Iconic Black Tennesseans

Morgan Freeman

June 1, 1937- 

Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee

Morgan Freeman is a world-renowned actor, known for his roles in movies such as The Shawshank Redemption, Glory, Batman Arkham Knight series, etc. Outside of his many acting roles, Freeman has helped establish many Charities and foundations giving back to the communities he grew up in. 

DeFord Bailey

December 14, 1899 – July 2, 1982

Birthplace: Smith County, Tennessee

DeFord Bailey is one of the most influential musicians along with helping create a culture for Black musicians in country music. Bailey would move to Nashville in his early adult life to further his music career getting many opportunities to play smaller venues. He would get his biggest break on WSM Barn Dance. Giving him access to a bigger audience and beginning the start of his true stardom. He would become known as the country music’s first African American star. 

Tina Turner

November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023

Birthplace: Brownsville, Tennessee 

Dubbed the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, Tina Turner’s career was not always sunshine and rainbows. She was a victim of domestic abuse and faced sexism in her chosen career path. Through all this, she still prevailed and released chart topping songs such as What’s Love Got To Do With It and The Best along with many more. 

Wilma Glodean Rudolph 

June 23, 1940 – November 12, 1994

Birthplace: Clarksville, Tennessee 

Wilma Glodean Rudolph was told as a child that she would never walk again after many battles with polio and scarlet fever. As she grew older, she slowly began to become more active and got more involved with basketball and track. She would go on to compete in the Olympics winning three gold medals and one bronze. She would earn the title of “Fastest Woman in the World.”

Hulda Margaret Lyttle

1889–August 7, 1983

Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee

Hulda Margaret Lyttle was a pioneer in modern medicine for Black women. She was the first Black woman to pass the Tennessee nursing exam. She would continue her education at Lincoln Hospital’s School of Nursing in New York. She would later return to Nashville, becoming head nurse at Hubbard Hospital. She would also serve as vice president and president of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses.

Nikki Giovanni

June 7, 1943 – December 9, 2024

Birthplace: Knoxville, Tennessee

Nikki Giovanni wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a poet, writer, educator and civil rights activist. She came to notoriety with the writing that became popular during the Civil Rights Movement. She began to gain the title of “Poet of the Black Revolution”. Along with this, she won many awards, such as the NAACP Image Award and the Langston Hughes Medal. 

William Herbert Brewster, Sr.

July 2, 1897 – October 15, 1987

Birthplace: Somerville, Tennessee

William Herbert Brewster Sr. was a man of faith who led his church for over 55 years. However, he did so much more for the communities that he was a part of. He would write gospel music that would become a part of every church choir. Along with that, he played a large role in the civil rights movement by using his platform to preach to African Americans all across the South.  

Mary Frances Berry

February 17, 1938- 

Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee

Mary Frances Berry received her PH.D from the University of Michigan. Afterwards, she would go into public service being appointed Assistant secretary of education. She would move up in position steadily, but she was a very big opponent to many of the Regan administration’s ideals. She also went on to help found the Free South Africa Movement.