The Alexandria Library celebrates Black History Month this year by highlighting the lives and careers of six outstanding individuals in the African American community.
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J'Nai Bridges is a two-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano, celebrated for her “plush-voiced” singing and commanding stage presence. She was recognized as one of the Kennedy Center’s 2022 NEXT50 cultural leaders and received the 2018 Sphinx Medal of Excellence Award, as well as several first prize wins in renowned competitions. |
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Leatrice “Elle” McKinney, known as L.L. McKinney, is a prominent advocate for equality in publishing. Named one of the Root’s 100 most influential African Americans and BET’s 100 entertainers and innovators of the year, her notable works include the “Nightmare-Verse” series, “Nubia: Real One”, “Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood”, and “Power Rangers: Heir to Darkness.” |
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Neil deGrasse Tyson is a research associate of the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, head of the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium in New York City and the first occupant of its Frederick P. Rose Directorship. He is credited for popularizing science with his books and frequent appearances on radio and television. |
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Dr. Kenneth Harris II is the CEO of Promethium, a green nanotechnology company focused on sustainable solutions for human health. Additionally, he has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s youngest influential figures in science, is a leader in technology and education advocacy. |
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Amy Sherald was the first woman and first African American to receive grand prize in the 2016 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition from the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.In 2018, Sherald was selected by First Lady Michelle Obama to paint her portrait as an official commission for the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. |
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Tre'Vell Anderson is an award-winning journalist, noted podcast host, and authoress doing world-changing work in society and culture. In 2020, they were named one of The Root’s 100 most influential African Americans and in 2023, Out magazine’s 100 most impactful LGBTQ+ people. They have dedicated their career to centering marginalized communities in their reporting. |
For more information and research of African American studies please see our subject guide and research guide.
Last updated: January 2025
