DK Travel : Washington, D.C. : Top 10 African-American Figures

Washington, D.C. : Top 10 African-American Figures

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1. Ralph Bunche

The first African-American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, because of his diplomatic efforts in the UN.
2. Duke Ellington

The musical genius was a native Washingtonian. He played his first paid performance on U Street.
3. Hiram Rhodes Revel

The first African-American to take a seat as US senator, representing Mississippi.
4. Paul Lawrence Dunbar

Dunbar rose from poverty to gain recognition as a poet – the first African-American to do so – publishing his first collection in 1892.
5. Harriet Tubman

The best-known figure who freed slaves through the Underground Railroad.
6. Ida B. Wells-Barnett

This celebrated crusader against anti-black government actions also marched in the 1913 women’s suffrage rally.
7. Marian Anderson

In 1939 the singer was barred from Constitution Hall because of her race, so gave her Easter Sunday concert at the Lincoln Memorial instead.
8. Eleanor Holmes Norton

Norton has been effective as the District’s non-voting House member, lobbying to promote Washington issues.
9. Walter E. Washington

Mayor of Washington from 1974–8, the first elected mayor in the city for over 100 years.
10. Anthony Williams

Elected mayor in 1998, he has streamlined administrative and fiscal operations.