Huey P. Newton was an activist, scholar, and co-founder of the Black Panther Party, fighting for education, housing, and racial justice. Under his leadership, the Free Breakfast for Children Program fed kids in need, shaping today’s school meal programs. His legacy proves that knowledge is power.

Introducing Garrett Morgan, inventor of the three-position traffic signal! Before his 1923 design, roads were chaos. His work didn’t just improve safety—it shaped modern design. Learn more in my full article, https://brandrusso.com/stop-go-change-the-world/

Her's to Florence Griffith Joyner—Flo-Jo, if ya nasty. 💅🏾 The fastest woman in history, her 1988 records for 100m and 200m remain unbroken! 🏃🏾‍♀️💨 A track legend & cultural icon, she redefined style in sports with bold looks & 6-inch nails. A true force, her impact lives on. #FloJo #FastestWomanAlive

Meet Edmonia Lewis, the first internationally recognized Black & Indigenous sculptor—self-taught and groundbreaking. She shattered barriers with works like Forever Free & The Death of Cleopatra. A true pioneer in art & freedom. 10s across the board! 🎨✨ #EdmoniaLewis #BlackArtists #WomenInArt #BHM

omg i love this! I recently did a portrait of Diana Ross for my black history series! An Oscar nominee, a record-breaker, a queen. Honoring her legacy through art. 🎶✨ #DianaRoss #BlackHistoryMonth #TheWiz

Next in my portrait series: the incomparable Diana Ross. ✨ Motown icon, global legend, and the moment. From The Supremes to The Wiz, she redefined music, film, and Black excellence. An Oscar nominee, a record-breaker, a queen. Honoring her legacy through art. 🎶✨ #DianaRoss #BlackHistoryMonth #TheWiz

Continuing my portrait series with Chadwick Boseman—one of the first legends I watched rise to icon status. As the first Black actor to lead a Marvel film, he made history as King T’Challa in Black Panther and brought legends to life. His impact is eternal. 🖤✨ #BlackHistory #ChadwickBoseman

Next in my portrait series: Bessie Coleman—the first Black and Indigenous woman to earn a pilot’s license. Denied entry to U.S. flight schools, she moved to France, got certified, and became a stunt pilot. She fought segregation in aviation and paved the way for Black pilots. ✈️ #BessieColeman #BHM

Angela Davis’s impact on Black liberation, prison abolition, and education is immeasurable. I drew this portrait while mastering Illustrator’s pen tool—a challenge sparked by a professor’s comment (Capricorn energy!).

Her legacy is one of radical thought and fearless action. Honoring her always. ✊🏾