Tavis Smiley is a prominent figure in Black history as a well-known television and radio host, author, and advocate for social justice. He gained national recognition for his work as a political commentator and talk show host, particularly with his successful late-night television talk show, "Tavis Smiley," which aired on PBS from 2004 to 2017.

Throughout his career, Smiley has been a vocal advocate for issues affecting the African American community, including economic inequality, education, and civil rights. He has also written several best-selling books, including "Age of Obama: A Reporter's Journey with Clinton, McCain, and Obama in the Making of the President 2008" and "The Covenant with Black America."

However, Smiley's career has also faced controversy, including allegations of workplace misconduct and sexual harassment that led to the cancellation of his talk show on PBS. Despite these challenges, Tavis Smiley remains a significant figure in Black history for his contributions to media, political commentary, and activism.