The Tuskegee Study is one of the most infamous medical studies ever conducted. From 1932 to 1972, the federal government studied the long-term effects of syphilis on 399 Black men. The study involved blood tests, x-rays, spinal taps, and autopsies of the subjects. The men were never treated for the disease and were never told the true nature of their illness.

Barack Obama made history when he became president in 2008, but his election was made possible partially by the hard work of the many African American politicians who came before him. Even before the abolition of slavery, African Americans held political office, although they have not had an easy time of it. This historical overview of black politicians in the United States enhances classroom learning by bringing to light little-known facts, supported by primary sources and a timeline of important events.