Hawai'i was a land of promise for the former slave Anthony D. Allen, who settled on O'ahu in 1811 after being released by his New York master. Granted six acres in Waikiki, he rose to prominence and is credited with building one of the Islands' first schools. Since then, blacks have played significant roles in Hawai'i's history. Yet, with blacks making up less than 3 percent of the population today, they are often overlooked, says lawyer Daphne Barbee-Wooten.

While she has found Hawai'i to be a relatively accepting place, Faye Kennedy, president of the Hawaii Women's Political Caucus, said blacks may face discrimination in finding a rental, in schools and in the workplace.

"You have to realize there are problems," she says, citing the lack of black state lawmakers or judges as contributing to the "invisibleness" of blacks here.

But, says Barbee-Wooten, Barack Obama's presidential candidacy "makes people realize that we're not invisible and have something to contribute."

As Black History Month ends, the Advertiser looks at three blacks who made resonant contributions to the Islands and the world.

ALICE BALL

Age: 24 when she died in 1916

Originally from: Seattle

Occupation: Chemist

Achievements: In 1915, the first woman to win a master's degree from College of Hawaii (now the University of Hawai'i). Discovered first injectable chemical for treatment of Hansen's disease, or leprosy. College's first female chemistry instructor.

ERNEST HARRIS

Age: 78

Occupation: Research entomologist, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Originally from: North Little Rock, Ark.

Achievements: Ground-breaking work on fruit-fly eradication.

DONNIS THOMPSON

Age: 74

Originally from: Chicago

Occupation: Retired athletic director, coach

Achievements: UH-Manoa's first women's athletic director. During her tenure, 1971-1981, sports and scholarships for women increased sharply; first black state schools superintendent.

Inducted into Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.