Black People who changed the world
Priests, Prophets & Philosophers
Imhotep (fl. 2668-2648 B.C.E.)
Born into a commoner family, Imhotep’s intelligence was tangible from an early age, and he quickly acceded to the position of chief architect to the Third Dynasty Pharoah Djoser (r. 2688-2668 B.C.E.), the first recorded architect we know by name. Imhotep later became famous as a priest and doctor, again the first named medical practitioner in at least Egypt, known for his skill as a pharmacist and treater of conditions including appendicitis, gout and arthritis. Imhotep’s most important legacy, however, is that he is the first individual we know of to become deified (glorified as a God) after death- the first recorded human root of religion. During the Late Period of Egypt he became the God of Medicine (bronze Imhotep statues similar to the one pictured became a compulsory possession of all practicing doctors), and records of his worship extend in Greece and the Middle East until the 7 th century A.C.E.
Martin Luther King (1929-1968)
King was a clergyman turned political activist from Atlanta, Georgia in the heart of Americas' deep South. Inspired by Gandhi, he supported civil disobedience (non-violent struggle), mobilising both the Black and pro-equality white community in sit-ins, freedom rides (bus rides where Black and white people sat together in solidarity, a direct legacy of Parks ’ work) and mass rallies, including his iconic ‘ I have a dream …’ speech. His work focussed on Black equality and justice through voting rights, better housing and education, but tragically was assassinated before his vision became reality.
Bishop Wilfred Wood (born 1936)
Born in Barbados in 1936, Wood immigrated to Britain in 1962, becoming curate of St. Stephen’s Church, Shepherd’s Bush, a position held until 1974. In 1985, he was appointed Bishop of Croydon, becoming the first Black bishop appointed by the Anglican Church, a position in which he remained until 2003.
