By: Nyla Adams
Since growing up I have been taught that being Black and women is a superpower. Black women have a long history of setting the pace, creating trends unintentionally and advocating for those underrepresented communities. Black women have the superpower of making a way out of no way. In honor of Black History Month, here is a list of 10 Black trailblazing women who have made history and allowed other Black women to follow in their footsteps.
- Misty Copeland
Misty Danielle Copeland was born on September 10, 1982 in Kansas City, Missouri and was raised in San Pedro, California. Copeland was raised by her single mother along with her five siblings in an unstable household. Living in this household inspires Copeland to use dancing as her creative outlet at her local Boys and Girls club. At this club she discovered her ballet skills and was encouraged to take more formal ballet classes. Starting traditional ballet classes at 13, which is considered late to this style of dance. Copeland was able to defy the odds by winning the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Award. Misty Copeland eventually broke history as ABT’s first African American female principal ballerina in their 75 year history. Copeland’s story allows young Black dancers to believe in their ability to defy all odds and shows that at any age you can be who you truly desire.
2. Angela Davis
Angela Davis was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1944. Davis was exposed to racism at a young age as Birmingham was one of the biggest segregated cities in the country. Davis earned a scholarship to study French Literature at Brandeis university in Massachusetts. After graduating, she studied in Germany and completed a PHD in philosophy. After completing school and coming back to the United States, she started getting involved in the civil rights movement and was drawn to the Black Panther party. Davis did not whole heartedly agree with the politics of the Black Panther party and didn’t like the divide between the members based on gender. Davis fought hard for civil rights of Black people and even ended up on the most wanted list at one point even though she was innocent. Davis is currently a professor at University of California at Santa Cruz still advocating for the rights of African American and LGBTQ communities.
3. Beyonce
Beyonce Gisele Carter was born on September 4, 1981 in Houston, Texas. Beyonce started her career very young in her first girl group called “Girls Tyme”. It wasn’t until 1997 when Destiny’s Child was created, turning her into a worldwide superstar. While in Destiny’s Child, Beyonce earned two grammys. Now, Beyonce is the most awarded and nominated artist in Grammy history with a total of 35. Throughout Beyonce’s career she has proven on numerous occasions that she is the superstar of many generations. Beyonce’s story has inspired many young women to follow their dreams and to be outspoken about their craft.
4. Shirley Chisholm
Without the determination of Shirley Chisholm, Kamala Harris’s path would not have been possible. Shirley Chisholm was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 30, 1924 to two immigrant parents. Chisholm graduated from Brooklyn College Cum Laude in 1946 and was encouraged by her professors to seek a political career. Chisholm was hesitant due to being Black and a woman, she had never seen anyone attempt this career that looked like her. While Chisholm was working as a nursery school teacher, she began to involve herself in politics and involved herself with her local League of Women Voters chapter. In 1964, Chisholm became the second African American in the New York State Legislator and four years later won a seat in congress. In 1972, Chisholm went on a journey to seek Democratic Party presidential nomination becoming the first Black Woman to run for president. Shirley Chisholm’s story allowed other Black women to involve themselves in civic engagement during times where women were not wanted.
5. Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman dedicated her life to abolition of slavery as she was conducting the Underground Railroad bringing around 70 Black enslaved people to freedom in the North. Tubman was born into slavery in 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Tubman often experienced chronic pain such as seizures and sleeping spells due to her pain inflicted trauma. After the emotional pain of being separated from her family Tubman went on a journey to Philadelphia in order to be free. Along the way Tubman used her selfless spirit to assist other enslaved families to freedom. In later years, Tubman founded the Home for Aged & Indigent Negroes and Supporting Women’s Rights. Harriet Tubman is often remembered as one of the first black superheros due to her courageous spirit.
6. Marsha P Johnson
Marsha P Johnson was born on August 24, 1945 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Johnson was one of the most prominent figures of the gay rights movement in New York City in the 1960s and 1970s. Johson was assigned male at birth but by graduating high school she was wearing women’s clothing and adopted the name Marsha P Johnson. The P standing for Pay it No Mind. Johnson was known for always smiling while advocating for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, those affected by HIV and AIDS, and gay and transgender rights. During the Stonewall riots of 1969, Johnson was in the frontlines advocating for the mistreatment of trans people. Johnson has left a legacy of fighting for LGTBQ+ youth and leading with love.
7. Marie Van Brittan Brown
Did you know that your Ring Camera was inspired by the work of a Black woman? Marie Van Brittan Brown was born in Queens, New York, on October 22, 1922. Although Brown was a nurse, she created the first home security system after discovering the security risk that was facing her neighborhood. Brown’s original invention consisted of peepholes, a camera, monitors, two way microphone and alarm button that would contact the police immediately. Brown and her husband filed a patent on August 1, 1969. Brown’s invention was able to lay the groundwork for modern day home security devices. This story allows Black women to see they can be the change they are looking for.
8. Mary Mcleod Brown-Bethune
Mary Mcleod Brown was born in 1875 in a family with 17 siblings. Brown at an early age discovered her passion for learning and uplifting her community. Brown had won scholarship to continue her studies at Scotia Seminary for Negro Girls in North Carlonia. During her time at Scotia, she had learned her philosophy of “Female Uplift” and her passion for educating young women. In 1923, successfully negotiated the merger of her school in Daytona with the Cookman Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they were able to successfully create a four year collegiate school, Bethune-Cookman College. In addition to creating this outstanding university, Brown become the highest paid African American in government in 1939 as she was the Director of Negro Affairs under Roosevelt’s presidency.
9. Lorraine Hansberry
Lorraine Hansberry was born on May 19, 1930 on the Southside of Chicago. Hansberry later enrolled in University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she found a love of theatre and politics. Ultimately, Hansberry left University before completing a degree but went to New York in 1950 to take courses at the New School. By 1951, she was writing for Paul Robenson’s Freedom and was studying with W.E.B Dubios. In 1959, Hansberry became the first African American woman to have a show produced on Broadway, A Raisin in the Sun. Many people doubted the play coming to Broadway, but it was very successful with 19 shows and ultimately becoming a movie. A Raisin in the sun is now considered a classic piece of literature based on the way it tackles real and raw emotions of that time.
10. Althea Gibson
Before Serena and Venus Williams, there was Althea Gibson. Althea Neale Gibson was born August 25, 1927. Gibson developed a love for tennis at an early age but during the 50s and 60s tennis tournaments were closed for African Americans. This did not stop Gibson as she kept playing and winning. Gibson won 10 straight championships from 1947 to 1956. Making history as the first African American tennis player to compete at both the U.S National Championships and Wimbledon. In 1957, Gibson won women’s singles and doubles at Wimbledon and won the US Open in 1958. Gibson’s story shows that determination will go a long way and can lead to success.
Throughout history Black women have consistently demonstrated resilience, strength and beauty in the face of adversity. The impact of Black women is undeniable. During the month of February, we are able to reflect on the Black women who have changed history and allow the younger generation to be great today. The legacies of the Black women in my family have inspired me to be great and to never underestimate the power of Black women. These historical women are a reminder that the future is grand even during these desperate times. I hope this list has inspired you to take risk, be the change you want to see and to love yourself.