Heroines of Civil Rights
Heroines of Civil Rights are the women whose contributions have cemented their place in Black history as well as American history. These women leaders have made numerous sacrifices, including their lives. But they never gave up and they always maintained their dignity and respect. These historic women come from all walks of life and have contributed in various ways. Just as on the men’s side, there were slaves, doctors, lawyers, musicians, athletes, military folks, teachers, abolitionists, suffragist and in other professions that contributed their time and effort to make valuable contributions. The heroic actions of Ida B. Wells Barnett anti-lynching crusade, the fiery speeches of Maria W. Stewart, the leadership of Daisy Bates, and the list goes on.
Black women have played an equal role with Black men in attempting to attain a better life for all Black people. Many of the women below are easily recognizable and famous. But there may be some below that you would not have thought about or may have been forgotten. Their actions, deeds and bravery are nevertheless just as worthy as the more famous ones. They have in their own way have been a part of the struggle for freedom and equality.
This is not a complete list but just a list. They may not be yours, but they are mine. To me their stories are exciting, stimulating, and refreshing. Did you know of Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, the influential abolitionist, suffragist, and reformer? She was the first Black woman to publish a short story, but more than that she as a champion of civil rights in the 19th century. African American women have had it a little bit tougher than their Black counterparts. They had to overcome sexism as well as racism. As the great civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell once said “Colored men have only one – that of race. Colored women are the only group in this country who have two heavy handicaps to overcome, that of race as well as that of sex.”
