Black Women Who Made History

Black History didn't start in America. There are so many influential and powerful black women who led revolutions, built empires and shattered barriers long before and beyond the U.S.

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1. Queen Nzinga ~ Ruler of now Angola in the 17th century, Queen Nzinga led her people against Portuguese colonizers. She was an influential leader and strategist, who played both political and military roles to defend her people. She also appointed women as generals of her army!

   

   Wonderopolis

2. Angela Davis ~ A revolutionary activist and scholar, Angela Davis became an important figure in the Civil Rights and Black Power movements in the US; she fought for prison abolition, racial justice, and systemic change. She started fighting for liberation as a Girl Scout when she was younger.

   

   AAUP

3. Miriam Makeba ~ Also known as "Mama Africa", Makeba was a global music icon who used her fame to raise awareness about apartheid and the struggles of Black South Africans. She was the first African woman to win a Grammy and recognized Global superstar.

   

   Intro Africa

4. Yaa Asantewaa ~ A queen from the Ashanti Empire in modern-day Ghana, Yaa Asantewaa led her people in the war of the Golden Stool against British colonizers in the 20th century. She commanded the Ashanti kings during the war and preserved the Golden Stool's sanctity.

   

   Maakola

5. Fanny Ann Eddy ~ A Sierra Leonean activist and founder of the Sierra Leone Lesbian and Gay Association (SLLGA). Fanny Ann advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa while including cultural advocacy and resistance against homophobia.

   

   Making Queer History

These women embody strength, resilience, and leadership that transcend time. Their stories show that Black women have always been trailblazers, shaping the world with determination. Their legacies continue to inspire and empower future generations to rise above any obstacle and redefine what's possible.