The Friday List-down: Black History of Today

February marks Black History Month and today it seems ever more important than ever to remember the contributions that African-American’s have made to our society in the past. But it’s just as important to remember the continuing impact African-Americans have on America today. In case you were wondering what some more recent achievements of African-Americans we dove into the subject for our Friday list-down; so sit back, and get ready to brush up on your more recent African-American history.

1. In 2008, President Barack Obama became the 44th President, as well as the first African-American president of the United States. OK, so maybe that one isn’t so hard to remember.
2. In 1996, model and television host Tyra Banks was the first African-American woman to be on both the covers of GQ magazine and the Sports Illustrated the swimsuit edition.
3. In 2008, track star Usain Bolt became the first person in Olympic history to break three world records during the 2008 Olympic Games.
4. In 2010, Beyoncé Knowles won six Grammy’s in one night—the most wins in one night by any female artist.
5. Nominated in 2008, Susan Rice became the first African-American woman to hold the position of United Nations Ambassador and foreign policy advisor for the United States.
6. In 2001, actress Halle Berry became the first African-American woman to win an Oscar for Best in her role for Monster's Ball.
7. Olympic speed skater, Shani Davis became the first black athlete at the Winter Olympics to win a gold medal in an individual sport in 2006.
8. In 2001 Robert Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), became the first African-American billionaire in the United States.
9. In 1986, Oprah Winfrey was the first black female TV host, and in 2003 she became the first female U.S. billionaire.
10. Tiger Woods was the first African-American golfer to win the Masters tournament in 1997.
11. Dominique Dawes was the first African-American gymnast to win an individual event medal in 2000 for artistic gymnastics and the first African-American female gymnast to win an Olympic gold during the 1996 Olympics.

Did we forget something? Leave your suggestions in comments. Also be sure to check out our last list-down here.

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