IDA B. WELLS
IDA B. Wells was a pioneering crusader in the Civil Rights Movement of the 19th century, and she was no stranger to acts of resistance. Despite legal injustices keeping her people oppressed, IDA stood up to the status quo: when asked to relinquish her seat on a train to a white passenger, IDA refused and even sued the train company – and she won! Unfortunately, though justice had been served for IDA B., it wouldn’t last long; the ruling was quickly overturned by higher courts in favour of the train company over the victim. IDA’s story is a testament to her tenacity as well as bravery.
FANNIE LOU HAMER
Fannie Lou Hamer was a daring Black woman who turned up when the Civil Rights Movement had already garnered much attention. Faced with the challenge of rallying low African-American voter numbers, Hamer actively took to organizing Mississippi Freedom Summer – a daunting task in itself. Facing threats due to her involvement, Fannie Lou Hamer remained fearless through it all, passionate about equalities and vocalizing her beliefs through moving speeches at multiple conferences. It’s no surprise that Fannie Lou Hamer captured people’s imaginations and left her mark in history books as such an inspirational leader during this important period of time.
HATTIE MCDANIEL
HATTIE MCDANIEL became an iconic figure through her role as Mammy in the movie Gone with the Wind. Despite criticism of her character representing Black women inadequately, Hattie proved resilient and managed to gain recognition for her role in the limited time she had on screen. Even though Hattie was prohibited from attending its premier, she still received a nomination for an Oscar and won it in 1940- making history being the first African-American to win it! Hattie made major contributions not just in the field of Cinema but was also part of the diverse group of women participating in civil activities. Such achievements make Hattie an undeniable source of inspiration for the Black community.
MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE
Mary McLeod Bethune was an inspirational woman who wholeheartedly dedicated her life to improving African Americans’ access to education. Mary started small by founding a school for Black students in Florida. She did not stop there, she took this as a movement and through even more selfless dedication and hard work she eventually became the president of the National Association of Colored Women, working on such a powerful platform to further advance the rights of African Americans. Mary McLeod Bethune showed the world that dreams are possible with belief, drive, and tenacity.
HARRIET TUBMAN
Harriet Tubman’s incredible story of bravery, strength, and resilience will forever be inspiring. Her contribution stands apart from everyone else’s; Harriet showed remarkable courage by escaping the clutches of slavery at age 29, despite all odds. Remarkably, Harriet didn’t just escape to freedom on her own; she also returned to help her family and an additional 70 other slaves pass through the Underground Railroad to reach freedom in Canada. To truly honor Harriet Tubman, a 2019 movie was released titled Harriet Tubman – due to Harriet’s exemplary acts of selflessness and devotion for a cause larger than herself.
See also: The Roots and End of African Natural Hair Movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s
ELAINE BROWN
Elaine Brown is one of the brave Women of African descent who made history when she became the first woman to lead the Black Panther Party in 1974. After Martin Luther King Jr was tragically assassinated, Elaine decided to join the Black Panther Party and attended her first meeting in Los Angeles. Elaine took on the challenging role of Minister of Defense after Huey Newton had to flee the country– a face Elaine held with pride and strength as she served as a beacon of justice. Elaine pushed for more than basic rights through providing free legal and medical clinics for those less fortunate and even created a free breakfast program for children in Oakland. Elaine didn’t only break gender barriers but showed true dedication to the revolutionary movement during her time as Minister of Defense, paving the way for those who will come after her.
SHIRLEY CHISHOLM
Shirley Chisholm was a trailblazer for African American women in politics, when she became the first woman to be elected to Congress in 1968. Shirley went on to make waves in the political sphere – not only as an influential politician, serving on Congressional committees and making positive contributions towards the development of the nation, but also by being one of the first major-party African American candidates to run for the Democratic presidential nomination. Shirley’s footprints can be found all over popular culture now – from universities across America offering dedicated Shirley Chisholm scholarships in her name, to television shows that regularly make reference to Shirley’s groundbreaking accomplishments – Shirley is a symbol of aspiration for generations worth of students and budding politicians.
SEPTIMA CLARK
Septima Clark is one of the brave Women of African descent. She was a civil rights activist who stood up for the rights of African-Americans. Septima had a passion for teaching and devoted over three decades of her life to supporting her students throughout South Carolina. But Septima wasn’t only just an educator; she also served with the NAACP and waged a legal battle in order to get pay equity for both White and Black teachers. Septima Clark was the epitome of civil rights activism when it came to fighting for equality in education. Talk about someone going the extra mile!
HANNAH STANLEY HAYWOOD
Hannah Stanley Haywood was a force to be reckoned with. She made sure everyone around her knew that black women deserved equal rights and she was an ardent advocate of that pressing issue throughout her life. Hannah wasn’t just an eminent scholar — she was an educator in black history and an embodiment of justice, striving for equal treatment. Her fierce drive for equality brought about much-needed progress in society, a fact Hannah never left anyone doubting. It’s clear why Hannah’s legacy lives on; after all, she had championed Black women’s rights before it was chic!
VIVIAN MALONE JONES
Vivian Malone Jones is another notable woman of colour. Not only did she blaze a trail by becoming one of the first African-American women accepted to the University of Alabama – a college notorious for racism and exclusion according to report- but she persevered to receive her doctorate and became the director of civil rights within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Vivian was an icon for sure, breaking down barriers and blazing trails simply by going where others dared not venture; perhaps even inspiring others in her own way through her achievements.
