For centuries, Black women have stood at the intersection of resistance, resilience and revolution in America. From the enslaved women who led in the face of oppression’s brutal weight to the trailblazers who shattered barriers in the pursuit of equality, to the legacy carriers who believe more is possible, the narrative of the United States has been irrevocably shaped by our courage and determination. Yet, despite the countless victories and the indelible marks we have left on this nation, we must be clear: We are not done yet.
Black women have always been a force for change, though history has too often minimized our contributions. We have been architects of movements, leaders of communities and unapologetic changemakers. From the suffragists to the civil rights leaders, from the artists to the activists, the footprints of Black women in this country are vast and profound.
The legacy of Black women: A powerful foundation
Long before the suffrage movement or the Civil Rights Movement, there were Black women who were leading, organizing, and fighting for justice in ways that would reverberate through history. Harriet Tubman not only liberated herself from the chains of enslavement but risked her life to guide hundreds of others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Tubman didn’t wait for permission; she led because she understood the value of freedom, not just for herself but for all people. Her courage laid the groundwork for the larger abolitionist movement and set the stage for generations of Black women to follow in the enduring fight for freedom.
Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell were pioneers who demanded both racial and gender justice. Wells was an anti-lynching crusader and a journalist whose fierce pen and fearless activism challenged the status quo … reminding us that there is power in the pen. Terrell, one of the first African American women to earn a college degree, used her intellect and influence to push for both women’s rights and civil rights. And then, there is the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972. Chisholm, with her fiery spirit and unapologetic voice, is a symbol of the possibility of change from within the system. Her life is a testament to the power of self-determination and the importance of ensuring that Black women’s voices are heard in every room that matters.
Breaking barriers and shaping movements
The strength of Black women is seen not only in the iconic figures of a moment but also in the everyday acts of resistance and resilience by iconic women throughout our history.
Constance Baker Motley broke barriers in ways that fundamentally reshaped America. As the first African American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court and the first Black woman to be appointed to the federal judiciary, Motley became a key architect of the legal strategies that dismantled segregation and other forms of institutionalized racism. Her role as a lawyer with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and her leadership as a federal judge made her a pioneering figure in the fight for justice. Motley’s courage in the courtroom and her vision of a racially integrated America helped build the foundation for the victories of the Civil Rights Movement, reminding us that justice is often won in the halls of power, as much as it is on the streets.
Beyond the struggle for civil rights, Black women have been instrumental in the fight for social and economic justice. Today, we see the legacy of Black women like Audre Lorde, whose words on intersectionality, identity and the necessity of speaking truth to power continue to guide movements from Black Lives Matter to feminism. The fight for justice and equity in all forms is a fight that Black women have led and will continue to lead .
Consider the rise of Stacey Abrams, whose tireless work in Georgia helped flip a state and bring us one step closer to a government that represents us all. Abrams has shown that Black women have the tools, and when we take the opportunity, we lead movements not only for our own people but for the entire country.
And, in the world of business, we see the remarkable achievements of Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of TIAA, making history as one of the few Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company. Duckett’s ascent in corporate America is nothing short of extraordinary. As a leader in finance and a trailblazer in the industry, she has shown that Black women are not only capable of achieving success in traditionally male-dominated fields, they are redefining what leadership looks like.
Duckett’s leadership serves as both an inspiration and a call to action, showing that systemic change is possible when we have Black women at the top, making decisions that impact generations to come.
We are not done yet
The work of Black women is never finished because we continue to believe that freedom must be fought for by every generation. We are both the conscience and heartbeat of this nation, always believing and pushing for a more just and equitable America, even in the face of systemic racism, economic inequality and gender-based violence..
We are not done until every Black woman has access to quality health care, economic independence and the freedom to live. We are not done until the barriers that keep us from true representation are broken down. We are not done because justice is not a destination, but a journey that requires us to continually fight, organize and push for the world we deserve.
We must continue to honor the legacy of the countless Black women who have come before us. And we must ensure that the world we leave behind is one that is more just, more inclusive, and more equitable. The voices of Black women — loud, fierce, and unapologetic — will continue to shape the United States in ways that no one can predict.
So, to all the Black women who have led, who are leading, and who will continue to lead: Thank you.
In the legacy of Hazel Nell Dukes … we are not done yet. We rise, we fight, and we will not rest until America delivers on her promises and our freedom is fully realized.
Ms. Sullivan is the president of the NAACP New England Area Conference and a member of the National NAACP Foundation Board.
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