Looking Back to Move Forward: An Ode to the Trailblazer

When you think of inspirational women of color, who comes to mind? Some say, Oprah for her ability to turn a failing talk show into a multi-million dollar nationally syndicated show and for being considered one of the most influential people in America. Others may say Halle Berry, for her effortless elegance, star power evidenced in her Academy Award win in 2001 and for her ability to captivate audiences even at age 40. Yes, both Oprah and Ms. Berry deserve their props for being great 21st century role models, however, when I think of inspiration, I think back to the lesser known trailblazers who opened the door for me to have the freedoms I enjoy today. This Black History Month, I want to salute the women whose words challenged the system, encouraged their fellow sista to reach for greatness and most importantly continue to inspire today. Now, it would be impossible to name every trailblazing woman I find inspirational, so I’ve narrowed it down to my top ten and included the quotes that I’ve come to love and use for encouragement. May you learn about someone new and hopefully their words will inspire you also.

Top Ten Inspirational Pioneers

10. Angela Davis - A political activist who worked to uplift the Black community and erase gender discrimination.

“Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime.”

9. Josephine Baker - An international star whose shows captivated the world. She also fought for racial equality.

“The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.”

8. Alice Walker - A beloved writer whose books highlight the Black experience and bring voice, in particular, to the female struggle.

“And so our mothers and grandmothers have, more often than not anonymously, handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see - or like a sealed letter they could not plainly read.”

7. Bessie Coleman - In 1921, she became the world’s first Black licensed airplane pilot and also opened a school to teach Black women how to fly.

“I refused to take no for an answer.”

6. Maxine Waters - The outspoken Congresswoman from Los Angeles has committed herself to improving the status of her fellow African American, and is currently the most senior African American woman in Congress.

“I have a right to my anger, and I don't want anybody telling me I shouldn't be, that it's not nice to be, and that something's wrong with me because I get angry.”

5. Barbara Jordan - A political trailblazer who became the first Black female senator in 1966, a post that had not been held by a Black person since 1883.

“Do not call for black power or green power. Call for brain power.”

4. Shirley Chisolm - The first Black woman elected to Congress was a political trailblazer as well. In 1972, she was the first major party Black candidate and the first woman to run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“Tremendous amounts of talent are lost to our society just because that talent wears a skirt.”

3. Lorraine Hansberry - A pioneering playwright and activist, whose play, A Raisin In The Sun, was the first written by a Black woman to be performed on Broadway.

“There is always something left to love. And if you haven't learned that, you ain't learned nothing.”

2. Wilma Rudolph - Though plagued by disease and having to wear leg braces in her childhood, she refused to accept defeat. The exceptional athlete won three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.

“I tell them that the most important aspect is to be yourself and have confidence in yourself. I remind them the triumph can't be had without the struggle.”

1. Mary Mcleod Bethune - Pioneering educator who founded Bethune-Cookman College , the National Council of Negro Women and also served during the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration.

“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”

--Amelia Jones

Brownstone Intern