The president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Dr. Hrabowski is the force behind the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, which has been recognized by the National Science Foundation for its success in increasing diversity in science and engineering. “Under Dr. Hrabowski’s watch,” says Dr. Mae C. Jemison, an astronaut who was the first African-American woman to be part of a NASA space mission, “UMBC has been extraordinarily successful graduating minority students in the sciences.” According to the university’s Web site, the program is open to undergraduates who plan to pursue doctoral study in the sciences or engineering and who are interested in the advancement of minorities in those fields. It also boasts a network of 600 alumni across the nation and 300 students enrolled in graduate and professional programs.
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The former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts became the first African-American coach to win a Super Bowl when the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears in 2007. He retired from coaching after the 2008 season, but has continued his involvement with several charitable organizations. In 2007, he was appointed by President George W. Bush to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, created to encourage volunteerism and civic participation.
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The nationally syndicated radio personality is a good example of someone who “has put his money where his mouth is,” particularly “in terms of his efforts to support historically black colleges and universities,” says Raymond Lucas, a former IBM executive who is now president of the 100 Black Men of Maryland organization. The Joyner Foundation provides full scholarships to students who wish to attend historically black colleges. Supporting these schools is crucial, adds NASA autronaut Mae C. Jemison, because “they educate more doctors, scientists, engineers, and mathematicians than anyone else. When you look at even the people who are teaching at large research universities, they had their starts at these schools. They probably are more influential and do more advocacy for the African-American community than anyone else.”
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Roland Martin’s syndicated column and regular appearances on CNN have made him a familiar name across the country, and have earned him the recognition of many in the African-American community. “He is a journalist and activist,” says Francena Bean-Waters of the Greater Baltimore chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. “He is very influential because of the fact that he has a lot of connection with what is going on in the African-American community and the world.” He is also the author of Speak, Brother! A Black Man's View of America.
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The former secretary of State “is a prime example of what hard work can get you,” says Claire Cunningham, a Southern California leader of the National Council of Negro Women. In terms of advocacy and philanthropy, Powell has focused his efforts on helping children and young adults. In 1997, he founded the America’s Promise Alliance, a partnership of more than 300 corporations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based initiatives, and advocacy groups. The Alliance is now chaired by his wife, Alma Powell, and is seeking to improve children’s lives by committing resources to they call their five promises: Caring adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, An Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others.
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Jakes is the pastor of a non-denominational Christian megachurch in Forth Worth, Texas, called The Potter's House. The congregation has over 30,000 members, 77 percent of which are African Americans. He reaches millions more around the world via on Trinity Broadcasting Network, Black Entertainment Television, and the Daystar Television Network and The World Network. Many have criticized him for running a ministry that promotes material wealth, for himself and his followers. But several surveyors leapt to his defense. “I think he’s touching more than the African-American community through his love of the lord,” said Lummus V. Burton, of the National Council of Negro Women.
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In 2003, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded him the Bob Hope Humanitarian of The Year Award. Since then, he has continued to advocate for the advancement of young African Americans through speaking engagements across the United States, as well as by making generous gifts to promote education, including a $20 million gift to Spellman College in 1987. Cosby has made headlines speaking out about the need for self-accountability among African Americans.
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The former editor in chief of Essence magazine “is absolutely someone who should be included,” says Barbara C. Harris, the first woman to be ordained bishop in the Episcopal Church, “because her magazine always presents African-American life in a very positive fashion.” Taylor left the magazine business in 2008 to lead National Cares, a mentoring organization for troubled children. Of her new role in the nonprofit world, Raymond Lucas, president of 100 Black Men of Maryland, said that “anyone who gets an opportunity to meet Ms. Taylor and listen to her speak is touched by her spirit.”
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Another familiar name, proposed by the majority of people interviewed. NASA’s Mae C. Jemison picked him “because for years he has been at the forefront of ideas, understanding what goes on in politics and society—even when we didn’t want to hear it, and regardless of what you think of how he talks about things.” Dr. Jemison adds that “he started talking about people working together back in the ‘70s, and he’s always been able to talk about issues that are vital to the African-American community—he has always been a positive force.”
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Reverend Sharpton “keeps everyone on point, even if he’s not always popular,” says Millie Bonnette of the National Council of Negro Women. Her colleague Shirley Richardson of Washington, D.C., says that Sharpton does “an excellent job of zeroing in on those issues that no one else will take up.” Sharpton’s activism goes back to the late 1960s, when at age 14 he was appointed by Jesse Jackson to lead the youth division of Operation Breadbasket, a program that sought to improve the economic conditions of black neighborhoods across the country. Since then, Sharpton has run for office several times, including president, with little success, and attracted controversy, but he maintains a constant presence in the public debate.
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Oprah’s far-reaching influence was widely recognized among the leaders surveyed. Francena Bean-Waters says she believes Oprah’s advocacy is crucial to the community because “she is able to influence men and women through television and radio—not just on a local basis, but on a national basis.” Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice penned an article about Winfrey for Time magazine in 2006, citing Oprah’s influence not only to the power of media, but primarily because “she has purpose—an abiding commitment to the principles of goodness and generosity that transcend any one individual.”
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According to Brandon Durden, a Texas leader of 100 Black Men, the first lady is not taking a ‘back seat’ to change and she’s being a pioneer.” He adds that “even when you think about MLK Day and the movement, it was a woman who started that Martin Luther King Day celebration,” and Michelle Obama “recognizes the fact that women have played a strong part in our country and especially the black family.”
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America’s first African-American president was cited by almost every person interviewed. Shirley Richardson, president of the Washington D.C. Community Section of the National Council of Negro Women, points out that the president’s position de facto makes him the most important advocate for blacks, with the “ability to view the overall needs of the country and the world.” Symbolically, Obama, by dint of his election, will be always be linked with King.
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