Throughout my academic career, when Black history month came, schools focused primarily on prominent Black male figures. That list is very extensive, which is great, however, when discussing Black females in history, we only focused on two main Black women in history: Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks. As a Black woman in today’s society, it is hard at a young age to find Black women in history that made history. To this day, Black women are not getting the recognition, highlighting the “underdogs” of Black females that need to be highlighted in school history.
- Sojourner Truth
Born into slavery in New York, she endured the horrors of bondage before escaping to freedom with her infant daughter. Truth became a powerful advocate for abolitionism, delivering her iconic “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio, highlighting the intersectionality of race and gender in the fight for equality. Her stirring oratory, coupled with her unwavering commitment to justice, inspired generations of activists and paved the way for the advancement of civil rights. Truth’s legacy as a courageous truth-teller and tireless advocate for marginalized communities continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring importance of speaking truth to power in the pursuit of freedom and equality for all.
- Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou, an iconic poet, author, and civil rights activist, captivated the hearts and minds of millions with her eloquent words and unwavering resilience. Through her literary works, including the groundbreaking autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Angelou fearlessly confronts themes of racism, identity, and trauma, offering solace and inspiration to countless readers around the world. Her eloquent prose and poignant poetry continue to resonate with audiences, serving as a beacon of hope and empowerment in the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. Angelou’s enduring legacy as a champion of humanity and empathy reminds us of the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of using our voices to create positive change.
- Madam C.J. Walker
Born Sarah Breedlove, she was a remarkable entrepreneur and philanthropist who overcame adversity to become one of the most successful African-American businesswomen of her time. Rising from poverty as the daughter of former slaves, Walker revolutionized the hair care industry by developing and marketing a line of beauty and hair products specifically for African-American women. Through her innovative marketing strategies and tireless advocacy, she not only achieved immense financial success but also empowered countless women to pursue economic independence and self-confidence. Walker’s legacy extends beyond her business achievements; she was also a prominent philanthropist and advocate for social causes, contributing significantly to education and charitable organizations. Her life story serves as a testament to the power of determination, entrepreneurship, and upliftment in the face of adversity.
- Bell Hooks
If you have ever taken a gender or feminist class, then this name might seem familiar to you. To me, she is a pillar in the feminist theories and activism. With a distinctive lowercase pen name to shift focus from the individual to the ideas, hooks challenged conventional notions of feminism and advocated for a more inclusive and accessible movement that addressed the experiences of women of color and marginalized communities. Through her numerous writings, including “Ain’t I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism” and “Feminist Theory: From Margin to Center,” hooks sought to dismantle systems of oppression and foster dialogue around social justice. Her insightful critiques of power dynamics and her commitment to intersectional feminism continue to shape contemporary discourse on gender, race, and equality, leaving an enduring legacy in academia and activism alike.
- Bessie Coleman
A pioneering aviator in the early 20th century, Coleman defied racial and gender barriers to become the first African-American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Born to a family of sharecroppers in Texas, Coleman faced significant adversity and discrimination in her pursuit of aviation. Undeterred, she traveled to France, where she obtained her pilot’s license in 1921, as opportunities for Black aviators were severely limited in the United States at the time. Coleman’s determination and courage inspired generations of African-Americans and women to pursue their dreams despite formidable obstacles. Her legacy as a trailblazer in aviation continues to resonate, serving as a beacon of empowerment and resilience.
- Kathrine Johnson
Kathrin Johnson is an African-American mathematician, who made an indelible mark on space exploration through her exceptional contributions to NASA’s early space missions. Johnson’s precise calculations were instrumental in ensuring the success of critical orbital trajectories, including the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Her groundbreaking work not only shattered racial and gender barriers but also exemplified the vital role of mathematics in space exploration. Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire generations of aspiring scientists and mathematicians, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
Black history often gets overlooked by so many different factors, which is incredibly upsetting. Being Black is something that I am proud of, but there are more than two Black women that I think that all schools should be able to highlight. In our classes, we get taught about slavery and how the slaves became free. Hearing these stories, even now four years into my college career, can be a bit gloomy— these are the ladies that also deserve the spotlight for their own contributions to history. Us Black women have way more to offer.