The 50 most influential figures in black history

Ebony, Feb, 1993 by Lerone Bennett, Jr.

SOME of the names command instant recognition.

Others may not be widely known but are legendary figures to specialists.

Some died at the height of their fame. Others died in obscurity. All, however, have been nominated for immortality by a select panel of nationally known scholars who were asked in 1989 to submit the names of 40 Black Immortals who made, in their judgment, indispensable contributions to Black America.

The key criterion suggested was an individual who transcended his or her field and made an essential contribution to the development of Black America by contributing an idea, invention or program or by organizing and/or leading a pivotal organization and movement. Living persons were excluded.

The names mentioned most often appear on the following pages. There were several tie votes and the list was rounded off at 50. Interestingly and significantly, most respondents said their lists were tentative and could change.

Four persons--Mary McLeod Bethune, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr.--were named by all respondents. Eight figures received between 14 and 16 votes: Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, A. Philip Randolph, 14; Carter G. Woodson, 15; Malcolm X, Paul Robeson and Booker T. Washington, 16. Asterisks indicate individuals who received nine or more votes.

The list includes nine ministers, eight writers, four athletes, three scientists, three musicians, two surgeons, one actor-singer, one politician, and one practicing lawyer. Two Whites--John Brown and William Lloyd Garrison--received votes.

Lerone Bernett Jr.