Black History Month is more than just about remembering the past heroes who made strides toward equality in the United States. It’s also about celebrating the achievements of today’s advocates, educators, innovators and leaders who are carrying on the legacy of black excellence in the modern era. Whether they’re leading major Fortune 500 firms, tackling the political sphere or writing new books and pieces that will be read for centuries to come, ACU Online honors the legacy of today’s most prominent Black Americans in their respective fields, all with the focus on encouraging more students to reach their full academic and vocational potential.
Business
Rosalind Brewer | Former CEO of Walgreens
Known for her significant contributions to the business world, Rosalind Brewer has led over a dozen companies to reach new heights, many of which have grown exponentially since her management. From serving as a chief executive of Starbucks, Xerox, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart and many others, Rosalind has led the way for Black women who wish to work in and lead Fortune 500 companies and continues to work with various populations, opening doors for others behind her.
Rashida Jones | Former MSNBC president
Acknowledged for her dedication to journalism and business, Rashida Jones made history as the first Black executive to run a television news network. Previously senior vice president of NBC News and MSNBC, Jones helped guide breaking news and major events that marked the lives of many viewers during 2016 and 2020, including coverage of the COVID pandemic. Earning her spot as MSNBC’s president in December 2020, Rashida pushed for more coverage of what was occurring across the country without shying away from segments that involved race, class or politics. And while she has since stepped down, Rashida’s legacy carries on throughout MSNBC and other networks. Her contributions to the fast-paced media industry will continue to live on as more reporters of color join the journalism field.
Alicia Davis | Senior Advisor at Amazon
Growing up as an engineer, Alicia Davis has always had a knack for fixing problems and finding new, innovative ways to make life easier. It’s no surprise that she found her way to the mega-corporation of Amazon, where she has become one of the leading advisors to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his team. Known for her ideas on how Amazon can become a more inclusive and fulfilling place to work for people of color, Alicia’s ideas have positively influenced Amazon’s current DEI statement and core employee values, allowing Amazon to reach more employees looking for a safe working environment. Through her achievements, Amazon’s diversity efforts have risen, with 27% of its workforce now being Black – a significant achievement for the company.
Sports
Jason Wright | President of the Washington Commanders
Having intimate knowledge of the league, including spending seven years as a running back with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals, Jason Wright became president of the Washington Football Team, making him the National Football League’s first-ever Black president and youngest president of any NFL team. Earning his MBA at the University of Chicago, Jason learned and worked in various companies dealing with major internal issues. Looking to enhance the franchise of the Commanders, Jason fought to keep the team’s reputation while leaving behind the legacy of the team’s racist former name. Working diligently to make this happen, the team has made a big comeback internally and externally.
Cynthia Marshall | CEO of the Dallas Mavericks
No one loves the game of basketball as much as former Dallas CEO Cynthia Marshall. Considered the first Black CEO of an NBA team, Cynthia has transformed the Dallas Mavericks into one of the league’s top competitors. Earning her degree from UC Berkeley, Cynthia has brought her skills in business and sports leadership into a variety of roles, including as a senior vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer for AT&T. Since her arrival to Dallas, Cynthia’s leadership has brought new opportunities and partnerships for the Mavericks unlike anyone has seen before. At nearly 65 years old, Cynthia feels stronger and more agile than ever. Taking the team to the NBA Finals in 2024, Cynthia’s influence has carried over to other teams looking to see how they can learn something new from her.
Politics and Government
Kamala Harris | Former U.S. Vice President
Recognized as the first Black and South Asian vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris sent shockwaves across the political sphere during her term under the Biden administration. As a former attorney general and advocate for single mothers, Kamala has consistently pushed for reforms and new policies to help protect Americans. Having run in the 2024 presidential election, Kamala reshaped political campaigning for women of color and widened the door for more minorities to run for public office. Continuing her work in advocacy and legal proceedings, Kamala has made American history.
Barack Obama | Former U.S. President
Barack Obama is one of the most popular and famous politicians in American politics. Before his historic rise as the first Black president of the United States, Obama blazed trails for Black people in academia and politics. As a student at Harvard Law School, he served as the first Black president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. He was also the first African-American man elected to the U.S. Senate from Illinois. As president, he signed into law the landmark Affordable Care Act – known at the time as Obamacare – which to date has led to a 40% decline in the uninsured rate for Black Americans. He also appointed the first Black U.S. attorney general and first Black woman attorney general.
Arts, Literature and Entertainment
Kevin Young | Poet and NY Times Editor
Kevin Young is considered one of the most influential poets of the 21st century. Serving as poetry editor for The New Yorker and former director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Kevin has published numerous literature collections related to poetry and the history of U.S. hoaxes, both giving particular attention to the role that race and gender have played. Today, Kevin’s poems are recognized nationwide with great hopes of continuing to highlight Black narratives and stories for generations to come.
Beyoncé Knowles | First Grammy-Winning Black Country Artist
Beyoncé’s influence on Black music is immeasurable, as she has consistently pushed boundaries while celebrating and honoring Black culture in her work. From her early days with Destiny’s Child to her solo career, she has incorporated various genres—R&B, hip hop, soul, and even country—into her music, giving them a uniquely Black lens. Her bold move to explore country music with Renaissance broke barriers and spotlighted the often overlooked intersections between Black artists and the country genre. Beyoncé’s music has reshaped Black music into a force that continuously reshapes the industry via her groundbreaking achievement at the 2025 Grammys, where she won Best Country Album.
Misty Copeland | First Black Principal Ballerina for ABT
As the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland shattered long-standing barriers in a field traditionally dominated by white dancers. Her rise to prominence has not only transformed the ballet world but also inspired countless Black and Hispanic dancers to pursue their dreams in a space where they were historically underrepresented. Copeland’s presence on the stage has redefined the possibilities for racial diversity in ballet, challenging entrenched standards of beauty and body types while celebrating the power of representation. Through her dedication, grace and resilience, she has become a symbol of perseverance and empowerment, proving that talent and passion can overcome systemic obstacles.
ACU Online is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions Black Americans have made in our diverse and rich communities across the country. We honor these men and women for their impactful efforts and champion the future generations to come.