Key Black History Icons of the last 500 years

The key icons were Black people, who despite slavery, colonialism, and Jim Crow legislation, achieved greatness. The men and women were architects, business people, classical scholars, composers, fine artists, intellectuals, journalists, mathematicians, poets, soldiers, and university professors. These are individuals of a cultural and intellectual calibre who would do honour to the heritage of any people. Many have appeared on stamps, even coins. Some have had parks named after them. Some of their mansions have been preserved.