Biography ❯ Notable Figures

Civil Rights Activists

Women in History Claudette Colvin Harriet Tubman's Descendants Bobby Cain Norman C. Francis Opal Lee Thelma Mothershed Wair Jesse Jackson Viola Fletcher Hazel Dukes Survivors Betty Reid Soskin Joseph McNeil Musicians Viola Ford Fletcher

Norman C. Francis, Transformative Xavier University Leader and Civil-Rights Figure, Dies at 94

His 47-year presidency transformed Xavier into a national pipeline producing Black scientists and physicians.

Claudette Colvin, Pioneering Catalyst of Bus Desegregation, Dies at 86

Viola Ford Fletcher, Oldest Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Dies at 111

Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth, Recovering Well in Ohio Hospital