by Lorrie C. Reed, M.Div., Ph.D.
Throughout history, influential Black women have used their agency to advance social justice and systemic change within their families and communities. Their feats have been remarkable and have changed the course of American history. The following are brief descriptions of determined Black women who are not associated with any given ism. Instead, these women exhibit many behaviors that make for resilience among Black women in America. All of them have learned to survive traumas and injustices while overcoming adversity. Sans labels, they have aimed to make a difference in their communities and the world. These women inspired my thoughts and actions and served as templates for Hannah, the main character in Deep River Crossings.
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883)
Born into slavery in 1797, Isabella Baumfree became known as Sojourner Truth, symbolizing her unwavering quest for justice and equality. Her journey from enslavement to becoming a formidable advocate for social justice is a testament to her resilience and determination. In 1827, the New York Anti-Slavery Law was enacted, promising freedom to those enslaved in the state. However, Isabella’s former owner, John Dumont, reneged on his promise to free her. To add to her anguish, he sold her five-year-old son, Peter, into continued bondage. Isabella’s response was nothing short of revolutionary. With the assistance of Isaac and Marie Van Wagenen, she took the unprecedented step of suing Dumont. Her legal battle culminated in a landmark victory, marking her as the first Black woman to successfully sue a White man in the United States court system (NPS, 2017). This victory reclaimed her son and set a powerful precedent for African American legal rights.
Sojourner Truth’s contribution to social justice extended beyond this early legal victory. Embracing her new name in 1843, she began to spread the gospel of freedom and equality. She traversed the nation, speaking fervently against the injustices of slavery and advocating for women’s rights. Her most famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” delivered at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851, highlighted the intersectionality of race and gender oppression. Truth’s rhetoric was not just compelling; it was transformative, rallying support for the abolitionist movement and the fight for women’s suffrage (History.com, 2024).
Truth’s activism is deeply intertwined with her faith and belief in divine justice. She believed that her life’s work was guided by a higher power, which gave her the strength to confront and dismantle systemic injustices. Her involvement with the Union during the Civil War, where she helped recruit Black soldiers and advocated for the desegregation of streetcars in Washington, D.C., further exemplified her commitment to equality and social change.
Sojourner Truth’s legacy is one of relentless pursuit of justice, a beacon of hope for the oppressed, and a pioneer in the fight for systemic social change. Her life’s work laid significant groundwork for future civil rights movements and continues to inspire generations to stand against injustice and fight for equality.
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, born circa 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland, left an indelible mark on the fight for social justice and systemic change. Tubman’s most renowned role was as a conductor on the Underground Railroad. This clandestine network of routes and safe houses offered a path to freedom for enslaved African Americans. Over about a decade, Tubman undertook thirteen missions, leading around seventy enslaved individuals to freedom. Her profound knowledge of covert operations and unyielding bravery earned her the moniker Moses, reflecting her role as a deliverer of her people (History.com, 2024).
Her work extended beyond these daring rescues. Tubman was deeply involved in the broader abolitionist movement, collaborating with prominent figures such as Frederick Douglass and John Brown. She provided invaluable intelligence and support, including serving as a spy and scout for the Union Army during the Civil War. Her efforts in this capacity were instrumental in several military operations, including the Combahee River Raid, which led to the liberation of over 700 enslaved people (Larson, 2004).
Tubman’s contributions were not limited to abolition. She advocated for women’s rights and was involved in the suffrage movement. Her work was characterized by a profound sense of community solidarity, resistance against systemic oppression, and a commitment to collective empowerment. This dedication is evident in her later years when she established the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged, providing care for older adults and indigent African Americans (Petry, 1971).
Anna Julia Cooper
Anna Julia Cooper, born on August 10, 1858, in Raleigh, North Carolina, and passing away on February 27, 1964, in Washington, D.C., was a trailblazing educator, author, and activist whose work significantly advanced social justice and systemic change. Cooper’s life and work were deeply rooted in advocating for the rights and empowerment of Black women, and she is often celebrated for her profound contributions to this cause. Cooper was ahead of her time in emphasizing the critical importance of uplifting and centering the voices of Black women in the broader struggle for equality. Her work underscored that actual social progress could not be achieved without addressing the unique challenges faced by Black women.
