10. James Augustine Healy (United States)
James Augustine Healy, the son of an Irish immigrant and an enslaved woman, broke barriers by becoming the first African American Catholic bishop in the United States. He and his siblings—many of whom also achieved remarkable prominence—carefully navigated racial passing to find success within a segregated society. The Healy family’s journey is a striking example of the complexities and nuances of race, identity, and ambition in 19th-century America. More here
