African American Women

The daughter of former slaves, Mary Jane McLeod Bethune became one of the most important black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century.

When Daisy Bates was three years old her mother was killed by three white men. Although Bates, was just a child, her biological mother’s death made an emotional and mental imprint on her. The unfortunate death forced Bates to confront racism at an early age and pushed her to dedicate her life to ending racial injustice.

World renowned performer, World War II spy, and activist are few of the titles used to describe Josephine Baker. One of the most successful African American performers in French history, Baker’s career illustrates the ways entertainers can use their platforms to change the world.

Poet, dancer, singer, activist, and scholar, Maya Angelou is a world-famous author. She is best known for her unique and pioneering autobiographical writing style.

Ethel Payne is known as the First Lady of the Black Press, because of her fearlessness as a journalist and a Civil Rights activist. Click here to learn more!

African American women provided essential aid to people living in contraband camps during the Civil War. Elizabeth Keckly, most famously known as the dressmaker for Mrs. Lincoln, was one of the women who established a relief aid for people living in D.C. Click here to learn more!

"Maggie L. Walker,a civil rights activist & trail blazing entrepreneur.The African American community leader devoted her life to defeating racism,sexism & economic oppression.Mrs. Walker chartered a bank, a newspaper & a store 17 years before American women had the right to vote, & fostered black entrepreneurialism when Southern Jim Crow laws threatened African American lives & progress.Born in Richmond,VA she was the 1st woman in the U.S. to found a bank & serve as its president." Biddy…

In 1957, Daisy Bates became a household name when she fought for the right of nine black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.

A former slave, Sojourner Truth became an outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the nineteenth century. Learn more at womenshistory.org.

Madam CJ Walker - One of America's first great female entrepreneur. (Follow the link to TakeBackHalloween's website for costume tips!)

Learn about the history of women in sports.

Learn all about Harriet Tubman in this online exhibit.

African women were involuntary immigrants to Jamestown. The privateer White Lion brought “20 and odd Negroes” in 1619. The 1620 census listed 17 African females among the settlement’s 928 residents. Over the ensuing centuries, the mingling of people from different cultures, classes, and conditions of servitude led to the development of America's distinctive culture.#womenshistory

Black Histo

Black Histo

Black Histo