February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on Black people’s contributions, struggles, and triumphs in shaping society. March follows with Women’s History Month, celebrating the impact of women who have broken barriers and paved the way for progress. But what happens at the crossroads of these two observances?
Black women—whose identities straddle both race and gender—have long faced a dual struggle: the fight against racism and the fight against sexism. As the book title All the Blacks Were Men and All the Women Were White, But Some of Us Were Brave suggests, history has often overlooked those who exist at this powerful intersection. Black women have been the backbone of both the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements, yet their contributions have frequently gone unrecognized.
This is a time to acknowledge and uplift the legacies of those who have fought for freedom, equality, and justice—not just as Black people, not just as women, but as Black women.
“Only the BLACK WOMAN can say when and where I enter in the quiet undisputed dignity of my womanhood, without violence or special patronage; then and there, the whole Negro race enters with me.”-Anna Julia Cooper 1892
The Brave Women Who Shaped History
Throughout history, Black women have played crucial roles in movements that changed the world, often working behind the scenes or being erased from mainstream narratives. Let’s shine a light on some of these extraordinary figures.
Sojourner Truth: “Ain’t I a Woman?”
In 1851, abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth delivered her famous speech, “Ain’t I a Woman?” boldly claiming Black women’s place in the center of the feminist movement. At a time when women were fighting for suffrage, many White feminists distanced themselves from abolitionist movements, failing to advocate for Black women’s rights. Truth’s words still resonate today as a reminder that gender equality cannot be separated from racial justice.
Harriet Tubman: The Conductor of Freedom
Few names evoke the spirit of bravery and resilience like Harriet Tubman. As a leader of the Underground Railroad, Tubman risked her life repeatedly to guide enslaved people to freedom. But her fight for justice didn’t end there—she later worked as a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War and fought for women’s suffrage alongside figures like Susan B. Anthony. Her leadership and sacrifice remain a powerful testament to the strength of Black women in history.
Ida B. Wells: The Crusader Against Lynching
Ida B. Wells was a pioneering journalist and activist who fearlessly spoke out against the brutal lynching of Black men and women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As co-founder of the NAACP and one of the earliest investigative journalists, Wells used her writing to expose racial violence and demand justice. While many White suffragists ignored or even endorsed racial discrimination, Wells insisted on the inclusion of Black women in the fight for voting rights. She refused the plan for Black women to march behind White women in one march. After some heated discussion, Black women walk among White women, side by side.
Mahalia Jackson: The Voice of the Movement
Gospel singer Mahalia Jackson not only inspired millions with her powerful voice but also played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. She was a close confidante of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and it was her urging—”Tell them about the dream, Martin!”—that led to the famous I Have a Dream speech at the 1963 March on Washington. Beyond her influence on music and culture, Jackson used her earnings to fund civil rights initiatives, proving that activism takes many forms.
The Forgotten and the Unsung
While we celebrate these well-known figures, we must also remember the countless unsung Black women who have fought tirelessly for justice. From the laundresses who led labor strikes in the 19th century to the Black women organizers of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, history is rich with stories of resilience and courage that often go untold.
Black women’s struggles today—whether in politics, business, activism, or the arts—are deeply rooted in this history of exclusion and resistance. Their voices, contributions, and leadership must continue to be amplified.
Honoring Black Women at the Intersection of History
As we transition from Black History Month into Women’s History Month, let us remember that these two narratives are not separate but deeply intertwined. Black women have been the architects of change, often without recognition or credit. Their history is one of strength, perseverance, and radical hope.
This season, take time to learn about, support, and uplift Black women—past, present, and future. Share their stories, listen to their voices, and advocate for their inclusion. When we acknowledge Black women’s unique challenges, we move toward a more just and equitable world.
Let us not forget that some of us were brave. And some of us still are.