Booker Taliaferro Washington (1856 – 1915) was a prominent African-American educator, author, and orator, renowned for his influential leadership during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born into slavery, Washington's dedication to education and self-improvement propelled him to become the primary leader in the African-American community and the contemporary Black elite. His notable achievements include founding the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, advocating for African-American businesses, and fostering economic strength and pride within the community through education and self-help. Washington's Atlanta Address of 1895 and his autobiography, "Up from Slavery," further solidified his national prominence. He was the first black person to publicly meet a president on equal terms when he dined with Theodore Roosevelt at the White House. Although criticized for accommodating white supremacy, Washington's legacy has undergone a revisionist view in the late 20th century, interpreting his actions positively. His impact on African-American progress through education and entrepreneurship, as well as his strategic manipulation of the American political system, led to his era being called the Age of Booker T. Washington. Despite facing criticism, his contributions to the civil rights movement have sparked ongoing debate and reevaluation of his historical significance.

Booker T. Huffman Jr., widely known as Booker T, is a prominent figure in American professional wrestling. Born on March 1, 1965, he has had an illustrious career in various wrestling organizations including World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E), and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Holding an impressive 35 championships across these organizations, Booker T is renowned for his record-setting achievements, including being the most decorated wrestler in WCW history and a six-time world champion in professional wrestling. Notably, he was the final WCW World Heavyweight Champion and WCW United States Heavyweight Champion under the WCW banner. Booker T's contributions to the wrestling world have solidified his legacy, earning him inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame and cementing his status as a two-time Hall of Famer. Beyond his wrestling career, Booker T has also ventured into commentary and independent promotion, further showcasing his versatility and enduring impact on the sport. Born in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, Booker T overcame personal challenges and pursued his passion for wrestling, eventually leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and arranger, renowned for being the frontman of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Born on November 12, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, Jones displayed musical talent from an early age, mastering multiple instruments and collaborating with future stars during his high school years. His professional music career began at the age of 16 when he played saxophone on Satellite Records' first hit. Jones's pivotal role in forming the iconic group Booker T. and the MGs, as well as his contributions to numerous hit songs, solidified his status as a music legend. In addition to his successful career with the band, Jones ventured into producing and collaborating with other musicians, earning accolades and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. His legacy is further enriched by his Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing his significant influence and contributions to music.

Booker Little Jr. (April 2, 1938 – October 5, 1961) was a highly regarded American jazz trumpeter and composer who made a significant impact on the jazz scene despite his short career. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, to a musically inclined family, Little's early exposure to music led him to gravitate towards the trumpet at a young age. He honed his talents at Manassas High School in Memphis and later continued his studies at the Chicago Conservatory, where he met influential musicians such as Sonny Rollins. Little's career took off when he joined Max Roach's band and made his recording debut on "Max Roach + 4 on the Chicago Scene." He also recorded albums as a leader, showcasing his exceptional trumpet skills and composition talents. Little's freelancing period saw him collaborating with prominent musicians like John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 23, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking recordings and a profound influence on the jazz genre.

Booker Telleferro Ervin II (October 31, 1930 – August 31, 1970) was an influential American tenor saxophonist known for his powerful sound and bluesy phrasing. Born in Denison, Texas, Ervin initially learned to play trombone from his father before teaching himself the tenor saxophone during his time in the United States Air Force. He further honed his skills at Berklee College of Music and went on to work with renowned bassist Charles Mingus. Ervin's unique playing style and collaborations with Mingus and other jazz greats solidified his reputation as a masterful saxophonist. His impact on the jazz scene extended to his leadership of his own quartet, recording with esteemed musicians, and captivating live performances in the United States and Europe. Ervin's untimely death at the age of 39 left a void in the jazz community, but his legacy lives on through his recorded works and the enduring influence he had on fellow artists. His contributions have been commemorated in various tributes, and his discography as a leader and sideman showcases his significant contributions to the genre.