etched in the progress we continue to fight for today.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s uplift these voices, share their stories, and continue their fight for justice, equality, and recognition.
Who are some other unsung Black heroes that inspire you? Drop their names in the comments and help us continue sharing Black history beyond February!
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