This book provides capsule biographies of 909 of the nation's most notable African Americans. The entries are arranged alphabetically, with all individuals meeting two general criteria for inclusion: They were born or they spent their childhoods in the United States; and they have played an important part in the development of African American children by serving as role models. Anyone who died before January 1, 1995, is not included.

Activists, artists, athletes, attorneys, authors, business owners, educators, engineers, entertainers, government officials, medical doctors, military leaders and scientists: each person in this book has played a major role in 20th-century America.

This book is a revision, with greatly expanded inclusion criteria, of the 1993 ""African American Generals and Flag Officers: Biographies of Over 120 Blacks in the United States Military"". It offers detailed, career-oriented summaries for men and women who often overcame societal obstacles to become ranking members of the armed forces. Persons from all branches are now included (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps), as well as the National Guard and Reserves.