Jack Johnson

John Arthur ("Jack") Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the "Galveston Giant," was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915). In a documentary about his life, Ken Burns notes, "for more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous and the most notorious African-American on Earth. 

Source: wikipedia | Library of Congress, Bain Collection

Canada Lee

Canada Lee, (March 3, 1907 — May 9, 1952) was an American actor who pioneered roles for African Americans. A champion of civil rights in the 1930s and 1940s, he died shortly before he was scheduled to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. (Lee has signed and inscribed this fine sepia toned photograph, stamped on verso, "A. Steiner Photographer...." "To my sister Helen Martin From her brother 'Bigger' Canada Lee.")

Source: David Schulson Autographs