As Malcolm X wisely pointed out, “the most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” This statement rings true as Black women have historically faced neglect and disregard in the United States. Yet, despite this, they have continuously made significant strides and contributions to society. In honor of International Women’s Day, let’s spotlight ten remarkable Black women who have paved the way in various fields, from the first Black female doctor to the inventor of the hairbrush.
Lyda Newman
Imagine a world without hairbrushes! While not the first to create one, Lyda Newman patented a revolutionary version in 1898. Her design included synthetic bristles and ventilation, making it user-friendly and sanitary—especially for Black hair. She truly knew how to make a hairbrush work better for us. Just a friendly reminder: avoid brushing curls too vigorously!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Did you know that icons like Elvis and Johnny Cash drew inspiration from a Black woman? Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the Godmother of Rock n’ Roll, fused gospel, blues, and swing music long before Elvis stepped onto the scene. In the 1930s and 40s, she thrived in a male-dominated industry and collaborated with legends. Though she faded from the spotlight in the U.S. post-1950s, she was honored with induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner
Many people today are familiar with adhesive maxi pads, but before that, sanitary napkins were held in place with belts. Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner invented the adjustable belt with a moisture-proof pocket for napkins in 1957. Unfortunately, her invention was rejected by companies upon learning she was Black, but she persevered and continued to innovate throughout her life.
Mae Jemison
From a young age, Mae Jemison dreamed of space travel. This dream became a reality after she earned degrees in chemical engineering and African American Studies from Stanford, followed by an M.D. from Cornell. In 1992, she made history as NASA’s first Black woman astronaut, inspiring countless young women of color to pursue careers in STEM.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
In pre-Civil War Massachusetts, Rebecca Lee Crumpler broke barriers as the first Black woman to graduate from medical school in the U.S. in 1864. After the war, she expanded her medical practice to Virginia and authored “A Book of Medical Discourses in Two Parts,” further contributing to the field of medicine.
Jane Bolin
A pioneer in law, Jane Bolin was not only the first Black woman to attend Yale Law School but also the first to join the New York Bar Association. In 1937, she was appointed as the Assistant Corporation Counsel of New York City, and later became a judge, where she made significant reforms in Family Court.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
Concerned about rising crime in her Queens neighborhood, nurse Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband invented a home security system in 1969 that included a camera, peep holes, and a two-way microphone. Their innovation laid the groundwork for modern security systems we rely on today.
Shirley Chisholm
Before Kamala Harris, there was Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination in 1972. Her slogan, “unbought and unbothered,” remains influential today.
Henrietta Lacks
Henrietta Lacks unknowingly contributed to modern medicine by providing cells that led to significant advancements, including the polio vaccine. Her immortal HeLa cells continue to be invaluable in research, showcasing the importance of ethics in medical practices.
Lisa Gelobter
We all enjoy GIFs, but few realize that the technology behind them was developed by Lisa Gelobter. A seasoned tech professional, she played a crucial role in creating internet technologies like Shockwave and was a key contributor to Hulu’s development.
These ten women exemplify the extraordinary contributions of Black women throughout history. Their legacies inspire future generations and affirm the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of those who have often been overlooked.
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In summary, the contributions of Black women to various fields have been profound and transformative. Their stories remind us of the importance of representation and the impact of breaking barriers.