Numbering 45 million, around 15% of the United States’ population, African Americans have emerged on the pop culture scene in recent decades and have established a major presence, in fields from talk shows to music to film and more. Many big-name celebrities are black, and are popular across many demographics. Who are some of the biggest names, and how have they made their mark in the American public Sphere? African-American Music Today Jazz and blues were pioneered by African-Americans early in the 20th century, with figures such as Miles Davis and Louis Armstrong enrapturing the public even in a white-majority…