Often times, during elementary school, students participate in public programs, listen to speech recordings or make projects focusing on the leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Famous names like like Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah are bound to pop up in a conversation. These figures, among many other well-known individuals, have contributed much of their hard work, time and in so many cases, sacrificed their life and freedom in order to further the equality of African Americans in the United States. One important thing to note is that Black History does not start and end during the Civil Rights Era. There are numerous people, stretching from the early years of the U.S. establishment as a country to present day that have become inventors, educators, artist, politicians and activists, who have no been showcased to the public and appreciated for their achievements.
Here are just a few amazing women who give a whole new meaning to the term “girl power” and should also be celebrated this month.
Patricia Robert Harris was born on May 31, 1924 in Mattoon, Illinois. Harris was the first African American woman to hold a Cabinet position. She was the first to serve as a U.S. ambassador to Luxemburg and become the head of a law school. As an advocate for fair housing and employment, Patricia Roberts also worked as the secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Presidency of Jimmy Carter.
Born on September 8, 1954 in Tylertown Mississippi, Ruby Bridges was the fist African-American child to integrate an all-Caucasian elementary school. Due to the violent racism and anticipated mobs, Bridges had to be escorted to school by her mother and a few U.S. marshals. In 1999, she founded the Ruby Bridges Foundation, a corporation that promotes high moral standards, respect, and tolerance for others. She aims to utilize education in order to stop spreading the disease of racism and prejudice.
On September 11, 1890 Euphemia Lofton Hayes was born in Washington D.C. After graduating from High School, she received her master’s degree in the education from the University of Chicago. During that time, she founded the math department at Miners Teachers College, an institution centered on training and certifying African American teachers. An advocate for higher education, she continued her schooling and in 1943 became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics.
At the young age of three, she was given the nickname “Baby Contralto.” Marian Anderson, born on February 27th, 1897 became an internationally admired singer. She began singing for her local church and through training became a household name. With the invitation of former President Roosevelt and his wife, Marian Anderson was the first African American to perform at the White House. Her gift for singing continued to follow her; in 1955 she became the first African American to perform as a member of the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Dorothy Dandridge was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1922. She began in the entertainment at a young age by performing in a group with her sister Vivian as “The Wonder Children.” The duo was known for their famous song-and-dance routine around the South. In the 1930s their group grew to include Etta Jones; the three women performed at the famous Cotton Club in Harlem New York among other venues. Dorothy Dandridge eventually left the south for Los Angeles, in the search of fame. She was cast in numerous films such as Carmen Jones, Porgy and Bess and The King and I. International entertainment superstar; Dorothy Dandridge was the first African American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.
All of these women were trailblazers in their industry and paved the way for many that came after them. They endured racism, scrutiny, and prejudice in their pursuit to follow their dreams. Although this list of “firsts” includes some amazing women it does not scratch the surface of showcasing all prestige achievements of Black people to the United States. Black History Month may just be formally celebrated for 28 days but you can celebrate Black historical contributions all year long! So visit your campus library or just jump on the web and start learning!