Emmett Jay Scott

Emmett Jay Scott, black author, editor, and civic leader, In 1897 Scott accepted an invitation from Booker T. Washington to become his private secretary. The move marked the beginning of an eighteen-year relationship that lasted until Washington's death in 1915. During these years Scott became Washington's chief adviser, confidant, and even ghostwriter. 

Charlye O. Farris,

Charlye O. Farris, became the first black  woman to be licensed to practice law in Texas, in May 1953. In 1954, she served as County Judge Pro Tem, becoming the first black person to serve as a judge in the South in any capacity since Reconstruction. 

Milton Murray Holland

Milton M. Holland, one of sixteen black soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor during the Civil War

Michael Lawrence Williams

Williams is the first African-American in Texas history to hold an executive branch elected position and is the highest-ranking African-American in state government. Former Governor George W. Bush appointed Michael Williams to the Railroad Commission in December 1998. In September 1999, he was chosen by his colleagues to chair the Commission and was elected statewide in  2000, 2002 and 2008. He is also the fourth African American to be elected to statewide office overall following Morris Overstreet, Wallace B. Jefferson, and Dale Wainwright.

 

Bass Reeves

Bass Reeves, the first black commissioned United States Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi River,