The Most Famous African American, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the African American you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 07:02

In a world rich with stories and contributions of African Americans, it becomes vital to recognize and celebrate the individuals who have shaped history and culture. Through their innovations, artistry, and activism, these figures have left indelible marks on society. By ranking these influential icons, we gain a collective understanding of their impact and the recognition they deserve. This dynamic roster invites you to participate in honoring the legacies of these remarkable individuals. By casting your vote, you help highlight those who have resonated most deeply with the public and whose stories inspire continuous influence. Through your engagement, you contribute to a living archive that appreciates and amplifies African American achievements.

Who Is the Most Famous African American?

1

32
votes
Nobel Foundation · Public domain

Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil Rights activist and leader of the American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent civil rights activist and leader in the United States during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his role in advancing civil rights through nonviolent methods and delivering the iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech, which called for racial equality. King was an influential figure in the fight against discrimination and segregation, and his legacy continues to inspire individuals around the world.

Date of Birth: January 15, 1929

Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Education: Ph.D. in Systematic Theology

Key Achievements: Nobel Peace Prize (1964), Montgomery Bus Boycott, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Voting Rights Act of 1965

Leadership Style: Nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience
Martin Luther King Jr. in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous plagiarizer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous leader
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous deceased person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Boy Scout
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous martyr
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous religious figure
2

41
votes
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza · Public domain

Barack Obama

Barack Obama

The 44th President of the United States, who was the first African American to hold the office. He served two terms from 2009 to 2017.
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States serving from 2009 to 2017. He is widely regarded as one of the most beloved Presidents in recent history. Obama's presidency was marked by his charismatic leadership style, focus on social and economic reforms, and efforts to promote international cooperation.

Presidency Number: 44

Term: 2009-2017

Leadership Style: Charismatic

Domestic Focus: Social and Economic Reforms

International Focus: Promoting International Cooperation
Barack Obama in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous alumnus from Columbia University
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Leo
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person to have been kissed
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular Mii
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous leader
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Scout
3

20
votes
US Embassy South Africa · Public domain

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey

A media mogul, talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. She is one of the richest African American women in the world and has been named the "Queen of All Media".
Oprah Winfrey is a highly successful American media executive, talk show host, television producer, actress, and philanthropist. She is considered one of the most influential women in the world of entertainment.

Birth Date: January 29, 1954

Birth Place: Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S.

Career Start: The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986-2011)

Net Worth: Approximately $2.6 billion (as of 2020)

Awards: Multiple Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Oprah Winfrey in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous female talk-show host
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous African-American female artist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous ladies
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular daytime talk show host
- Position 4 of 10 in Most successful celebrities of all time
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous businessperson
4

26
votes
Ira Rosenberg · Public domain

Muhammad Ali

A professional boxer and social activist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and social justice.
Muhammad Ali in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous British boxer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Kentucky
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Capricorn
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Irish boxer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person with Parkinson's Disease
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Capricorn celebrity
5

5
votes
Photographer: Horatio Seymour Squyer, 1848 - 18 Dec 1905 · Public domain

Harriet Tubman

An American abolitionist and political activist who escaped slavery and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person from Maryland
6

8
votes
York College ISLGP · CC BY 2.0

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou herself

An American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.
Maya Angelou was an American author, poet, and civil rights activist who was widely regarded as one of the most beautiful elderly women. She became an influential figure and achieved immense success in various fields.

Birth Name: Marguerite Annie Johnson

Date of Birth: April 4, 1928

Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.

Occupation: Author, poet, civil rights activist

Awards and Honors: Presidential Medal of Freedom, National Medal of Arts, three Grammy Awards, etc.
Maya Angelou in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous African-American female artist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person from St. Louis
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous influencers from North Carolina
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous poet alive
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Arkansas
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bay Area
7

5
votes
Gene Herrick for the Associated Press; restored by Adam Cuerden · Public domain

Rosa Parks

An American civil rights activist who is best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott. Her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white man sparked the Montgomery bus boycott, which became a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement.
Rosa Parks in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Alabama
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous rebels
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous freedom fighter
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous introvert
8

14
votes
Marion S. Trikosko · Public domain

Malcolm X

An American Muslim minister and human rights activist who was a popular figure during the Civil Rights Movement. He was a vocal advocate for Black self-determination and separation from white society.
Malcolm X in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous rebels
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous person born in May
9

9
votes
Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel · CC BY-SA 2.0

Nelson Mandela

A South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and inspiring figures of the 20th century.

Born: July 18, 1918

Died: December 5, 2013

Political Affiliation: African National Congress (ANC)

Imprisonment: Spent 27 years in prison (1962-1990)

Awards and Recognition: Nobel Peace Prize (1993), Bharat Ratna, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and more
Nelson Mandela in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous convict
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous African
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous leader
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous freedom fighter
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous rebels
- Position 7 of 10 in Most successful Prime Minister in the world
10

7
votes
Quadzilla99 · CC BY-SA 2.0

Michael Jordan

Nike

A former professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was a five-time NBA MVP.
Michael Jordan is a basketball shoe released by Nike in collaboration with the renowned professional basketball player Michael Jordan. It is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and successful sneaker lines in history, known for its innovative design, performance, and cultural impact.

Release Year: 1984

Design Inspiration: Michael Jordan's playing style

Technology: Air cushioning for enhanced comfort and support

Materials: Combination of leather and synthetic materials

Colorways: Numerous color options and collaborations
Michael Jordan in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in North Carolina
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Chicago Bulls player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Duke Basketball player
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous influencers from North Carolina
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Michael Jackson
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous cigar smoker

Missing your favorite African American?

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Ranking factors for famous African American

Cultural impact

The extent to which the person has had an impact on popular culture and society as a whole.
Achievements

The magnitude and significance of the person's accomplishments in their respective fields, such as sports, entertainment, politics, science, and business.
Recognition

The level of recognition the person has received from peers, critics, and the general public, as demonstrated by awards, honors, and accolades.
Historical significance

The person's role in shaping African American history, whether it be through activism, civil rights, or social justice.
Legacy

The lasting impact the person has on future generations and their place in the history of African American culture.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous African American. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Black is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1774 views
163 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Black once every 24 hours. The rank of each Black is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous african american

The African American community has produced some of the most influential and impactful individuals in American history. From civil rights activists to athletes and entertainers, African Americans have made significant contributions to the fabric of American society. Many of these individuals have become household names, recognized and celebrated for their achievements and talents. With so many notable figures to choose from, determining who is the most famous African American is a difficult task. However, through StrawPoll's platform, we can gather opinions and insights from people all over the world to help shed light on this topic.