Top 10 Texas Black History Heroes in America.

There are many notable black historic figures from Texas. Each of them made significant contributions to black history of not only Texa, but the nation at large. Black Texans have made major contributions in politics, military events, music, and sports. The accomplishments of those Texans continue being discussed in history classes and homes throughout the nation.

1. Arthur "Jack" Johnson-After survivng the 1900 Galveston storm, he went on to become a famous boxer. Also known as "Papa Jack" or the "Galveston Giant", Johnson won the heavyweight boxing title in 1908, a time filled with racial tensions.He defeated Tommy Burns for the title in Sydney, Australia. He later fought in a heavy publicized match with James Jeffries (known as "The Great White Hope"). When Johnson defeated Jeffries, there were many race riots in the aftermath. The State of Texas went so far as to pass laws forbidding the showing of films in Texas documenting what occurred. Johnson later claimed further fame as an inventor for inventing a new type of wrench.

2. Bessie Coleman-In the aftermath of World War I, Bessie traveled to France in order to obtainer pilot's license. She broke ground for being one of the first woman aviators along with being the first black aviator. After obtaining her license, she travled the nation teaching other black women to fly at her exhibitions.

4. Scott Joplin-Joplin grew up in Texarkana, where a teacher saw his potential musical talent 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". He produced a grand opera, entitled Treemonisha, which received a Pulitzer Prize after his death.

3. Doris Miller-This young man from Texas served as a mess attendant on the USS West Virginia, stationed at Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked the American naval forces on December 7, 1941, Miller took action. When a nearby machine gun crew could no longer operate thier weapon, he stepped up and proceeded to take position and continue using the weapon. What was amazing was that he had received no training on the use of the weapon. Miller received a Navy Cross for his brave actions at Pearl Harbor.

5. Estavanico-Estavanico was a slave who survived the Narvarez expedition shipwreck. He explored Texas with Cabeza de Vaca. The accounts of thier journey inspired other conquistadors to explore the southwest. The Indians liked Estavanico and his prescense was often seen as a favorable omen that allowed the Spanish to proceed without being attacked. Estavanico later returned to Texas for a second expedition, known as the de Niza expedition.

6. Barbara Jordan-This woman from Texas made significant headway by winning election to the Texas Senate. She was the first black female elected State Senator in Texas in 1966. After distinguishing herself in the Senate, she was later elected a US Representative. While serving in the House of Representatives, she played a prominent role in the Watergate hearing and was known for her referring to the Constitution/Bill of Rights that she carried with her.

7. Colonel James Kemp Holland-James Holland was 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 gaining such a position was a notable achievement for his time being the first black to serve in a Texas Governor's administration.

8. Hendrick Arnold-Hendrick was a free black man who led one of the three forces of Texians when they attacked San Antonio in the early days of the Texas War for Independence. The force suceeded in capturing the city and the Alamo.

9. James Farmer-Throughout his life, James Farmer worked toward eliminating racial segregation. His efforts led to him taking stands advocting non-violent resistance including refusing to serve in segrgated military units during World War II. He served as the head of the Congress for Racial Equality (CORE). He led several boycotts in the State of Texas, including one at Prarie View A&M in his efforts to end racial segregation. For his efforts, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

James Farmer was also featured in the recent move, The Great Debaters, produced by Oprah and directed by Denzel Washington. Although the film portrays some historic incidents in Farmer's life, it remains highly fictionalized.

There were many other notable Texas blacks. Among them were Congressman Mickey Leland, the Buffalo soldiers fo the 41st and 24th Infantry along with the 9th Cavalry stationed in Texas. The buffalo soldiers also charged up San Juan Hill in the Spanish American War. It was the black color sergeant, George Barry of the 10th cavalry who planted the US flag on San Juan Hill. The Buffalo Soldier National Museum is located in Houston, Texas. It contains historic artifacts and memorabilia of these brave soldiers.

There were also some notable early black ranchers in Texas along with the musicians, Leadbelly, Barry White, Lightnin Hopkins, and Sly Stone. Sam Lightnin' Hopkins eventually performed for the Queen of England and in Carnegie Hall.