Benjamin Bannaker (1731–1806) was a free African-American landowner and farmer, who’s self-taught knowledge of mathematics and astronomy led him to successfully predict a solar eclipse and accurately calculate the ephemeris (map of the stars), which he published in his annual almanac. At the time, his almanacs were used to predict long-range weather patterns, but they also provided an outlet for his social and political commentary, in which he challenged Thomas Jefferson on racial equality. Today, his almanacs are used by modern day astrologers to track the planets. (Biography.com)

George Washington Carver (1864–1943), who was born into slavery, was an agriculturist and teacher who’s historic discovery of crop rotation helped to heal soil ravaged by cotton and tobacco by planting the humble peanut. This new method of farming yielded a surplus of peanuts and as a result, Carver developed hundreds of natural-care products from peanuts, including facial cream, shampoo and soap. (Biography.com)

E. Kitch Childs, PhD, (1937–1993), helped to found the Association for Women in Psychology. She was also a founding member of Chicago’s Gay Liberation Front. In addition to being a leader for women in psychology and the LGBTQ+ community, she also owned her own practice in which she provided therapy to LGBTQ+ folks, people living with HIV/AIDS, and other marginalized members of her community. She practiced feminist therapy, and centered her research and work around the experiences of Black women and feminist theory. (Mental Health America)

In the 19th Century, Marie Laveau was New Orleans’ foremost Voodoo Queen. And while the word voodoo may conjure up images of pin-stuck dolls, Laveau stayed true to the Afro-Caribbean roots of Voudon, relying on herbal folk medicines and wisdom passed down through generations to nurse patients back to health during the yellow fever epidemic. (Ancient-Origins.net)

Alain LeRoy Locke (1885-1954), was a professor, Harvard-educated writer, first Black Rhodes Scholar, and a pioneering philosopher on race and culture. In 1925 he published The New Negro—an anthology of poetry, essays, plays, music and portraiture by white and black artists, which earned him the title “Father of the Harlem Renaissance.” (Biography.com)

Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) who is best known for helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad, used her knowledge of plants and herbs to provide medicine, food and to keep crying babies quiet, thus ensuring the safe passage of 300 slaves. (Biography.com)