Years competed: Late 19th century to early 20th century

Importance: First African American world heavyweight boxing champion, broke racial barriers in sports.

Years competed: Early 20th century

Importance: Multi-sport athlete, won Olympic gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon, one of the greatest American athletes of all time.

Years competed: 1934-1951

Importance: Legendary heavyweight boxer, symbolized resilience during the Great Depression and racial equality, held the heavyweight title for over 11 years.

Years competed: 1947-1956

Importance: Broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, first African American to play in the MLB, paving the way for racial integration in sports.

Years competed: 1947-1959

Importance: Second African American to break the color barrier in MLB, helped pave the way for racial integration in professional baseball.

Years competed: 1940s-1950s

Importance: First African American woman to win a Grand Slam title in tennis, breaking racial barriers in the sport.

Years competed: Late 1950s to early 1960s

Importance: First African American to win the Heisman Trophy, broke racial barriers in college football.

Years competed: 1960-1981

Importance: Legendary boxer, three-time world heavyweight champion, outspoken on civil rights and social justice issues.

Years competed: 1954-1976

Importance: Baseball legend, broke Babe Ruth's home run record, faced racism during his career.

Years competed: 1996-present

Importance: Dominant golfer, changed the perception of race in golf, won numerous major championships.

Years competed: Late 1990s-2019

Importance: Japanese baseball icon, MLB's first Japanese position player, achieved 3,000 hits in the MLB.

Years competed: 2002-2011

Importance: Chinese basketball star, brought global attention to the NBA, served as a cultural bridge between China and the United States.

Years competed: 1978-2000

Importance: Hall of Fame quarterback, broke barriers as an African American quarterback in the NFL.

Years competed: 1994-present

Importance: Tennis legend, multiple Grand Slam singles titles, helped redefine women's tennis.

Years competed: 1995-present

Importance: One of the greatest tennis players, multiple Grand Slam singles titles, transcended the sport.

Years competed: 2011-2016

Importance: NFL quarterback turned activist, took a knee during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, sparked a movement in sports activism.