1. November 1947: Introducing the iconic and multifaceted Lena Horne.

Horne navigated Hollywood on her own terms, refusing to accept stereotypical roles.

2. July 1949: Billie Holiday declares she is rehabilitated.

Sadly, Holiday died a few years later from complications due to drug and alcohol use.

3. June 1962: An intimate look at Dorothy Dandridge prior to her death.

Dorothy Dandridge was the first African-American woman to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her performance in Carmen Jones.

4. November 1962: Remembering Booker T. Washington and praising Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

5. June 1965: The Supremes at the height of their career.

From left to right: Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard.

6. January 1967: Nichelle Nichols paved the way for black women in television.

7. May 1971: Tina and Ike Turner.

8. November 1974: Marvin Gaye makes a comeback.

9. December 1983: Vanessa Williams, the first black Miss America.

A few short months later, in July 1984, Williams was stripped of this honor.

10. May 1984: Michael Jackson on top of the world.

11. February 1986: The Cosby Show changes the face of the American parent.

13. May 1991: Whitney Houston on the rise.

14. November 1991: Michael Jordan’s first retirement.

15. May 1999: Lauryn Hill becomes a superstar.