Top 10 Black Women Who Shaped History

Trailblazing black women from history who have shaped a legacy for future generations

Numerous exceptional women have shaped the world we live in throughout history. Black female leaders have distinguished themselves as potent change agents who break down boundaries, reject social expectations, and make a lasting impression on various fields. These remarkable people, from social activists to artists to scientists to leaders, have bravely contested the current quo, battled for fairness and equality, and led the way in their specialized fields.

In this list of the “Top 10 Black Women Who Shaped History,” we honor their accomplishments, tenacity, and enduring legacies, acknowledging their significant contributions to society and their impact on future generations.

1. Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

Rosa Parks, known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” made history in 1955 by refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. This act earned Rosa Parks the title “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Her disobedience set the foundation for the more significant civil rights movement by inciting the Montgomery Bus Boycott and becoming a representation of resistance against racial segregation.

2. Harriet Tubman (1822-1913)

Known for playing a crucial part in the Underground Railroad, a system of underground passageways and safe houses that assisted enslaved African Americans in escaping to freedom, Harriet Tubman was a brave abolitionist and humanitarian. Despite the risks, Tubman frequently traveled to the South and personally guided over 70 people to safety.

3. Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

A poet, writer, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou used the power of her words to uplift and inspire others. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” shed light on black women’s difficulties and established her as a literary giant. Angelou’s writings are still relevant today and are a constant reminder of the tenacity and resiliency of the human spirit.

4. Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005)

Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman elected to the US Congress in 1968. She was a trailblazer who fought for social justice and the rights of underrepresented groups. Chisholm created more history in 1972 when she ran for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination as the first black woman, opening doors for later generations of women in politics.

5. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)

Abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth made a lasting impression on audiences nationwide with her stirring lectures. At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Ohio, she gave her most famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” challenging dominant views on gender and race and underlining the intersections of oppression.

6. Mae Jemison (1956 – )

Mae Jemison was the first African American woman to visit space in 1992. She broke through barriers in science and exploration as a doctor and astronaut, paving the way for future generations of young women to enter the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

7. Ella Baker (1903-1986)

Ella Baker, a significant player in the civil rights movement, was renowned for her work at the local level and dedication to uplifting regular people. The techniques and philosophies of the campaign were significantly shaped by Baker, who served as a mentor and advisor to many notable leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr.

8. Serena Williams (1981- )

One of the best tennis players of all time is regarded as Serena Williams. She has broken records and destroyed barriers throughout her career with an unequaled combination of talent, athleticism, and tenacity. Williams has acted as a strong ally for equality and raised awareness of social concerns through her platform.

9. Toni Morrison (1931-2019)

Pioneering author and Nobel winner Toni Morrison’s works helped change American literature’s course. Morrison probed the nuances of race, identity, and the African American experience in her compelling works like “Beloved” and “The Bluest Eye.” Her writings explored the depths of human feeling and forced readers to face the traumatic truths of history, winning her many awards and solidifying her status as a literary legend.

10. Kamala Harris (1964 -)

Kamala Harris broke barriers in 2021 when she was elected as the nation’s vice president for the first time as a woman, a black woman, and an Asian American woman. Harris has devoted her whole professional life to fighting for justice. She has been a strong supporter of women’s rights, criminal justice reform, and racial equality and has used her influence to elevate the voices of the oppressed.