Hands-on history

A movement of many faces: While many associate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. with civil rights, in reality many different types of people were involved in the movement -- people with sometimes radically different ideas and approaches as to how blacks should attain justice. Get a few of these perspectives in our gallery of civil rights leaders.

On the cutting edge: African-American innovators have revolutionized our society in myriad ways despite challenges posed by widespread discrimination over the last several centuries. Meet some of these master innovators in our interactive profile gallery.

Stamp on America: Thousands of African-Americans have put their stamp on history. Our interactive gallery highlights some of the legends and leaders immortalized by the U.S. Postal Service.

Making a difference: From the steam train to peanut butter to heart surgery, African-Americans have had a major impact on the world. Match the innovation and innovator in this hands-on game.

Moving pictures: The civil rights movement was about ideas and words, but it was above all about action. Watch some of African-American history's most important moments in Quicktime format.

Northern view: For six decades, Austin Hansen documented the great figures and grand structures of his chosen community, Harlem, a borough of New York. Check out some of his photos in this virtual gallery.