17-year-old Claressa Shields recently became the first American boxer, and first African-American boxer to win an Olympic gold medal in women’s boxing. Tweet

Lillian Evanti, who was born Annie Lillian Evans, is credited as being the first African American to sing grand opera professionally. She was also one of the founders of National Negro Opera Company. Lillian Evanti also spoke five languages. Tweet

Philip Emeagwali is an expert in astronomy, physics, and math. The computers he invented are currently being used to forecast the weather and predict future global warming. Tweet

Biochemist and professor, Emmett Chappelle helped to discove a method of instantly detecting bacteria in water. His discovery helped to greatly improve the diagnosis of urinary tract infections. Tweet

James Mabary, who was born a slave, invented the cutter used to trim the soles of bots and shoes. Tweet

Lewis Howard Latimer invented the electric lamp and the carbon filament for the lightbulb. Tweet

Brooklyn native, Aprille Ericsson, is the first female, and the first African-American female, to receive a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Howard University. She is also the first African-American female to receive a Ph.D. in engineering at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Tweet

John Lee Love invented the portable pencil sharpener. He received a patent for it on November 23, 1897. Tweet

On this day in 1989, David Dinkins was voted the first African-American mayor of New York City. Also, on this day in 1989, L Douglas Wilder became the first African-American governor of Virgina since Reconstruction. Tweet