During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge the black men and women who have made a difference by helping to shape this country and its values. There are black women who have inspired us with what they have done in the past and those that are inspiring us today. These are women who inspire and motivate young girls.
Sojourner Truth escaped from slavery in 1826. She became an abolitionist and committed herself to fighting for women’s rights as well as religious tolerance. Sojourner’s famous speech, Ain’t I a Woman?, was her call for equal human rights for all. She traveled the country, preaching and fighting for a better life for women and all African-Americans.
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery and grew up on a Maryland plantation before escaping in her late 20s. She became an abolitionist, who was responsible for the escapes of dozens of enslaved black families via the Underground Railroad. She also cared for injured Union soldiers during the Civil War and she served as a scout, an advisor, and led an armed attack during battle. Harriet Tubman was a woman of action, who, in the face of inequality, helped to change the world. Currently, under the Biden administration, the US Treasury is resuming steps to put Harriet Tubman’s photo on the $20 bill.
Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913 – October 24, 2005) is known as “the mother of the freedom movement.” On the evening of December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, an African American, was arrested for disobeying an Alabama law requiring black passengers to relinquish seats to white passengers when the bus was full. Blacks also were required to sit at the back of the bus. She became an American civil rights activist.
Coretta Scott King (April 27, 1927 – January 30, 2006) was an American author, activist, civil rights leader, and the wife of Martin Luther King Jr. She fought tirelessly for African-American equality. After the assassination of her husband, she continued to play a prominent role in the Women’s Movement and LGBT advocacy.
Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) became the first African-American woman to be elected into Congress in 1968. She was also the first black candidate for Democratic nomination for U.S. President in 1972. Throughout her career in politics and education, Ms. Chisholm fought for child welfare, black women’s reproductive rights, and more.
Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She left a legacy of beautiful printed works, many of which tell painful stories of her own hardships in life. Most importantly, her writing helped break barriers for black female writers and gave a voice to those who could not use their own.
Michelle Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who was the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She is married to the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, and was the first African-American first lady. While serving as first lady, Michelle became a role model for women and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She supported American designers and was considered a fashion icon.
Serena and Venus Williams are two of the world’s best tennis players, who also happen to be sisters. They’ve shown us that playing your hardest doesn’t mean not having respect for your opponent. They support of each other’s success, even when it means the other loses. This is an inspiring example of the power of women supporting other women.
Oprah Winfrey has accomplished so many things since the first national broadcast of her talk show in 1986. Her achievements include TV shows and movie roles, being an author and speaker. Her Book Club is famous for supporting amazing authors. She is known as one of the great American philanthropists in history supporting many causes and building schools. Many consider her the most influential woman in the world.
Shonda Rhimes is the reason we all stay home on Thursday nights. She is the creator, writer and executive producer of many of our favorite TV shows. We all love Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal, and her recent hit, Bridgerton, on Netflix. Shonda is one of the most influential modern writers for TV, and was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 People Who Help Shape The World.
Kamala Harris (born October 20, 1964) is an American politician and attorney. She served as a United States senator of California from 2017 to 2021, and as the attorney general of California from 2011 to 2017. She was inaugurated as the 49th and current vice president of the U.S. in January 2021. She is the United States’ first female vice president, the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history, and the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
This list is just a few of the inspiring black women from both our past and present who have changed history. They have paved the way for all women. Through their courage and integrity, they have helped to break barriers, particularly for other women of color. I believe that all women have within them the power they need to succeed. These role models certainly help to lead the way.