8. Standing Bear
Standing Bear was a chief of the Ponca Native American, who successfully won a legal case in Omaha in 1879. When Standing was allowed to make a speech during the trial, he said that although his skin color is different, when pricked he still feels the same pain and his blood is also red like any human being.
Standing Bear’s case is considered a landmark in the American legal history, where for the first time an Indian is considered a “person”, who is entitled to rights and protection; and under the law. The case gained the attention if President Hayes administration; Standing Bear and his followers were declared free.