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 

Joseph Laroche

Joseph Philippe Lemercier Laroche (May 26, 1886–April 15, 1912) was a Paris-educated Haitian engineer. He was the only black passenger on the ill-fated voyage of the RMS Titanic. He got his pregnant French wife and their two daughters onto a lifeboat; they survived, but he himself did not.

Source: wikipedia | neatorama