Tavis Smiley is a prominent figure in Black history as a journalist, author, and advocate for social justice. He is best known for hosting "The Tavis Smiley Show" on NPR and "Tavis Smiley" on PBS, where he interviewed a wide range of guests and discussed issues affecting the Black community.

Smiley has also written several books, including "The Covenant with Black America" and "Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year." He has been a vocal critic of racial inequality and economic injustice in the United States, using his platform to raise awareness and push for change.

In 2017, Smiley's career faced controversy when he was suspended and later fired by PBS following allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite this setback, Smiley's contributions to Black history as a journalist and advocate remain significant.