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Marshall Taylor
First World Cycling champion, Marshall Taylor, nicknamed Major, was also the second black man to win a World Championship. His first race was in 1891 and he won his first race in 1895 at the age of 16. Taylor raced basically his whole life and at 18 was known as the most formidable racer in America. Over his career, he won races in Germany, France and England. Taylor was inducted into U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in 1989. -
Jack Johnson
Born in 1878, JackJohnson became the first African American heavyweight boxing champion. His success came from the help of a former cellmate Joe Choynski who became his coach after the pair were arrested in Texas where fighting was illegal. He was the first to knockout James Jefferies which marked history in the world of boxing. Johnson ended his career in 1938 at age 60 -
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson- Mini BioBorn on January 31, 1919, Jackie Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the major leagues. He had a wonderful career playing in six World Series and 1955 Dodgers World Championship. In addition, he was awarded Rokie of the Year in 1947 and MVP in 1949. Aside from baseball, he was the first black television analyst and first black president of an American corporation. He retired on January 5, 1957 -
Chuck Cooper
Chuck Cooper became the first African American to play in the NBA. He joined the New York Knickerbockers in 1950. Cooper was a start athlete at Westinghouse High School. He continued to play basketball throughout college. His career in the NBA wasn't amazing. He played for the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Hawks and Ft. Wayne Pistons -
Wilie Thrower
Willie Thrower was the first African American quarterback to play in the Big Ten Conference in 1950. He played collegiate football for Michigan State and was on varsity in his sophomore year. His first professional game was on October 18, 1953 against San Fransisco 49ers. He was released from the team that same year but played semi-pro football in Canada. Thrower retired at 27 due to a separated shoulder. He spent the rest of his life working as a child care counselor in New York. -
Althea Gibson
Black in Time Althea GibsonOften referred to as the "female Jackie Robinson," Althea Gibson became the first African American woman to join the Golf tour in 1964 and win the Wimbledon in 1957. During her career, she won 56 singles and doubles before gaining national notification. She is in the New Jersey Hall of Fame, Sports Hall of Fame of New Jersey, US Open Court of Champions and International Tennis Hall of Fame. After her career, she worked as a tennis instructor. -
Willie O'Ree
Willie O'Ree was the first African American in the NHL. He brok the the color barrier in the sport. Although he was 95% blind in his right eye, he kept that hidden and continued his career with the Boston Bruins. Although racism was very alive, he didn't let the discourage his hockey dreams. O'Ree played in the minor leagues until the age of 43. His number is retired at the San Diego Sports Arena. He was iducted in 1984 into the New Brunswick Hall of Fame. -
Arthur Ashe
Arthur Ashe accomplished a lot of firsts for Africam Americans. He became the first African American to win the singles titile at the US Open, Australian Open and Wimbelon in 1985. In addition, Ashe was the first black selected for US Davis Cup Team. He was given a tennis scholarship to the University of Calfornia. After his extraordinary career, he wrote for the US Times and commentated for ABC Sports. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985. -
Debi Thomas
Debi Thomas 1988 OlympicsDebi Thomas became the first African American to win a bronze medal at the U.S. Open Winter Olympics in 1988 and the senior wome's title in 1985. She was also a pre-med student at the time of her victory. In 1987 she lost her title but won it back in 1988. After skating for about 21 years she retired. She went back to school to become an orthopedic surgeon. She was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2000. -
Tiger Woods
Tiger Wods is known as the best gofer to ever play. He has an elite career winning 71 PGA Golf tours, 4 Masters Tournaments and 3 U.S. Opens. He began his professional golf career in August of 1996. He wanted to take a break from golf after his marriage infidelities and as a result many companies ended his endorsements with him. Despite that downfall, Woods continues to excel and attracts the most television viewers in history.
