This month I decided to brush up on some of the amazing things that black women in the past have done before us. Reading the history of our ancestors, helps us to see where we have come from and where we are going. It helps us to look at what we’ve been through to appreciate what we are able to do.

For instance, Ida B. Wells, “was an African-American journalist, abolitionist and feminist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She went on to found and become integral in groups striving for African-American justice.” This woman protested in Washington, DC against the lynching of African Americans. It is the work she did that made it possible for us to walk around “free” today. Without getting lynched without cause.

Fannie Lou Hamer, “was an American voting and women’s rights activist, community organizer, and a leader in the civil rights movement. She was the co-founder and vice-chair of the Freedom Democratic Party, which she represented at the 1964 Democratic National Convention.” This woman was a leader in the civil rights and voting movements. It is her work that made it possible for the voting rights of African Americans. Because of her, we have the ability to be able to vote, let alone hold positions in congress.

Shirley Chisholm, “was an African American politician, educator, and author. In 1968, she became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress, and she represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983.” Her work made it possible for a record number of women of all race and ethnicity to win seats in the house of representatives. Women have never held more than 84 of the 435 seats in the house and in 2018, 100 women had been officially declared winners.

Hattie McDaniel, “was an African American stage actress, professional singer-songwriter, and comedian. She is best known for her role as “Mammy” in Gone with the Wind, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the first Academy Award won by an African American entertainer.” This woman’s work made it possible for Regina King to win the same award decades later. Regina King is the eighth African American actress to take home this Academy award in history.

There is so much power and beauty in remembering those who have gone before us. There is so much strength in knowing that where we started is not where we will end up. That we should keep pressing towards the mark towards equality for all people. Outfit deets: Jeans (fashionnova), shoes (fashionnova), top (amazon)

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