African Americans
The power of the ballot [video]
The United States has embraced democracy throughout its history. See how the country has expanded the right to vote to empower its citizens.
These African-American women helped in World War I
Learn about the African-American women who, during World War I and its aftermath, supported black American soldiers stationed in France.
Smithsonian makes millions of images free to the public
Learn more about how you can freely download and use newly released images from the Smithsonian Institution's online database.
Do you know these three female civil rights heroes?
Meet three women whose dedication and skill put them on the front lines of the fight for civil rights for African Americans.
America’s first black Marines: The Montford Pointers
February is Black History Month in the U.S. Meet America's first black Marines, known as the Montford Pointers, and learn how they got their name.
African Americans honored in stamp series [photo gallery]
These photographs show some of the outstanding African Americans featured in the U.S. Postal Service's Black Heritage stamp series.
Remembering the man who inspired ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’
Learn about Josiah Henson, who escorted 118 enslaved people to freedom and whose life story inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to write "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
Get a free poster for Black History Month
The hope Martin Luther King Jr. shared in his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963 still rings true. This poster honors his commitment to equality.
Gambian works to protect girls from cutting ritual
Giving birth to a daughter inspired Jaha Dukureh to take action to end a painful and medically unnecessary procedure inflicted on girls around the world.