In the US, the month of February is set aside to celebrate African-Americans' accomplishments, heritage and history. During this time, various organizations, including schools and government office create awareness programs on the importance of the Black Month and the need to celebrate notable figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. While the accomplishments of the popular proponents of change in the African-American community are obvious, there is also a room to celebrate black women with inspiring lives and careers. This article take a look at some of the notable black women that should also be celebrated in the black month history.
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Ella Baker: Ella Baker lived between 1903 and 1986. For 50 years, she was actively involved in the civil rights movement and worked relentlessly towards equality. She was an active part of organizations such as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. She also worked with the NAACP and the civil rights movement. She worked with well-known leaders and activists like Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr, and W.E.B Du Bois.
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Maggie Lena Walker: Maggie Lena Walker was born in 1864 and is a true definition of not allowing circumstances to limit your life's potentials. Even though she was a daughter of a former slave and had physical disabilities and paralysis, her life's accomplishments included being the first female bank president in the US and the first black woman to form a bank. She was also the editor of St. Luke Herald and was a governorship candidate for the state of Virginia. She died in 1934.
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Bessie Coleman: Bessie Coleman braved the odds of not being accepted into aviation schools in the US to become the first African-American female pilot. She had to attend aviation school in Paris and as the only non-White student and overcome sexism and discrimination. After acquiring her qualifications, Coleman was part of air shows that attracted millions.
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Hattie McDaniel: Although most of her recognition was posthumous, Hattie McDaniel represents black excellence in entertainment. She was the first African-American woman to win an Academy Award for a supporting role. She was also the first African-American woman to be on the radio.
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Fannie Lou Hammer: Fannie Lou Hammer was a civil rights leader and campaigner. She was also a voting rights activist. “I am tired of being sick and tired” is one of her famous quotes.
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Septima Poinsette Clark: Between 1898 and 1987, when she lived, Clark played strategic roles in voting rights activism using education as a tool. She was strategic in the work that led to the election of the first Black principal in Charleston.
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Josephine Baker: Josephine Baker overcame the shackles of poverty to become an influential singer, dancer, and actress. She was a humanitarian and served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. She lived between 1906 and 1975.
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Daisy Bates: Daisy Bates played a critical role in the Little Rock Integration Crisis of 1957. She actively fought and worked towards desegregation and mentored a group of children, the Little Rock Nine. Her life’s work was dedicated to fighting for African-Americans and poor Americans.
Here you have it: 8 more influential black women that should be celebrated in the Black Month History Month. Their achievement in life and careers are worth emulating.
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