---
title: Five Black Pioneers You Should Know About
date: 2022-02-08T05:30:00-05:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/five-black-pioneers-you-should-know-about"
section: Articles
---
# Five Black Pioneers You Should Know About

*February 8, 2022* — by [Karen Shih ’09](/author/karen-shih)


> UMD Faculty and Staff Share Stories of Overlooked Figures From American History

*Black History 1920x1080 — During Black History Month, take a minute to learn about creative and inspiring Black pioneers such as (from left) Samuel Cornish, Pat Parker, Theresa Harris, Manning Marable and Nannie Helen Burroughs.*

While Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks step to the forefront of school curricula in February, many more Black pioneers have made critical contributions to U.S. history, from theater to journalism to education.

“In my studies, there have been many lesser-known figures whose names are starting to appear now, as people increase their focus on diversity and inclusion,” said Georgina Dodge, vice president for diversity and inclusion, who earned a doctorate in English. “There’s so much history I’m steeped in that hasn’t been of interest, but it’s gratifying to see it come to pass now.”

During this Black History Month, Maryland Today asked University of Maryland faculty and staff to share stories of Black trailblazers who they suggest should be more widely recognized today.


*Theresa Harris portrait*



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*Samuel Cornish portrait*



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*Nannie Helen Burroughs portrait*



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*Manning Marable portrait*



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*Pat Parker portrait*



**Sidebar note:**

This is one of a series of Maryland Today features during Black History Month celebrating Terp faculty, staff, students and alums.





**Topics:** [Campus & Community](https://today.umd.edu/tags/campus-community)


**Tags:** [Black History Month](https://today.umd.edu/topic/black-history-month)