In Honor of Black History Month... …

1. In Honor of Black History Month...…

2. Famous African-Americans from Mississippi

3. There are many African-Americans throughout history that have contributed their lives to better our lives. Many of them are from our very on state.

4. The following are just a few African-Americans from Mississippi that have impacted the world

5. Bo Diddley

6. Bo Diddley • Famous Guitar Player • Born in McComb, MS • Was named Ellas Otha Bates • Raised by his mother’s cousin • Moved to Chicago at age 7 • In the 1950s created his stage name “Bo Diddley”

7. Bo Diddley • Known for his own style of music called the “Bo Diddley Beat” • Has a trademark rectangle guitar called “The Twang Machine” • Famous song “Hey Bo Diddley” http://music.msn.com/artist/?artist=16113316&menu=songs&jpp=25

8. Bo Diddley’s Achievements • 1 of the founding fathers of Rock & Roll • 1987 inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame • 1996 received Lifetime Achievement Award by Rhythm & Blues Foundation • 1998 Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award

9. James Earl Jones

10. James Earl Jones • Born January 17, 1931 in Arkabutla • Raised by his grandparents • Pretended to be mute in school. Spoke only by writing • At the age of 5 his family moved to Michigan

11. James Earl Jones • Famous for his deep, distinctive voice • Acted in many movies such as The Great White Hope, Coming to America and Roots II. • Was the voice of King Mufasa in The Lion King • Was the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars

12. B.B. King

13. B.B. King • World famous musician • Known for being one of the greatest blues guitarist of the 20th century • “The Thrill Is Gone” • Nicknamed the “King of the Blues” songs

14. B.B. King • Born Riley B. King in 1925 in Itta Bena • Was sent to live with his grandmother in Kilmichael after his mother left his father. • Began playing music in his church • Moved to Memphis in 1946 • Nicknamed his famous guitar Lucille

15. Walter Payton

16. Walter Payton • Played in NFL from 1975-1987 for Chicago Bears • Career Stats: 110 TDs, 16,726 rushing yds • Position: halfback • 9 time Pro-Bowler • 2 time NFL Player of the Year • 1985 SuperBowl XX winners-the Bears

17. Walter Payton • Born July 25, 1954 in Columbia, MS • Died November 1, 1999 • Raised in MS and attended Jackson State University • Heisman Nominee • 1st round draft, 4th pick • 1975 finihsed 2nd on Soul Train • Motto: “Never die easy”

18. Charley Pride

19. Charley Pride • Born & raised on a farm in Sledge, MS • Taught himself to play guitar at the age of 14. • In the 1950s played baseball with Negro American League’s Memphis Red Sox • Today resides in Dallas, Texas and works out with the Texas Rangers

20. Charley Pride • Became a famous country music singer • “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” • RCA Record’s 2nd all time in sales; Elvis is 1st • CMA Entertainer of the Year 1971 • Top Male Vocalist 1971 & 1972 • 1st African-American to join the Grand Ole Opry • 1999 received start on Hollywood Walk of Fame • 2000 inducted into Country Music Hall of Fame Songs

21. Jerry Rice

22. Jerry Rice • Born the son of a brick layer in Crawford MS • Learned to catch by his brother throwing him bricks while helping their father • Attended MS Valley State University • Was named All American and Ninth in Heisman Trophy ballots

23. Jerry Rice • NFL Wide Receiver • San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle • 1985 Rookie of the Year • Regular Season Record: 1549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yds, 208 TDs • 13 Pro Bowls, 1995 Pro Bowl MVP • 1988 SuperBowl MVP

24. Jerry Rice • Recently competed in Dancing With The Stars, finishing in 2nd place • Currently lives in San Francisco with his wife and children

25. O Oprah Winfrey

26. Oprah Winfrey • Born in Kosciusko, MS where she lived with her grandmother • Learned to read aloud and perform recitations at the age of 3 • From ages 6-13 she lived with her mother in Milwaukee, Wisconsin • After being molested and abused, she was sent to a juvenile detention home. She was turned away because it was full.

27. Oprah Winfrey • Moved with her father in Nashville at age 13. He made her read a book every week and do a report. • Attended Tennessee State University • 1984 selected to host “AM Chicago” • 1985 show’s name was changed to “Oprah Winfrey Show”

28. Oprah • Nominated for an Oscar & Golden Globe for The Color Purple • Owns a production company- Harpo • Named 100 most influential people of the 20th Century by Time magazine • 1st African-American Woman to become a billionaire

29. Morgan Freeman

30. Morgan Freeman • Award-winning actor • Born June 1, 1937 in Memphis, TN • As an infant, moved to his grandmother’s in Charleston, MS • Later moved to Greenville, MS & Chicago, IL • Age 8 played lead role in school play; age 12 won statewide drama competition • 1955-Joined the Airforce

31. Morgan Freeman • Moved to LA to pursue acting • In 1970’s performed on tv’s The Electric Company • Movies: Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, Million Dollar Baby, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves • Narrorated March of the Penguins

32. Morgan Freeman • Won Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, nominated for Oscar & Golden Globe • 2003 Received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame • Hollywood Film Fest’s Oustanding Achievement in Acting • Currently lives in Charleston & co-ownes Madidi restaurant & GroundZero nightclub in Clarksdale