One of Cooper’s most famous statements, found in her 1892 work “A Voice from the South,” encapsulates her vision: “Only the Black woman can say when and where I enter, in the quiet, undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence and suing or special patronage, then and there the whole Negro race enters with me” (Cooper, 1892). This quote powerfully conveys her belief that the liberation of Black women was intrinsically linked to the liberation of the entire Black race.
Cooper was dedicated to education as a means of empowerment throughout her life. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Paris-Sorbonne in 1924, becoming one of the first Black women to do so. Her academic achievements and her role as an educator were pivotal in breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of Black women. In addition to her scholarly work, Cooper was an active participant in the early civil rights movement. She worked with organizations such as the Colored Women’s League and the National Association of Colored Women, using these platforms to advocate for policy changes and social reforms that would benefit Black communities (BlackHistory.news, n.d.).
Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Ida B. Wells-Barnett, born on July 16, 1862, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, and passing away on March 25, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, was a formidable force in the fight for social justice and systemic change in America. As a journalist, educator, and relentless anti-lynching crusader, Wells-Barnett dedicated her life to documenting and exposing the brutal realities of racial violence. In an era when racial injustice was rampant, Wells-Barnett used her sharp journalistic skills to shine a light on the horrors that many preferred to ignore. Her detailed investigations and reports brought national attention to the widespread lynching of African Americans, a practice that was often overlooked or tacitly accepted by mainstream society. Through her work, she uncovered the gruesome facts and challenged the prevailing narratives that justified these acts of terror (History.com, 2023).
Wells-Barnett’s contributions transcended journalism. She was a passionate educator who believed in the power of knowledge and education to uplift and empower marginalized communities. Her commitment to racial and gender justice was evident in her work. Throughout her life, Wells-Barnett used her platform to amplify the voices of those who were often silenced. Her courage in the face of adversity and her unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on society. Her legacy inspires generations of activists and advocates who strive for a more just and equitable world.
Mary McLeod Bethune
Born on July 10, 1875, in Maysville, South Carolina, Mary McLeod Bethune emerged from humble beginnings to become a pioneering educator, civil rights leader, and the founder of the National Council of Negro Women. Her journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of equality and empowerment for Black women and girls, which she saw as essential to broader community upliftment and social equity.
Bethune’s educational endeavors began with her insatiable quest for knowledge. Despite her time’s racial and economic barriers, she attended the Scotia Seminary for Girls in North Carolina and later the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Her belief in the transformative power of education led her to establish the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904, which later merged with the Cookman Institute to become Bethune-Cookman College. Through this institution, she sought to provide Black women with the skills and education necessary to achieve economic independence and leadership roles within their communities (Biography.com, 2021).
Her advocacy extended far beyond the classroom. As the founder of the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, Bethune created a platform to address the intersectional issues of race, gender, and economic inequality. This organization worked tirelessly to improve Black women’s social and economic conditions, advocating for civil rights, educational opportunities, and political representation. Under her leadership, the Council became a powerful voice in the fight for desegregation and voting rights, playing a crucial role in the broader civil rights movement (Biography.com, 2021).
Bethune’s influence also reached the highest levels of government. She served as a national adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming the highest-ranking African American woman in government during her tenure. In this role, she utilized her position to advocate for the New Deal programs to be more inclusive of Black Americans. She worked to ensure that federal policies addressed the needs of marginalized communities (Biography.com, 2021).
In 1953, she established the nonprofit Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation to promote her social and educational ideals. Her life’s work advanced the cause of education for Black women and laid the groundwork for future generations to continue the struggle for equality and justice. She died at her home on May 18, 1955, of a heart attack (NPS, 2020).
Fannie Lou Hamer
Born on October 6, 1917, in Montgomery County, Mississippi, Fannie Lou Hamer emerged as a formidable force in the fight for civil and voting rights. Her journey began in the deeply segregated American South, where systemic racism and voter suppression were rampant. Hamer’s commitment to social justice and relentless advocacy for the disenfranchised made her a pivotal figure in the movement. Hamer’s activism was not just a fight against racial segregation; it was a profound battle for the recognition and respect of Black women’s experiences. Her approach was holistic, recognizing that the liberation of Black women was intrinsically linked to the broader struggle for civil rights.
