This post was originally published on February 16, 2017.
Throughout the course of history, women from all generations have surpassed social norms with their revolutionary dreaming of a better tomorrow. From artistic melodies and creative inventions to humanitarian efforts and political activism, Black History Month reminds us of several women whose legacies impact our lives to this day.
Their timeless elegance and passionate rhetoric continue to resound as we take a moment to reflect upon their accomplishments.
1. Bessie Coleman
With determination and grace, Bessie achieved the title of first African American female pilot while completing her license first amongst all women in the world.
“I refused to take no for an answer.”
2. Coretta Scott King
As faithful wife of activist Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta fought for civil rights in the midst of sociocultural adversity and eventually moved onto to equal rights involvement.
“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.”
3. Diana Ross
Remarkable songwriter and performer Diana helped pave the way for young African American artists through her innovative music that united people of all colors and races.
“You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.”
4. Ida B. Wells
Passionate about defeating segregation, Ida utilized her editorial and journalistic career to empower others in their pursuit of the truth during a time when suffrage was disregarded.
“The people must know before they act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.”
5. Mary McLeod Bethune
Throughout her lifetime, Mary served as a prolific educator in the United States while also investing humanitarian efforts into her community during the Civil Rights movement.
“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”
6. Maya Angelou
Maya brought the world together through her timeless poetry filled with deep emotion, soul and motivation for a unified America. As a Civil Rights activist, she also fought to end racial barriers.
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences and penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
7. Michelle Obama
Former First Lady of the United States not only served as a support system to our former President, but Michelle also advocated for America’s youth through social campaigning for education and healthcare.
“You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once; but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious; and hope can take on a life of its own.”
8. Rosa Parks
Fundamental activist and leader, Rosa, marked history with her title as “the mother of the freedom movement.” Her efforts impacted the Civil Rights initiative by inspiring African Americans everywhere to fight for their human rights.
“I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free…so other people would also be free.”
Featured Image by Wayne Miller, 1974
4 comments
How could you forget Alice Walker? One of eight children from a family of sharecroppers in Georgia, through hard work and her own brilliance she went on to attend Sarah Lawrence and, among her numerous novels and books of poetry she wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning THE COLOR PURPLE. Included in her many accomplishments is the single handed rediscovery and promotion of the work of Zora Neal Hurston. Ms. Walker was also determined to find Ms. Hurston’s final resting place in Florida. Ms. Walker continues to write and be active for the cause of those oppressed everywhere. I do appreciate the above article, but Ms. Walker more than deserves to be included. Look her up.
Hi Gloria! Thank you so much for sharing about Alice Walker. Indeed, she was also an inspiration. This article is a brief snippet into the countless women who have made such a great impact; and, truly, the list goes on! I appreciate you taking the time to read.
All the best,
Victoria
Thank you for sharing. I loved learning about some of them!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Hi Charmaine! Thank you so much for reading!