10 Extraordinary Black Pioneers Who Have Received a Nobel Prize

Nelson Mandela (July 18, 1918 – Dec. 5, 2013)

Mandela was one of the leading voices fighting to end apartheid in South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison due to his activism and his willingness to fight a corrupt system. He became the first Black president of South Africa, running the country from 1994 to 1999. He earned the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1993.

Toni Morrison (born Feb. 18, 1931)

Morrison is one of America’s greatest authors and intellectuals. She has written numerous books focusing on race and gender issues. Morrison earned the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.