21st-century African-American people

American general and diplomat (1937–2021)

African-American mathematician

David Khari Webber Chappelle is an American stand-up comedian, actor and former sketch comedian. He debuted his half-hour TV special in 1998 and his hour-long TV special in 2000. He co-created and starred in the sketch comedy series Chappelle's Show (2003–2006) on Comedy Central before quitting in the middle of production of the third season. After a hiatus, Chappelle returned to performing stand-up comedy across the United States. By 2006, Chappelle was called the "comic genius of America" by Esquire magazine and, in 2013, "the best" by a Billboard writer. In 2017, Rolling Stone ranked him No. 9 in their "50 Best Stand Up Comics of All Time".

American civil rights activist

American politician and civil rights leader (1940–2020)

American IFBB professional bodybuilder

Ryan Kyle Coogler is an American filmmaker. His accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, four Black Reel Awards, and ten NAACP Image Awards.

American diplomat (born 1952)

astronaut, scientist (1959-2003)

American photographer, musician, writer and film director (1912–2006)

Puerto Rican hurdler (1996-)

Antoine Fuqua is an American director and producer. Known for his work on film, television, and music videos, and for his work in the action and thriller genres, he was originally known as a director of music videos, and made his film debut in 1998 with The Replacement Killers. His critical breakthrough was the 2001 crime thriller Training Day, winning the Black Reel Award for Outstanding Director.

American film director

American engineer and NASA astronaut

American actor and producer

American actor, comedian, filmmaker

American actress (1914-2014)

American boxing promoter

American middle-distance runner and sprinter

American actor and comedian

American jazz pianist and poet (1929–2018)

American actor and director (1922–2007)

American model

American artist and activist

American murderer (1953–2005)

Katherine Esther Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family of entertainers that includes her children Michael and Janet Jackson. Michael dedicated his sixth studio album Thriller (1982) to her. Janet did the same with her fourth studio album Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989). In 1985, acknowledging the positive impact on her children's successful music careers, national urban magazine Essence honored her as "Mother of the Year".

American comedian

American bodybuilder

American wrestling executive and former referee

American actor and comedian

American actress and model

American record producer and songwriter from Virginia

American rock musician

American dancer and choreographer (1914–2009)

American model and actress (born 1981)

American entrepreneur and record executive

American bodybuilder

American actress, model, author, and entrepreneur

American mobster (1930-2019)

American actress, TV host and fashion model (born 1984)

American pornographic actress

Track and Field Triple Jumper, Hurdler, Coach Flo-Jo's husband

American football player and professional wrestler (born 1958)

American singer, dancer, and actress

American DJ, record producer, and composer

American stand-up comedian, radio personality, and actor (1969-2011)

American politician & judge (1936–2021)

American professional wrestler

American political activist & writer (1933-)

American actor

American DJ, music producer, and record label owner (1971–2020)

American model and actress

American sprint athlete (1948–2007)

Kimora Lee, formerly known as Kimora Lee Simmons is an American fashion designer, television personality and former fashion model. Discovered as a teenager, she was signed to Chanel and went on to walk the runway for major fashion houses such as Fendi and Valentino and appeared on the covers of Vogue and Elle. She launched the global lifestyle brand Baby Phat in 1999. She ventured into reality television alongside her family, starring in the E! Network reality series Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane (2007-11), Kimora: House of Fab (2013), and currently in Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane (2025-present).

American professional wrestler (1950–2020)

American film director

American professional wrestler

American journalist (1948-2022)

American video game developer

American fashion model