It is amazing as to how women have broken all barriers of patriarchy and have achieved quite a lot in recent times. Be it politics, sports, science, cinema or any field for that matter, women have often proved that they are no less achievers than their male counterparts. African American women, in particular, deserve a special mention for their achievements. Racial discrimination is a big challenge which many members of this community had to face years ago and it’s amazing how these women fought against all odds to achieve their dreams. Some of these individuals are role models to many girls today. Noted entrepreneur and beautician Madame C.J Walker is a woman who needs to be applauded for her efforts to make every woman beautiful. This underprivileged woman went on to introduce a range of beauty products and proved that nothing can stop a person if he/she is determined. During recent times, former American first lady Michelle Obama, model and television personality Tyra Banks, noted singer Beyonce and Tennis star Serena Williams are a few influential women, who are widely admired world over. Tyra Banks is considered one of the greatest fashion icons of recent times. Beyonce isn’t just a heartthrob for her singing skills, but is also a favorite among the youth for her gorgeous looks. We have enlisted several such great achievers belonging to the African American community just for you. Their journeys have been incredible and might just inspire you to reach for the stars.
Vanessa Williams(Actress, Singer)
1963 AD
Loretta Lynch(Former Attorney General of the United States)
21 May 1959
American
Leontyne Price(American soprano)
10 February 1927
American
Lorraine Hansberry(Writer, Theatre director, Screenwriter, Playwright, Human rights activist)
19 May 1930
American
Mary McLeod Bethune(Teacher, Journalist, Politician)
10 July 1875
American
Cleo Laine(Actor, Singer, Jazz musician, Stage actor)
28 October 1927
British
Ibtihaj Muhammad(fencer)
04 December 1985
American
Florynce Kennedy(Autobiographer, Lawyer)
11 February 1916
American
Suzan-Lori Parks(American playwright)
10 May 1963
American
Marian Wright Edelman(Writer, Lawyer)
06 June 1939
American
Evelyn Ashford(American olympic athlete)
15 April 1957
American
Bernice Johnson Reagon(Singer, Composer)
04 October 1942
American
Faye Wattleton(Midwife, Registered nurse, Author, News presenter)
08 July 1943
American
Charlotte E. Ray(American lawyer)
13 January 1850
American
Alice Coachman(American olympic athlete)
09 November 1923
American
Clara Brown(Philanthropist)
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin(American publisher)
31 August 1842
American
Jane Bolin(American judge)
11 April 1908
American
Mary Jane Patterson(Educator)
Vonetta Flowers(American bobsledder)
29 October 1973
American
Amelia Boynton(Civil Rights Activist, Educator)
1911 AD
Mae C. Jemison(Astronaut, Doctor)
1956 AD
Mary Mahoney(Civil Rights Activist, Women)
1845 AD
Euphemia Lofton Haynes(Mathematician)
1890 AD
Ella Jane Fitzgerald(Ballad, Swing music Traditional pop music)
25 April 1917
American
Frances E.W. Harper(Poet)
1825 AD
Norma Sklarek(Architect)
1926 AD
Florence Beatrice Price(Pianist, Songwriter)
1887 AD
Barbara Brandon(Artist, Writer)
1958 AD
Marie M. Daly(Chemist)
1921 AD