Hamer’s most significant contribution was her role in the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964. During this pivotal campaign, she worked tirelessly to register Black voters in a state notorious for its voter suppression tactics. Despite facing severe violence and intimidation, Hamer’s resolve never wavered. Her powerful testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention brought national attention to the brutal realities of racial discrimination in the South. She famously declared,
You can always hear this long sob story: “You know it takes time.” For three hundred years, we’ve given them time. And, I’ve been tired so long, now I am sick and tired of being sick and tired, and we want a change. (Hamer, 1964)
Hamer’s influence extended beyond voter registration. She co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), challenging the legitimacy of the all-white Mississippi delegation at the Democratic National Convention. Although the MFDP was not seated, Hamer’s efforts forced the Democratic Party to confront its racial biases and laid the groundwork for future reforms (Hamer, 1964).
Throughout her life, Hamer remained a steadfast advocate for the marginalized. She worked with organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was instrumental in establishing the National Women’s Political Caucus, promoting women’s involvement in politics. Her legacy is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the enduring fight for justice and equality.
Fannie Lou Hamer passed away on March 14, 1977, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, but her impact on the civil rights movement and her contributions to systemic social change continue to resonate today. Her life’s work remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who continue the struggle for a more just and equitable society (History.com, 2024).
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm, born on November 30, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged as a formidable figure in the fight for social justice and systemic change in America. Her life and career were marked by groundbreaking achievements that inspire others. Chisholm passed away on January 1, 2005, in Ormond Beach, Florida, but her legacy endures.
In 1968, Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. This milestone was more than a personal triumph; it was a significant step forward for racial and gender equality in American politics. Representing New York’s 12th congressional district, she served seven terms in the House of Representatives, fighting tirelessly for the rights of women, minorities, and the economically disadvantaged.
Chisholm’s advocacy extended beyond her identity as a Black woman; she championed the causes of all marginalized communities. Her policies and initiatives often addressed poverty, education, and healthcare, aiming to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality. Notably, she played a crucial role in forming the Congressional Black Caucus in 1969, which sought to address the legislative concerns of African Americans. In 1972, Chisholm broke another barrier by becoming the first Black candidate to seek a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. Her campaign slogan, “Unbought and Unbossed,” encapsulated her fierce independence and commitment to integrity. Although she did not win the nomination, her candidacy challenged the status quo and paved the way for future generations of diverse political leaders (Biography, 2021.).
Chisholm’s contributions were not confined to her legislative work. She was a staunch advocate for educational reform, believing that quality education was a fundamental right. She also worked to improve labor conditions and expand the social safety net, emphasizing the importance of a government that serves its people equitably. Shirley Chisholm’s legacy is a testament to her unwavering dedication to social justice and systemic change. Her life and work inspire new generations to challenge inequities and fight for a more just and inclusive society.
Barbara Jordan
Barbara Jordan’s contribution to social justice and systemic social change is profound and enduring. Born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas, Jordan broke numerous barriers throughout her remarkable career. She passed away on January 17, 1996, in Austin, Texas, but her legacy continues to inspire and influence. Jordan’s journey began in a segregated South, where opportunities for Black women were severely limited. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically, earning a degree from Texas Southern University and a law degree from Boston University School of Law. Her determination and intellect soon propelled her into the political arena, where she made history as the first Black woman from the South elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1972 (Women’s History.org, 2024).
Jordan quickly became an influential civil rights and social justice advocate in Congress. Her eloquent speeches and rigorous legal mind earned her widespread respect and acclaim. One of her most notable contributions was during the Watergate scandal, where her compelling oratory and dedication to the Constitution underscored the importance of accountability and the rule of law. Her speech during the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon remains a defining moment in American political history, showcasing her unwavering commitment to integrity and justice (Miller Center, University of Virginia) (Women’s History.org, 2024).
