On the eve of Black History Month, we have chronicled the top Black newsmakers of the first quarter of the 21st century to honor Black impact through legacy, liberty, and justice. Since the Trayvon Martin case propelled him into the national consciousness, civil rights attorney Ben Crump has accumulated a distinction unmatched by any other Black American in the first quarter of the 21st century. It is about forcing America to confront what it too often wants to ignore.”Crump ranks first among Black Americans most cited in national headlines from 2000 to 2026. It goes without saying that President Obama, being the first Black president in U.S. history, dominated the headlines between 2008 and 2016. “I would trade every headline if that meant Black people and poor people could achieve equal justice under the law.” Crump said.