Black Women, You Ate That! Honoring the African American Women Behind It All in Black History Month
- Juliet Awolumate
- Feb 5, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Feb 6, 2024
In the spirit of Black History Month, it becomes important to dive into the detailed tapestry of African American history, focusing on the brilliant minds, influential voices, and steadfast fighters who have left an incredible mark on our collective narrative. At the core of this celebration and honor stands Scion of Tabitha, embodying a goal committed to ensuring that the legacies of these extraordinary women persists as a source of inspiration for future generations of black women.
Traditionally, the existing narrative has marginalized the vital contributions of women when celebrating historical milestones, often overshadowed by societal norms that highlight the achievements of men. However, at Scion of Tabitha, a passionate commitment exists to dismantle this narrative, replacing it with a vibrant celebration of women illuminated with pride and amplified through booming speakers.
Gone are the days of relegating Black women to the back burner, as the era of being underrated vessels of African American history has come to a close. The spotlight now brightly highlights the multitude Black women, whether celebrated or obscured by mainstream accounts, who have played pivotal roles in shaping America's past.
We explore the narratives of these remarkable women, weaving a tale that not only recognizes their historical significance but also highlights the enduring impact of their contributions. From the well-known figures such as Harriet Tubman to contemporary trailblazers like Kamala Harris, the brilliance and depth of Black women have proven to be monumental forces shaping the course of history.
Here is a glimpse of various Black women, including both prominent figures and those often underrated, who have played crucial roles in shaping the history of the United States:
Claudette Colvin
Claudette Colvin is a civil rights pioneer who, at the age of 15, played a significant role in the early stages of the American civil rights movement. On March 2, 1955, nine months before Rosa Parks, Colvin refused to give up her seat to a white woman on a Montgomery, Alabama bus. Her act of defiance led to her arrest and sparked a legal challenge against racial segregation in public transportation.
Although Colvin's case did not receive the same widespread attention as Rosa Parks', her courage laid the groundwork for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the civil rights movement. Colvin's actions, along with those of others, contributed to the eventual dismantling of racial segregation laws in public transportation. Her courage and activism continue to be recognized as part of the broader struggle for civil rights in the United States.
I knew then and I know now that, when it comes to justice, there's no easy way to get it. You can't sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, 'This is not right'.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm made history as the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968, representing New York's 12th Congressional District. Chisholm was a trailblazer, not only for her race and gender but also for her advocacy for marginalized communities.
In 1972, she took another significant step by becoming the first African American woman to run for a major party's nomination for President of the United States. Her campaign aimed to address issues of racial and gender inequality, and she coined the phrase "Unbought and Unbossed" as her campaign slogan.
Throughout her political career, Shirley Chisholm fought for civil rights, women's rights, and social justice. Her legacy as a groundbreaking politician and advocate has inspired many, and her contributions continue to be recognized as a crucial part of American political history.
If they don't give you a seat the table, bring a folding chair.
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, born around 1753, was an African American poet who achieved fame for her literary accomplishments during a time when enslaved individuals faced immense challenges in pursuing education and recognition. She was enslaved
as a young girl and brought to Boston, where she was purchased by the Wheatley family. The Wheatleys recognized her intelligence and provided her with an education.
Phillis Wheatley's poetry gained attention for its eloquence and skill. In 1773, she published a collection titled "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," making her the first African American and one of the first American women to publish a book of poetry. Her work addressed themes of Christianity, morality, and the struggle for freedom. Wheatley's achievements challenged prevailing racist ideas about the intellectual abilities of enslaved people and women, paving the way for future Black writers.
Thou didst, in strains of eloquence refin'd, inflame the soul, and captivate the mind.
Madam C.J. Walker
Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. She achieved success through her line of beauty and haircare products specifically designed for African American women.
Walker faced adversity as a Black woman in the early 20th century, but her determination and entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Her most notable product was the "Walker System," a hair care regimen that included products like shampoos, pomades, and the iconic hot comb. Her business acumen, marketing strategies, and commitment to empowering Black women economically made her a trailblazer.
Madam C.J. Walker's legacy extends beyond her business success; she was also a philanthropist and advocate for civil rights and education. Her life and achievements continue to inspire entrepreneurs and activists, particularly within the African American community.
I had to make my own living and my own opportunity. But I made it! Don't sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, born into slavery around 1820, became one of the most renowned figures in American history for her efforts in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
Tubman escaped slavery in 1849 and subsequently dedicated her life to helping others find freedom. Over the course of numerous perilous journeys, she guided hundreds of enslaved individuals to freedom in the Northern states and Canada.
Harriet Tubman's bravery and commitment to the abolitionist cause extended to her service as a Union spy during the Civil War, where she worked as a nurse, cook, and scout. After the war, Tubman continued her advocacy for women's suffrage and civil rights. Her legacy as a "conductor" on the Underground Railroad and her contributions to the fight against slavery have solidified her as an enduring symbol of courage and resilience in the face of oppression.
Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.
Valerie Thomas
Valerie Thomas is an African American scientist and inventor known for her pioneering work in the field of optics. Born in 1943, she has made significant contributions to NASA and the scientific community.
Thomas is best known for inventing the illusion transmitter, a device that uses concave mirrors to create optical illusions. Her invention laid the groundwork for advancements in three-dimensional imaging technology.
Sometimes having no idea what is going to happen next might be the way to go. Because life just happens, and when it does, how you handle it will teach you more about who you are than any class or test ever can.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama became the first African American First Lady when her husband, Barack Obama, was elected as the 44th President in 2008. During her tenure, Michelle Obama focused on various social issues, including education, veterans' support, and healthy living.
She is widely admired for her advocacy work, particularly the "Let's Move!" initiative aimed at reducing childhood obesity. Michelle Obama's commitment to public service, her eloquence, and her emphasis on education and well-being have made her a role model and an influential figure in both American and global contexts.
When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you.
When they go low, we go high.
Dr. Shirley Jackson
Dr. Shirley Jackson is a distinguished physicist and the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Born in 1946, she has had a groundbreaking career in both academia and public service. Dr. Jackson made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics, particularly in condensed matter physics and semiconductor theory. Her accomplishments extend beyond academia, as she has held various leadership roles.
In 1999, Dr. Jackson became the first African American woman to lead a top-ranked research university when she assumed the presidency of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her achievements and leadership have had a profound impact, breaking barriers for women and minorities in science and paving the way for future generations.
Do not let others define who you are. Define yourself. Do not be limited by what others expect of you, but reach confidently for the stars.
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges is an American civil rights activist who became a symbol of the struggle for racial integration in the United States. Born in 1954, she gained national attention at the age of six when she became the first African American child to desegregate the all-white William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960.
Amidst intense opposition and racial tension, Ruby Bridges, escorted by federal marshals, bravely attended the previously all-white school. Her actions marked a significant moment in the civil rights movement, highlighting the challenges faced by those who sought to dismantle segregation in education. Bridges' courage and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations, and she remains an important figure in the ongoing struggle for equal rights and opportunities for all.
Don't follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail.
Katherine Johnson
Born in 1918, Katherine Johnson played a crucial role in calculating trajectories for spaceflights, including the trajectories for the first American in space and the first moon landing.
Her remarkable precision and intellect challenged racial and gender barriers in the field of space exploration. Johnson's work was highlighted in the book and film "Hidden Figures," bringing recognition to her significant contributions to space science and inspiring generations of scientists and mathematicians.
Girls are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Sometimes they have more imagination than men.
Rosa Parks
Often referred to as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," Rosa Parks was a pivotal figure in Black history. In 1955, Parks, an African American seamstress, refused to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama.
Her act of civil disobedience sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the struggle against racial segregation. Parks' steadfast commitment to justice and equality made her an icon of the Civil Rights Movement, and her actions played a significant role in dismantling segregation laws in the United States.
You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.
Mae Jemison
Born in Alabama in 1956, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel in space when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. Jemison is not only an accomplished astronaut but also a physician, engineer, and science advocate. Her achievements have broken barriers, inspiring countless individuals to pursue careers in STEM fields. Mae Jemison's historic journey into space is a testament to her dedication and the importance of diversity in scientific exploration.
Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.
Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth, born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, became a prominent abolitionist and women's rights advocate in the 19th century. Renowned for her powerful "Ain't I a Woman?" speech delivered in 1851, Truth passionately argued for both the abolition of slavery and women's rights, emphasizing the intersectionality of her identity as a Black woman. Her activism and eloquence made her a key figure in both the abolitionist and suffragist movements, leaving an enduring legacy in the fight for equality and justice.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Mary Eliza Mahoney
Mary Eliza Mahoney, known as the first African American registered nurse in the United States, was a trailblazing figure in Black History. Overcoming racial and gender barriers, Mahoney achieved her nursing degree in 1879 and dedicated her career to promoting equality in healthcare. Her contributions including being the co-founder of the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, laid the foundation for future generations of Black healthcare professionals.
Work more and better the coming year than the previous year.
Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells was a pioneering African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist. Known for her fearless advocacy against lynching in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wells played a crucial role in the fight for racial justice. Her investigative journalism exposed the brutal realities of lynching and contributed significantly to the anti-lynching movement. Wells' courage, resilience, and dedication make her an enduring icon in Black history, influencing the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality.
The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is a prominent figure in American politics and holds historical significance in Black history. Born to a Jamaican father and Indian mother, she became the first woman, the first African American woman, and the first Asian American woman to serve as Vice President of the United States.
Her election in 2020 marked a groundbreaking moment, breaking barriers for women of color in politics. Harris's achievements underscore the progress towards diversity and inclusion, making her a notable and inspiring figure in the ongoing narrative of Black history.
"What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters."
Comments