5 influential black women that changed the history in the United States
To celebrate Juneteenth, I wanted to bring attention to women who were very influential in our history. From abolition of slavery to voting rights, from equal education for all to the end of segregation, these women fought with their lives to ensure equality for black women in America.
They were mothers and daughters who weren’t afraid to stand up for justice.
It was hard to pick just five as there were so many who contributed to make our world a better place not just for women and blacks but for every generation to come.
Harriet Tubman
- Escaped slavery and helped free dozen of other slaves.
- Risked her life and safety to work as a nurse and spy.
- First African American woman to receive a pension.
“There was one of the two thing I had a right to: Liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other”. Quote by Harriet Tubman.
Constance Baker Motley
- Key strategist in the civil rights movements.
- First African American woman Federal Court judge.
- First African American and woman to hold a position as Manhattan Burroughs President.
“As the first black and first woman, I am proving in everything I do that black and women are as capable as anyone.” Quote by Constance Baker Motley.
Madam C.J. Walker
- First female self-made millionaire in the US.
- Created a hair and beauty line including her own pomade formula.
- Was an active philanthropist having contributed to YMCA, NAACP and more.
Marian Anderson
- Broke the color barrier for musicians.
- The first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera.
- Named a delegate to the 13th general assembly of the UN by President Eisenhower.
Mary Ann Shadd Cary
- First African American woman to edit a weekly newspaper.
- First African American woman to graduate from law school.
- First African American woman to vote in the national election.
Information derived from the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
