As Malcolm X profoundly noted, “the most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” This statement rings true as Black women have historically faced neglect and disregard in American society. However, despite these challenges, they continue to break barriers and make significant contributions. In recognition of International Women’s Day, we shine a light on ten extraordinary Black women who have paved the way in various fields, from the first Black female doctor to the creator of the hairbrush.
Lyda Newman
Imagine a world without hairbrushes! While Lyda Newman wasn’t the first to create one, she patented an innovative version in 1898. Her design featured synthetic bristles, ventilation, and space for collecting shed hair, making it far more hygienic and user-friendly. A true necessity, especially for those with textured hair!
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Did you know that icons like Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry drew inspiration from a Black woman? Sister Rosetta Tharpe is celebrated as the Godmother of Rock n’ Roll. Blending gospel, blues, and swing, she dominated a male-centric industry in the 1930s and 40s, collaborating with legends like Duke Ellington. Despite being overlooked for decades, she was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner
While many women today enjoy the convenience of adhesive maxi pads, Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner invented the first adjustable sanitary belt in 1957. Despite initial interest from a company that waned upon discovering her race, she persevered and continued to innovate throughout her life.
Mae Jemison
From dreaming of space as a child to becoming NASA’s first Black woman astronaut, Mae Jemison’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After earning degrees in chemical engineering and medicine, she made history in 1992 by traveling to space aboard the Endeavour. Today, she inspires young women of color to explore careers in tech and STEM fields.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler
In the pre-Civil War era, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler broke barriers as the first Black woman doctor in the United States after graduating from the New England Female Medical College in 1864. She dedicated her life to providing medical care, especially after the Civil War, and authored a medical book in 1883.
Jane Bolin
A pioneer in the legal field, Jane Bolin was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School and join the New York Bar Association. As a judge, she championed racial inclusivity in child welfare services, ensuring agencies accepting federal funds would serve children of all races.
Marie Van Brittan Brown
Concerned about rising crime in her neighborhood, nurse Marie Van Brittan Brown and her husband invented a closed-circuit home security system in 1969. Their innovative design, featuring a camera and two-way intercom, laid the groundwork for today’s security systems.
Shirley Chisholm
Before Kamala Harris, Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman to run for president, having previously made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress. Serving from 1969 to 1983, her bold slogan “unbought and unbothered” resonates to this day.
Henrietta Lacks
Henrietta Lacks is an unintentional pioneer in medical research, with her cells (HeLa cells) playing a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine. Taken without her consent, her cells continue to advance medical knowledge, impacting countless lives.
Lisa Gelobter
Did you know a Black woman played a key role in creating GIF animation technology? Lisa Gelobter has been a formidable force in tech, also contributing to the development of platforms like Hulu and serving as Chief Digital Officer for the Department of Education.
To learn more about home insemination, check out one of our other blog posts here. For those interested in artificial insemination kits, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. Additionally, for comprehensive insights into IVF, visit Mayo Clinic.
In summary, these remarkable Black women have broken down barriers and made lasting impacts in their respective fields. Their legacies continue to inspire and empower future generations.
Keyphrase: Celebrating Black Women Trailblazers
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]