Jordan’s impact was not confined to her legislative work. She was a staunch advocate for marginalized communities, consistently using her platform to fight for equality and empowerment. Her legislative efforts included championing the Voting Rights Act, which sought to dismantle the systemic barriers that disenfranchised Black voters. Additionally, she played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of the poor and underserved, working tirelessly to ensure that all Americans had access to the fundamental rights and opportunities they deserved. Beyond her political career, Jordan was also a dedicated educator and mentor. After retiring from politics, she became a professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. In this role, she continued to influence and inspire future generations of leaders, instilling the values of justice, equality, and service (History.com, 2009). Barbara Jordan’s life and work exemplify a profound commitment to social justice and systemic change. Her legacy is a testament to the impact one individual can have on the fabric of society, tirelessly advocating for a more just and equitable world.
Carol Mosley Braun
Carol Moseley Braun was born on August 16, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, and remains a significant figure in American politics and social justice advocacy. As the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate, her tenure from 1993 to 1999 marked a pivotal period in legislative efforts focused on civil rights, women’s rights, and broader social justice issues. Moseley Braun’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. Her advocacy for marginalized communities is a cornerstone of her public service. She consistently championed policies aimed at advancing equality and opportunity for all, embodying the principles of empowerment and community upliftment central to womanist philosophy.
Throughout her time in the Senate, Moseley Braun used her platform to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. She was a vocal proponent of civil rights legislation, striving to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality. Her legislative efforts included pushing for reforms in education, health care, and economic opportunities to create a more just society. Moreover, her work extended beyond the Senate. After her term, Moseley Braun continued influencing public policy and social change. She was the U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, demonstrating her dedication to public service and international diplomacy (History Makers.org, 2024).
Carol Moseley Braun’s trailblazing career broke new ground for Black women in politics and inspired future generations of leaders. Her legacy is one of resilience, determination, and an unyielding pursuit of justice and equality. Her life’s work remains a powerful example of how one individual’s dedication to public service can drive systemic social change.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama, born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, has profoundly impacted social justice and systemic social change throughout her career. Her tenure as the First Lady of the United States, following her husband Barack Obama’s election in 2008, marked a period of significant advocacy and public engagement on critical social issues. During her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama launched several high-impact initiatives that addressed pressing societal challenges. One of her most notable programs, “Let’s Move!,” aimed to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier lifestyles among children and families nationwide. This initiative combined efforts from schools, communities, and policymakers to create environments that support healthy choices (White House Archives, 2011). Another significant initiative was “Reach Higher,” which encouraged young people to pursue higher education and reach their full potential. This program focused on inspiring students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to seek college opportunities and career training, thus fostering a culture of educational attainment and personal growth (U.S. Department of Education, 2014). Michelle Obama further cemented her influence through her best-selling memoir Becoming. This 2018 book provides an intimate look into her life, from her upbringing in Chicago to her experiences in the White House. Her candid reflections on personal and public life have inspired countless readers to embrace self-discovery and personal development (Obama, 2018).
Beyond her initiatives and literary contributions, Michelle Obama’s advocacy extends deeply into women’s rights and empowerment. She has steadfastly supported girls’ education, understanding its critical role in transforming societies and fostering equality. Her commitment to dismantling gender inequality and breaking down barriers that hinder women’s progress is evident in her numerous speeches and public engagements (Global Opportunity Alliance, 2018). Moreover, Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-love, particularly for women. She encourages women to prioritize their well-being and personal growth, challenging societal norms that often demand perfection and self-sacrifice. By openly sharing her struggles and triumphs, she inspires others to embrace their authenticity and care for themselves (Obama, 2018).
Michelle Obama has impacted social justice and systemic social change through her dedicated advocacy, public initiatives, and personal storytelling. She continues to uplift women of all backgrounds and amplify the voices of marginalized communities, embodying the spirit of womanism and championing a more inclusive and equitable society.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, has made substantial contributions to social justice and systemic social change throughout her illustrious career. Her journey from a prosecutor to becoming the first female, Black, and Asian American Vice President of the United States is a testament to her trailblazing spirit and unwavering commitment to empowering women and marginalized communities. Harris’s career reflects a deep dedication to social justice. As a prosecutor and later the Attorney General of California, she was known for her balanced approach to criminal justice, advocating for accountability and reform. Her efforts included initiatives to reduce recidivism and support reentry programs, recognizing the need for systemic changes to create fairer outcomes (CDOJ, 2016).
