Most of us can agree Michiganders are special. But did you know that several key historical figures called the Mitten State home during key moments in their lives? From Michigan, these folks make indelible marks in American culture. Check them out for yourself.

14) Berry Gordy Jr.

This guy was the founder of Motown Records, without which, we would have never had such a rich tradition of R&B and popular soul music.

13) Isiah Thomas

This former, longtime giant of the NBA Detroit Pistons, was born in Chicago, but came of age in Bloomfield Hills.

12) Charles Lindbergh

This pioneering pilot, born in Detroit, became famous for flying a plane from New York to Paris. His story became tragic legend when his son was reportedly kidnapped and murdered in what was considered at the time to be "the crime of the century."

11) Joe Louis

Considered one of the best boxers of all time, Joe Louis was a worldwide heavyweight champion for a dozen years. He was born in LaFayette, Alabama, but he later moved to Detroit, where his likeness, in the form of a sculpture of his powerful fist, symbolizes determination.

10) Will Keith Kellogg

Better known as W.K. Kellogg, introduced the American public to a new way of eating breakfast.

9) Jimmy Hoffa

This powerful labor leader, who epitomized the face of the American labor movement.

8) Henry Ford

We in Michigan know industrialist Henry Ford led a complicated, and sometimes controversial life, but without his ingenuity in American manufacturing, we would have turned out a verrrrry different place.

7) Sojourner Truth, abolitionist

This abolitionist and women's rights activist was born a slave but fought, and won, her freedom, paving the way for civil rights. She was born in NY, but lived until her death in Battle Creek.

6) Malcolm X

Arguably one of the most important civil rights figures of the 1960s, Malcolm X was born in Omaha, Nebraska.

5) Magic Johnson

This former NBA All-Star, entrepreneur and HIV activist is originally from Lansing.

4) Aretha Franklin

This Motown legend's voice was so powerful it was once named a natural resource by the state of Michigan.

3) Norman Shumway, Kalamazoo

Where would many of our family members be without Shumway, the heart transplant pioneer?

2) Todd Beamer

This Flint native was one of the heroic passengers who tried to save United Airlines Flight 93 before it tragically crashed into a Pennsylvania field.

1) Rosa Parks

Originally born in Tuskegee, Alabama, the legendary civil rights icon lived in Detroit for many years, up to when she died in 2005.

As you can see, this list was compiled with a list of noted civil rights activists, entertainers, athletes and innovators. Is there anyone you think we should add? Let us know!