Dorothy Porter, a pioneer in library and information science. Phillis Wheatley, the first African American of either gender to publish a book of poetry. Elizabeth Jennings, a nineteenth-century civil rights activist refused to leave a whites-only streetcar. Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress. These are just a few of the great Black women in American history. This roundup offers a glimpse into their persistence, their accomplishments, and their impact(s) on culture and society. The linked scholarship is free to read and download by all.
The Privileged and Impoverished Life of Phillis Wheatley
March 30, 2018
The first African American to publish a book of poetry has remained a controversial figure in the Black community.
Jarena Lee, The First Woman African American Autobiographer
December 15, 2018
Jarena Lee was the first female preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1836, she published her autobiography.
The Woman Who Refused to Leave a Whites-Only Streetcar
August 15, 2018
In 1854, Elizabeth Jennings rode the streetcar of her choice, in an early civil rights protest that led to desegregating public transportation in NYC.
The “Doctress” Was In: Rebecca Lee Crumpler
March 9, 2020
The first Black woman physician served communities in the South after the Civil War but was buried in an anonymous grave. That will likely change.
Margaret S. Collins, Pioneering Black Entomologist
February 19, 2020
She was the first African American woman to earn a PhD in entomology as well as an activist for freedom in the Civil Rights Movement.
Madame Sul-Te-Wan’s Forgotten Brilliant Career
February 13, 2020
The mysteriously named Madame Sul-Te-Wan was the first black actress to land a Hollywood studio contract.
What Dorothy Porter’s Life Meant for Black Studies
August 22, 2018
Dorothy Porter, a Black woman pioneer in library and information science, created an archive that structured a new field.
The Black Nurse Who Drove Integration of the U.S. Nurse Corps
May 9, 2020
In World War II, Mabel Keaton Staupers tirelessly fought for the integration of the Army and Navy Nurse Corps—and eventually won.
How Septima Poinsette Clark Spoke Up for Civil Rights
February 10, 2016
The daughter of a slave, Septima Clark graduated from college, became a teacher, and became a fierce advocate for social and cultural change.
Sarah Webster Fabio: Mother of Black Studies
March 26, 2016
Poet, teacher, musician, and scholar of black literature, Sarah Webser Fabio, helped build a Black Arts movement on the West Coast.
The Significance of Shirley Chisholm’s Presidential Campaign
July 5, 2016
Shirley Chisholm: the first black female U.S. Representative, first black major-party candidate for President, and the first Democratic Party woman to run.
More Hidden Figures of NASA History
January 30, 2017
Katherine G. Johnson, Charles F. Bolden, Jeanette Epps, and roles of African Americans in NASA.
Barbara Christian on Audre Lorde
June 5, 2020
Audre Lorde's influence on contemporary intersectional feminism was profound, as pioneering Black literary scholar Barbara Christian wrote.
MacArthur Fellow Jennifer L. Eberhardt Shines Light on Racism and Criminal Justice
September 19, 2014
Social psychologist Jennifer L. Eberhardt has won a MacArthur fellowship for her research in criminal justice reform.
Carla Hayden: Librarian of Congress
April 13, 2016
Carla Hayden has a history of social justice work in public libraries.
