37. Edward Bouchet, Academic
Born the son of a freed slave, Edward Bouchet rose to academic heights unimaginable for his era. Only three US colleges accepted Black students when he finished high school. Edward gained admission to Yale and became the first Black man to receive a Ph.D. in United States history. He was only the sixth American of any race to earn a Ph.D. in physics. Despite his incredible achievements, his job options were severely restricted by his race. He ended up teaching at the Institute for Colored Youth for 26 years, inspiring countless young minds.
