Who was the first black person to make singing rights for black people?

The first significant figure advocating for singing rights for Black people was Paul Laurence Dunbar, a poet and songwriter in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work highlighted the experiences and culture of African Americans, paving the way for future artists. However, it was the Harlem Renaissance, particularly figures like Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, who truly advanced the rights and recognition of Black artists in music. Their contributions laid the foundation for the ongoing fight for equality in the music industry.