1859-1919  John Merrick began as a shoeshine boy, became a successful barber and barbershop owner, and ultimately built a regional financial empire in North Carolina.
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1867-1919  Madam C.J. Walker invented and marketed a line of hair and skin-care products specially designed for the needs of black women. She and her
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1745?-1818  Jean Baptiste Pointe Du Sable was an intrepid pioneer and settler in the areas now known as Peoria and Chicago, Illinois. His foresight in
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1766-1842 James Forten used his success as a sailmaker in Philadelphia to advance the abolitionist cause. He founded numerous organizations to aid recently freed or
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