This book provides capsule biographies of 909 of the nation's most notable African Americans. The entries are arranged alphabetically, with all individuals meeting two general criteria for inclusion: They were born or they spent their childhoods in the United States; and they have played an important part in the development of African American children by serving as role models. Anyone who died before January 1, 1995, is not included.<BR>Activists, artists, athletes, attorneys, authors, business owners, educators, engineers, entertainers, government officials, medical doctors, military leaders and scientists: each person in this book has played a major role in 20th century America.