There are many notable black historical figures from Texas. Each of them made significant contributions to black history not just for Texas, but for the nation as a whole. Black Texans have made significant contributions in politics, military events, music, and sports. The accomplishments of those Texans continue to be discussed in history classes and in homes across the country.

After surviving the Galveston storm of 1900, Arthur ‘Jack’ Johnson made a name for himself in the boxing world. At the time, boxing for money was considered a criminal activity, even though it was popular. In Texas, heavyweight boxing matches were illegal. Some of the governors of that period sent the Texas Rangers to close out the boxing matches.

Johnson became known as “Papa Jack” or the “Galveston Giant”, Johnson won the heavyweight boxing title in 1908, a time fraught with racial tensions. He defeated Tommy Burns for the title in Sydney, Australia. Since many whites didn’t like him winning the title, he arranged for a follow-up match with James Jeffries, who came out of retirement for the special fight. Jeffries was known as “The Great White Hope” in pre-fight publicity. When Johnson defeated Jeffries, race riots broke out in many cities as a consequence. The state of Texas went so far as to pass laws prohibiting the showing of films in Texas documenting what happened for fear that it would incite race riots. Johnson later claimed more fame as an inventor for inventing a new type of wrench.

Another innovative Texan was Bessie Coleman. When she was young, Bessie was fascinated by airplanes and flying. After World War I, she Bessie traveled to France to obtain a pilot’s license, as women were not allowed to obtain a license as pilots at that time. She led the way by being one of the first female aviators as well as being the first black female aviator. After obtaining her license, she traveled across the country teaching other black women to fly in her exhibitions.

Texan Scott Joplin also set new frontiers in music. Joplin grew up in Texarkana, Texas, where a teacher saw potential musical talent in him and worked to develop it. Joplin went on to develop a musical style known as ragtime. Joplin referred to himself as the “King of Ragtime”. His music gained popularity through ‘piano rolls’. The rolls allowed the player pianos to reproduce the sounds. Joplin’s distinctive sounds became the basis for the further development of a musical genre known as ‘jazz’. He also produced a grand opera, titled Treemonisha, which received a Pulitzer Prize after his death.

When the world went to war, one of those who served was Doris Miller. This young man from Texas served as a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia battleship, stationed at Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked US naval forces on December 7, 1941, Miller took action. When a nearby machine gun crew could no longer operate her weapon, she stepped forward and proceeded to take up position and continue to use the weapon. What was surprising was that she had received no training in the use of the weapon. Miller received an Army Cross for her brave actions at Pearl Harbor. Doris Miller was later killed in action when she sank the ship on which she was serving.

The first recorded achievements by a black in Texas were by Estavanico. Estavanico was a slave who survived the shipwreck of the Narvarez expedition. He explored Texas with Cabeza de Vaca. Accounts of his voyage and encounters with local Indian tribes inspired other conquistadors to explore the Southwest. His stories included episodes of early surgery, tribal practices, and rumors of cities of gold. The Indians liked Estavanico and his presence was often seen as a favorable omen allowing the Spanish to advance without being attacked. Normally, the Indians attacked the Spanish without hesitation. Estavanico’s presence allowed Cabeza de Vaca to survive many of those early encounters. Estavanico then returned to Texas to lead a second expedition, known as the Nice expedition.

A modern pioneer for black women in Texas was Barbara Jordan. As a young student at Harvard, Barbara Jordan was heavily involved in politics. She gained notoriety as a debate champion and worked for the Kennedy campaign when she lived in the Boston area, where she attended school. This Texas woman made significant strides by winning the Texas Senate election. She was the first black woman elected to a state senator in Texas in 1966. After distinguishing herself in the Senate, she was elected to serve as a United States Representative. While serving in the House of Representatives, she played a prominent role in the Watergate hearing and was known for referring to the Constitution/Bill of Rights that she carried with her along with her excellent speaking skills. After retiring from politics, she became a professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

One man whose life was surrounded by rumors and controversy was Colonel James Kemp Holland. James was half black and half white. James Holland became the highest ranking black serving in the Confederate Army. He also served as an aide to Governor Pendlenton Murrah of Texas during the war. His obtaining such a post was a remarkable achievement for his time, as he was the first black to serve in a Texas governor’s administration. Since one of his parents was white, his race is often hotly debated both then and now. His achievement in achieving officer status at a time when the United States military remained segregated is remarkable.

Another early black military hero in Texas was Hendrick Arnold. Hendrick was a free black man who led one of three forces of armed Texans when they attacked San Antonio in the early days of the Texas War for Independence. The force managed to capture the city and the Alamo. Hendrick was a key figure in what became known as the Battle of Bejar, which helped Texas win its freedom.

A modern freedom fighter was James Farmer. Throughout his life, James Farmer worked to desegregate. His efforts led him to take positions advocating nonviolent resistance, including a refusal to serve in segregated military units during World War II. Taking the position of refusing to serve was controversial at the time. Later, he served as director of the organization he founded known as Congress for Racial Equality (CORE). He led several boycotts in the state of Texas, including one at Prairie View A&M in his efforts to end racial segregation. For his efforts, he later received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

James Farmer also appeared in the recent movement, “The Great Debaters,” produced by Oprah and directed by Denzel Washington. Although the film portrays some historical incidents in Farmer’s life, it remains highly fictional. The real 1935 Wiley College debate team traveled west, not north, where they faced off against the University of Southern California debate team. They never debated Harvard as shown in the movie. The team encountered a lynching shortly after it occurred, which was traumatizing.

There were many other notable blacks from Texas. Among them were Congressman Mickey Leland, Buffalo soldiers from the 41st and 24th Infantry along with the 9th Cavalry stationed in Texas. Buffalo soldiers also climbed San Juan Hill in the Spanish–American War. It was Black Sergeant George Barry of the 10th Cavalry who planted the American flag on Cerro San Juan. The National Buffalo Soldier Museum is located in Houston, Texas. It contains historical artifacts and memorabilia from these brave soldiers.

There were also some notable early black ranchers in Texas, such as Bill Pickett. These men established their own ranches instead of working for others. His early efforts earned the respect of the other ranchers and ranchers in the area during a time when the cattle business was difficult.

There were also many notable musicians from Texas. Lead Belly, Barry White, Lightnin Hopkins, and Sly Stone were all from Texas. Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins finally performed for the Queen of England and at Carnegie Hall. Each of these men earned a place in the hall of fame for their diverse styles of music.

There were also notable black achievements in the field of education. lawrence williamyes he has been a role model in establishing himself as a world class mathematician from Texas. Former slave Matthew Gaines eventually became a state senator and was instrumental in promoting free public education in Texas and the founding of Texas’ first university, Texas A&M. William Goyens was a free black from the early Republic of Texas known for his business sense and creativity. He established his own business and was widely read. Many of the early leaders of the Republic frequently consulted William Goyens, as they valued his advice and experience.