Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross, was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army during the American Civil War. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some thirteen missions to rescue approximately seventy enslaved people, family and friends, Using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. She helped abolitionist John Brown recruit men for his raid on Harpers Ferry, and in the post-war era was an active participant in the struggle for women's suffrage.

Sadie Alexander

Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander was the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in economics in the United States, and the first woman to receive a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Throughout her career, Alexander was the first African-American woman appointed as Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Philadelphia, was appointed to the city's Commission on Human Relations, and a member of President of John F. Kennedy Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Cathay Williams

Cathay Williams was an American soldier who enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay. She was the first African-American woman to enlist, and the only documented to serve in the United States Army posing as a man.

Charlene Mitchell

Charlene Alexander Mitchell is an African-American international socialist, feminist, labor and civil rights activist. She was the first African-American woman to run for President of the United States.

Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Rebecca Lee Crumpler was an American physician and author. Becoming a Doctor of Medicine in 1864 after studying at New England Female Medical College, she was the first African-American woman to become a physician in the United States.

Charlotta Bass

Charlotta Amanda Spears Bass (February 14, 1874 – April 12, 1969) was an American educator, newspaper publisher-editor, and civil rights activist. Bass was probably the first African-American woman to own and operate a newspaper in the United States; she published the California Eagle from 1912 until 1951. In 1952, Bass became the first African-American woman nominated for Vice President, as a candidate of the Progressive Party.

Alice Coachman

Track and field star Alice Coachman made history at the 1948 Olympic Games, becoming the first black woman to win an Olympic medal.

Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith is a British novelist, essayist, and short-story writer. Her debut novel, “White Teeth,” immediately became a best-seller and won a number of awards. Her most recent book is “Swing Time.” The @guardian newspaper asked Smith for her "10 rules for writing fiction". Among them she declared: "Tell the truth through whichever veil comes to hand – but tell it. Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never being satisfied.”

Bessie Coleman

In 1922, aviator Bessie Coleman became the first African American woman to stage a public flight in America. Her high-flying skills always wowed her audience.

Read About Black Women: Black History Month Round-up #3