"Revealing Relevant African Americans of Illinois" is a new feature on the AAHM website intended to highlight exemplary African American men and women from Illinois who have truly made a difference.

Learn About Their Lives

Patricia Roberts Harris

Among her many accomplishments Patricia Harris was co-chair the National Women’s Committee for Human Rights under President John F. Kennedy. https://www.state.gov/discoverdiplomacy/explorer/peoplehistorical/170238.htm

Dr. Percy Lavon Julian

Dr. Julian rose to prominence in the field of organic chemistry as a research scientist.

Katherine Dunham

"Katherine Dunham revolutionized American dance in the 1930's by going to the roots of black dance and rituals transforming them into significant artistic choreography that speaks to all." http://kdcah.org/katherine-dunham-biography/

Carole Simpson

Carol Simpson

Carole Simpson was a journalist, news anchor, author and philanthropist. She established many scholarships for women and minorities to help them achieve their career goals related to journalism.

Lyman L. Hubbard

LYMAN L. HUBBARD – 1927 – January 22, 2012

Over one hundred (100) Tuskegee Airmen came from Illinois.  LYMAN L. HUBBARD - 1927 – January 12, 2012, was the only Tuskegee Airman from Springfield, Illinois.

Image credit

https://www.sj-r.com/article/20120119/NEWS/301199890

Patricia Bath

Patricia Bath – November 4, 1942 – May 30, 2019

Patricia Bath was an ophthalmologist and laser scientist,who invented the laserphaco, a device used in cataract surgery. She dedicated her life to medicine and the prevention of blindness.

Image credit

National Library of Medicine [Public domain]