Black History Month Part 4

6 INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN YOU MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

Click on the person's name to learn more about them

Phillis Wheatley (1753 – 1784) -- her work, “Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral”, made her the first African-American female to have poetry published.  She was taught to read and write by her slave owners.

Mamie Smith (1883 – 1946) -- was the first African American to make a blues recording in 1920.  She was a vaudeville dancer, singer, actress and pianist. 

 

 

Bessie Coleman (1892 – 1926) -- became the first licensed black pilot in the world.

  

 

Shirley Chrisholm (1924 – 2005) -- was the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress

 

Angela Davis (1944 – present) -- American political activist, scholar and author that works for racial and gender equality. 

Mae Jemison (1956 – present) à was the first black female astronaut; went into space for 7 days / 22 hours / 30 minutes.