During Black History Month, figures such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X are most commonly tributed for their contributions to the black community. These notable individuals should continue to be honored for their significant change-making actions; however, current champions within the black community are too often overlooked.
Black history is still being made today! So, here is a list of several black trailblazers who made history in the last few years that should be acknowledged during this month and into the future.
Black History Today
Quinta Brunson on stage receiving the Best Comedy Actress Emmy for ‘Abbott Elementary’ on January 15th, 2024. (
Getty Images )
1. Quinta Brunson
The actress, writer, and producer Quinta Brunson has been taking the entertainment industry by storm with her various talents. She is a beloved face gracing the people’s televisions on ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” sitcom, so much so that she became the first black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series in 2023. This is not her first Emmy win, as she was previously awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series in 2022 for “Abbott Elementary” as well. Brunson’s future looks incredibly bright, and she is sure to continue taking bounds in her respective fields for years to come.
Telfar Clemens wins Best Fashion Campaign Of The Year At ESSENCE’s Best In Black Fashion Awards on Sept. 7, 2023. (
Getty Images )
2. Telfar Clemens
The designer Telfar Clemens has made his first name a staple in fashion conversations with his popular luxury “shopper” bags. The boxy silhouette with a T-shaped emblem adorning its side has become a must-have item for every fashion enthusiast, including celebrities such as Oprah and Beyonce. The designer established his brand in 2005 but within the past few years, his artistic visions have become widely appreciated by the masses. His “shopper bags” are consistently sold out due to their immense popularity and he is continuing his work to further the reach of black queer fashion with the development of his brand.
Sha’Carri Richardson winning the Women’s 100m at the 2023 World Athletics Championships on Aug. 21, 2023. (
Getty Images )
3. Sha’Carri Richardson
If you haven’t heard the name Sha’Carri Richardson, you probably live under a rock. The renowned athlete is making history at only 23 years old as a sprinter representing America on various world stages. In 2023, she came in first at the World Athletics Championships Women’s 100m with a record of 10.65 seconds. This win sets Richardson up to be a promising contributor to the 2024 Paris Olympics where she is likely to make history once again.
Kizzmekia Corbett in her office at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Photo for the New York Times. (
Kayana Szymczak )
4. Kizzmekia Corbett
Very few individuals can say they led a team of scientists in developing a COVID-19 vaccine, but Kizzmekia Corbett is one of them. As an incredibly intelligent and educated individual, Corbett is credited for significantly contributing to the scientific development of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. In 2022, Corbett received the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science. This accolade notes Corbett’s exemplary actions in her field while still at the beginning of her occupational journey.
Sandra Douglass Morgan at a news conference introducing her as the new president of the Las Vegas Raiders on July 7, 2022. (
Getty Images )
5. Sandra Douglass Brown
July 7, 2022, marks the day that Sandra Douglass Brown became the first black woman to be president of an NFL team. This is an incredible feat considering the lack of representation for black people in non-player positions in the NFL, let alone black women. Before that Brown was also the first black chairwoman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board making her a force to be reckoned with in the professional sports world.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson giving an inaugural commencement speech for the Washington College of Law Class of 2023. (
Amy Hart )
6. Ketanji Brown
In 2022 the entire world was on the edge of their seats as Ketanji Brown became the first black woman to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court. There are few moments in time where you can feel that you are watching history be made and this historic decision was one of them. During the turbulent political time in which Brown was sworn in, many still took the time to acknowledge the immense achievement that this was for the country.
7. Rashida Jones (Not the actress, the journalist)
Jones as the president of MSNBC since 2021, is the first black woman to run a major news network. She has proven to be an important figure in media with her contributions to advising the operations of the news network. In 2023 Jones received the Radio Television Digital News Association’s Leonard Zeidenberg First Amendment award for her work in protecting First Amendment freedoms. Her accomplishments not only note the furthering of representation in this field but also the excellence Jones models for other individuals in broadcasting.
8. Claudine Gay
In July of 2023, Claudine Gay took up her position as the first black president of Harvard University. The unfortunate history Harvard University has with diversity is important to acknowledge as it makes this achievement even more admirable. When discussing the success of people like Gay in spaces where many odds are against them, their perseverance and dedication to their passions such as education become all the more commendable. Gay’s tenure was short – she resigned in January 2024, some say she was pushed out by conservative politicians – but her status as a barrier-breaker remains.
Ncuti Gatwa in his first “Doctor Who” episode on Dec. 25, 2023. (
BBC )
9. Ncuti Gatwa
We see history being made in many forms during modern times, including the playing of iconic roles such as the Doctor from “Doctor Who.” In 2023 it was revealed that the next actor playing the cyclical role of the Doctor would be Ncuti Gatwa. As the first black doctor, after 14 others, it was no doubt a decision met with backlash by fans and non-fans alike. However, Gatwa took this difficult position for the greater benefit of bringing a brand-new perspective to the franchise as well as diversifying the role.
Shelly L. Carter being sworn in as New England’s first Black female fire chief on March 29, 2023. (
CT Insider )
10. Shelly Carter
In March of 2023, history was made right here in Connecticut as Shelly Carter became New England’s first black female fire chief when she was named chief of the Hartford Fire Department. Carter had an extensive career of more than 20 years in the Fire Department before her being sworn in as chief, showing the hard work that led up to this accolade. In this field largely dominated by men, Carter is undeniably a trailblazer bulldozing a path for other black and female professionals to follow.
