Petruce Jean-CharlesBettmann // Getty Images19 Black historical figures you probably didn't learn about in classFor many years, school curricula have limited their scope to the same Black figures throughout history. There is a growing nationwide movement pushing for a broader Black history curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of Black contributions. Carter was the first Black American woman to work as a Manhattan District Attorney Office prosecutor. She continued to break barriers as the first Black American woman to work at New York's corporation counsel office. She was the first Black American to win a Grand Slam title in 1956, winning the French Championships; the following year, she became the first Black American to triumph at Wimbledon.