As reported earlier this week, the world stood still as Nelson Mandela, the former South African president, was once again hospitalized due to pneumonia. Today, reports indicate that Mandela is comfortable and able to breathe without problems as he continues to respond to heavy treatments.
Throughout the week, media, bloggers and his followers have reflected on all of his accomplishments during his reign from 1994-1999.
Check out our list of other great African American men, whose contributions to black America have changed our history for the better.
Nelson Mandela (1918-present)
Is a South African anti-apartheid activist, revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
Frederick Douglass (1818-1895)
Douglass was an abolitionist, orator, writer and statesman. Before and during the Civil War, Douglass fought ferociously against slavery, as he delivered many speeches throughout the United States on the subject. In addition, Douglas served as counsel to Abraham Lincoln during his efforts to abolish slavery.
George Washington Carver (1864-1943)
George Washington Carver, a son of slaves, was born in Missouri in 1864. During his lifetime, he would come to be known as a scientist and farmer. He developed hundreds of uses for peanuts, soybeans and sweet potatoes.
Sidney Poitier (1927 to present)
Sidney Poitier became the first African American actor to be a leading man in movies.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
Martin Luther King Jr. came to national prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Over the next thirteen years, King organized countless protests, marches, and boycotts that would help bring an end to racial segregation in the United States.
Benjamin Banneker (1731-1806)
Was the first black scientist.
Barack Obama (1961-present)
Obama made history as the first black President in November of 2008. He was reelected in 2012 for a second term.
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