In the U.S. Senate, Harris continued her advocacy, focusing on immigration rights, healthcare access, and economic equality. Her work on the Senate Judiciary Committee was particularly notable, where she was a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and protections for Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program (U.S. Senate, 2018). She co-sponsored legislation to expand access to affordable healthcare and address the economic disparities disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
As Vice President, Harris has emphasized the importance of intersectionality, understanding the interconnected nature of race, gender, and other identities in shaping individuals’ experiences and opportunities. This perspective has informed her policy priorities and advocacy efforts. For instance, she has been a strong proponent of reproductive justice, pushing for policies protecting women’s rights to decide about their bodies (White House, 2021).
Kamala Harris’s contributions to social justice and systemic change are multifaceted and profound. Her advocacy, policy work, and leadership embody a commitment to advancing equality and empowerment for all, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Through her career, she has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations to aspire to leadership roles, demonstrating the power of inclusivity and intersectional advocacy in shaping a more just society.
References
Biography.com (April 23, 2021). Mary McLeod Bethune. Available at https://www.biography.com/activists/mary-mcleod-bethune
Biography.com. (May 2021). Shirley Chisolm. Available at www.biography.com/political-figure/shirley-chisholm
BlackHistory.news. (n.d.). Anna Julia Cooper. Available at https://blackhistory.news.columbia.edu/people/anna-julia-cooper
CDOJ (California Department of Justice). (2016). Office of the Attorney General Annual Report. Retrieved from https://openjustice.doj.ca.gov/resources/publications
Cooper, A. J. (1892). A voice from the South, 1892, Smithsonian Libraries.
Global Opportunity Alliance. (2018). Global opportunity alliance. Retrieved from https://www.obama.org/programs/girls-opportunity-alliance/
Hamer, F. L. (1964).). “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” In Speeches of Fannie Lou Hamer, To tell it like it is. Retrieved from https://www.crmvet.org/docs/flh64.htm
History.com. (2009). How Barbara Jordan’s 1974 speech marked a turning point in the Watergate scandal. Available at https://www.history.com/news/barbara-jordan-speech-nixon-impeachment
History.com. (2021). Shirley Chisholm: Facts about her trailblazing career. Available at https://www.history.com/news/shirley-chisholm-career-milestones
History.com. (2024). Fannie Lou Hamer. Available at https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/fannie-lou-hamer
History.com. (2024). Harriet Tubman. Available at https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/harriet-tubman
History.com. (February 20, 2024). Sojourner Truth. Available at https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/sojourner-truth
History.com. (May 18, 2023). Ida B. Wells. Available at https://www.history.com/news/ida-b-wells-lynching-memphis-chicago
HistoryMakers.org. (2024). The Honorable Carol Mosley Braun. Available at https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/honorable-carol-moseley-braun
Larson, K. C. (2004). Bound for the promised land: Harriet Tubman, portrait of an American hero. Ballantine Books, 2004.
NPS (National Park Service). (November 17, 2017). Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman? Women’s Rights National. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/sojourner-truth.htm
NPS (National Park Service). (July 30, 2020). Mary McLeod Bethune. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/people/mary-mcleod-bethune.htm#:~ :text=In%201953%20Bethune%20established%20the,at%20the%20age%20of%2079.
Obama, M. (2018). Becoming. Crown Publishing Group.
Petry, A. (1971). Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad. HarperCollins.
U.S. Department of Education. (2014). Reach Higher Initiative. Retrieved from https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/reach-higher
U.S. Senate. (2018). Dream Act: An overview. Retrieved from https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/dream-act-an-overview-1.
White House Archives. (2011). Let’s Move! America’s move to raise a healthier generation of kids. Retrieved from https://letsmove.obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/about
White House. (2021). Vice President Kamala Harris’s remarks on women’s health and reproductive rights. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/02/06/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-during-the-fight-for-reproductive-freedoms-tour-savannah-ga/
WhiteHouse.gov. (2024). Kamala Harris. Vice president. Available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-harris/
Whitehouse.gov. (2024). Michelle Obama. Available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/michelle-obama/
Women’s History.org. (2024). Barbara Jordan. Retrieved from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/barbara-jordan
