FACES OF BLACK HISTORY 4

Faces of Black History 2026 — McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner/Operator Association

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Honored Figures — Faces of Black History 2026

The following individuals are honored as part of McDonald’s Faces of Black History 2026, recognizing leaders whose contributions shaped culture, history, and progress across generations.

Zelda Valdes

Zelda Valdes

Trailblazing Fashion Designer & Cultural Icon

Zelda Valdes was a pioneering fashion designer whose work reshaped American style and representation.
As one of the first Black women to own a boutique on Broadway in New York City, her influence reached
Hollywood, music, and high society. She designed iconic looks for Eartha Kitt, Ella Fitzgerald,
and other cultural legends, while also crafting the original Playboy Bunny costume.
Her legacy stands as a testament to creative excellence, entrepreneurship, and cultural impact.

Portrait of American educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune (1875 - 1955) with the United States Capital Building in the background, circa 1950. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune

Educator, Stateswoman & Architect of Opportunity

Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the most powerful architects of Black education and political influence in American history. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she founded what would become Bethune-Cookman University, creating pathways to higher education for generations of Black students.

Beyond education, Bethune served as a trusted advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and founded the National Council of Negro Women, ensuring Black women had a voice at the highest levels of government. Her legacy stands as a testament to leadership rooted in education, dignity, and nation-building.

Jesse Jackson Civil Rights Leader, Advocate & Political Trailblazer

Jesse Jackson

Civil Rights Leader, Advocate & Political Trailblazer

Reverend Jesse Jackson emerged as one of the most visible voices of the modern civil rights movement, bridging the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with contemporary political activism. As the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he expanded civil rights advocacy into economic justice, voter empowerment, and global human rights.

Jackson’s historic presidential campaigns reshaped American politics by elevating issues of equity, representation, and inclusion onto the national stage. His lifelong commitment to justice continues to influence generations of leaders and movements worldwide.

Eubie Blake

Eubie Blake

Composer, Pianist & Pioneer of American Music

Eubie Blake was a musical genius whose work helped define American popular music in the 20th century. A master composer and pianist, Blake co-created Shuffle Along, one of the first Broadway musicals written by and starring African Americans, breaking racial barriers in entertainment.

His contributions to ragtime, jazz, and musical theater laid foundational stones for modern American music. Blake’s legacy endures as a celebration of creativity, resilience, and cultural brilliance.

Olympic Champion & Symbol of Perseverance

Wilma Rudolph

Olympic Champion & Symbol of Perseverance

Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood illness and physical adversity to become one of the greatest athletes in history. At the 1960 Rome Olympics, she made history as the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Games.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Rudolph became a global symbol of determination and grace, inspiring generations to defy limitations and pursue excellence. Her legacy continues to resonate in sports, education, and empowerment worldwide.

shirley chisholm fundraiser 2x3 scaled

Shirley Chisholm

Political Pioneer & Voice for Representation

Shirley Chisholm shattered barriers as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination for President. Fearless and principled, she championed education, social justice, and equality throughout her career.

Chisholm’s leadership redefined what political courage looks like, opening doors for generations of women and people of color to step into public service. Her legacy is one of bold vision and uncompromising integrity.

Contemporary living history, institutional impact

Kamala Harris

Vice President of the United States & Living History Maker

Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to serve as Vice President of the United States. Her career spans roles as a prosecutor, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator, and national leader.

As a living symbol of progress and representation, Harris embodies the ongoing evolution of American democracy. Her presence at the highest level of government reflects both the strides made and the work that continues.

They Keep Coming — A Living Legacy

A continuing roll of trailblazers whose excellence, courage, and impact shaped history across generations. This living archive will continue to grow.

Sports & Competition

  • Muhammad Ali

  • Jackie Robinson

  • Jesse Owens

  • Joe Louis

  • Kobe Bryant

Civil Rights & Leadership

  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Malcolm X

  • Rosa Parks

  • Medgar Evers

  • Bayard Rustin

  • Thurgood Marshall

  • Colin Powell

Arts, Music & Culture

  • Duke Ellington

  • Leontyne Price

  • Sammy Davis Jr.

  • Madam C.J. Walker

  • George Washington Carver

This legacy roll represents only a portion of the leaders honored. Faces of Black History is a living record—continuously expanding as history continues to be made.

A Living Digital Archive

Faces of Black History is not a moment — it is a living digital record.
Curated, preserved, and powered by 360WiSE®.

Presented in partnership with the McDonald’s New York Tri-State Owner/Operator Association, reflecting a shared commitment to legacy, leadership, and community.