Du Bois was one of the co-founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served as the editor of its influential publication, “The Crisis.”

In this seminal work, Du Bois introduced the concept of "double consciousness," exploring the inner struggles of African Americans in a racially divided society. The book is a cornerstone of African American literature and sociology.

Du Bois was the first African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University, where he studied history and sociology. His academic achievements broke barriers and set a precedent for future scholars of color.

Du Bois conducted groundbreaking sociological studies, including "The Philadelphia Negro" (1899), which was the first systematic study of an African American community in the United States. His work laid the foundation for urban sociology and the study of race relations.

Thelma Young was a key figure in the NAACP in Delaware, where she played a critical role in organizing efforts to challenge segregation and discrimination. Her leadership in the organization was instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement within the state.

Young was a strong advocate for desegregation in education and public services. She worked tirelessly to ensure that African American children had access to quality education and fought against discriminatory practices in public institutions, helping to pave the way for greater equality in Delaware.

Young was deeply involved in mobilizing the African American community and fostering collaboration with other civil rights organizations. Her efforts included organizing protests, participating in legal challenges, and raising awareness about civil rights issues. Her activism significantly contributed to the progress of civil rights in Delaware.

Ella Baker was an essential activist during the civil rights movement. She served as field secretary for the NAACP, the first director of Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

In 1964, Baker played a significant role in supporting the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which challenged the legitimacy of the all-white Mississippi delegation at the Democratic National Convention.

Throughout her career, Baker prioritized grassroots organizing, believing that real change came from empowering local communities. She worked extensively in the South, helping to organize voter registration drives, freedom schools, and other initiatives that built local leadership and strengthened the movement from the ground up.

She encouraged figures like Diane Nash, Julian Bond, Bob Moses, and Stokely Carmichael to step up and lead, fostering a new generation of committed and capable civil rights activists.

Bayard Rustin played a pivotal role as a strategist and organizer in many civil rights campaigns, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, where he was the chief organizer and helped coordinate logistics for the historic event. This march famously culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

Throughout his career, Rustin was a staunch advocate for desegregation, labor rights, and economic justice. He was openly gay at a time when it was highly stigmatized, and he faced discrimination within the civil rights movement itself because of his sexual orientation. Despite this, Rustin continued to work tirelessly for social justice and human rights.

After the assassination of her husband, Martin Luther King Jr., in 1968, Coretta Scott King established The King Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center serves as both a memorial to Dr. King's legacy and a resource for advancing his philosophy of nonviolence, justice, and equality. It houses the King Library and Archives and continues to promote social change through education, training, and research.

Coretta Scott King was a vocal advocate for civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. She played an active role in lobbying Congress and working with lawmakers to enact these landmark pieces of legislation, which were pivotal in ending legal segregation and protecting voting rights for African Americans.

King was a strong advocate for women's rights and gender equality. She spoke out on issues such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and women's participation in leadership roles. She emphasized the importance of intersectionality in the struggle for civil rights, recognizing the unique challenges faced by African American women.

King authored several books, including her memoir "My Life with Martin Luther King Jr." (1969), which provided insights into her personal and public life alongside Dr. King. She was also a powerful public speaker, delivering speeches that inspired audiences to continue the fight for justice and equality.

Kendi serves as the founding director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University. The center aims to bring together scholars, policymakers, and activists to conduct research and advocate for policies that promote racial equity and justice.

Kendi is the editor-in-chief of "The Antiracist Newsletter," a digital publication that provides insights into current events, offers analysis on racial issues, and highlights voices advocating for racial justice and equality.

Kendi has held prestigious academic positions, including as Professor of History and International Relations at American University. He has been a visiting professor at numerous institutions and has lectured widely on topics related to racism, anti-racism, and social justice.

Kendi's acclaimed book, "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America," won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2016. In 2019, Kendi published "How to Be an Antiracist," a bestselling book that reframes the conversation around racism and encourages individuals to actively oppose racism in all its forms.

Alongside Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors, Opal Tometi co-founded the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013. This movement grew into a global phenomenon, raising awareness about systemic racism, police brutality, and advocating for racial justice and equality.

Through her leadership in Black Lives Matter, Tometi has helped to expand the movement's reach globally. The movement has inspired protests and solidarity actions in countries around the world, calling attention to racial inequality and police violence internationally.

As a writer and thought leader, Tometi has contributed to publications and media outlets, offering insights into race, immigration, and social justice issues. Her writing has helped to shape public discourse and policy debates on these critical topics.

Tometi has been instrumental in building coalitions and partnerships across various social justice movements. She has worked to forge alliances with organizations and activists working on issues such as environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic inequality, recognizing the interconnected nature of social justice struggles.