In addition to the over-commercialized holiday on the 14th, February has another event, which is sometimes overlooked. The important holiday in February is Black History Month. Let’s be real, there are some black females who should OWN the month because they’re that awesome. Check out who are some of the females that slayed it!
- Kamala Harris
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Let’s see, where to start with this wonderful woman? Oh, yeah. She *literally* made history when she was sworn in as the first female vice president of the United States. Before being sworn in, Harris was the first black woman to be a district attorney. She continues to be an inspiration to many people across the country even now as she shatters history as one of the highest-ranking officials.
- Harriet Tubman
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With a nickname like Black Moses, it’s no surprise she’s on the list. Not only did Tubman escape slavery in the south but she also became a leading abolitionist before the American war. Through the route of the Underground Railroad, Tubman led hundreds of slaves to freedom in the north. Every time she went back for the slaves, Tubman was putting her life in danger as the bounty on her increased. Modern society is more aware of what a figure she was. There have been movies such as “Harriet” to show viewers just how monumental her sacrifices were.
- Madam CJ Walker
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Walker was not only a woman of color, but she was one of the first black women to become a self-millionaire. Her real name is Sarah Breedlove. She developed a scalp disorder that caused her to lose a lot of hair. She began to experiment with lots of hair care products to help her condition. After marrying Charles Joseph Walker, Walker created the name, “Madam CJ Walker,” so she could advertise her products more. She eventually opened her own factory and became successful. Walker is one of those women who have a “from rags to riches” story. Not to mention, she shows women the importance of individuality through self-care.
- Amanda Gorman
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Gorman has made history by being the youngest National Youth Poet Laureate. After reading “The Hill We Climb” at President Biden’s inauguration, she has made a name for herself by serving as inspiration to others. She first started her appreciation for poetry when she used it to cope with her speech impediment. Gorman has since then represented the idea nothing is ever too far out of reach.
- Mae Jemison
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Born in the 1950’s, Jemison has faced racial discrimination even when she was the only black student in her college class. Afterwards, she began to work at NASA as an astronaut. She became the first black woman to go to space. Jemison is an inspiration to young women who want to be important but can’t push past society’s standards of them.
- Ruby Bridges
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Does her name ring a bell? It should. At the age of six, she was the first to integrate into an all-white school after the decision of Brown vs. Board of Education was determined. Not to mention, she sparked a movement that was deemed impossible at the time. Bridges was the only child to go to an all-white school since the parents of the other six opted out due to fear of their safety. Even in today’s society, Bridges is an active voice for racism.
Hopefully, this crash course of black history will inspire you to do something you’re afraid of. If these women can become the women in history who slayed it, then you can too! Never forget you are a fearless courageous woman.