Honoring Black Women Who Paved The Way

By Quintavia McKay

As we celebrate Women’s History Month it is only right to acknowledge those women who have paved the way for many of us. Whether it was through entrepreneurship, philanthropy or cultural impact, these women left an everlasting mark on society and our culture as we know it.

Continuously cultivating the minds of women within the African American and minority communities here are a few of those women who made HERstory:

Madame CJ Walker (Sarah Breedlove) - The Mogul

Madam CJ Walker was a pioneer, first female self-made billionaire and activist that managed to make her living off the one thing that unites us all: hair. Starting from a problem of her own and creating a solution made her relatable and trustworthy to clientele. She was a fighter and with her strong minded will made progress to be a pioneer for the industry to come with her own haircare line. You can check out her limited series story on Netflix entitled Self Made.

Oprah Winfrey - The Media Tycoon

When we talk moguls let’s not forget to mention Ms. Oprah Gail Winfrey. An author, philanthropist, actress and TV producer; Who says women can’t do it all? Humble beginnings as a news anchor for CBS and a graduate of Tennessee State University, Winfrey continued to take the world by storm. Her daily talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show is the best of its kind, bringing together people and sharing those important and untold stories.

Michelle Obama - The Icon

Lawyer. Writer. Wife. Mother. Former and first African American First lady. Michelle Obama has done and continues to do it all. As a graduate from Princeton University (1985) and Harvard Law School (1988), she serves as a role model to the community and young women around the world. Michelle constantly advocates for poverty, education, healthy living and nutrition practices. Her recent book Becoming, is a memoir of the former first lady detailing her life, passion, roots, motherhood and finding her voice.

Cicely Tyson - The Grace

The late and great Cicely Tyson was a Hollywood icon pioneering the entertainment industry through acting and modeling. Working over seven decades her work to portrayed and exemplified the best of the African American woman. Tyson has sat among presidents, queens, kings and other dignitaries, where she left a mark in their hearts and minds. Being an Emmy and Oscar award winning woman is not a title to take lightly. Her esteem and presence are always felt in the roles she played on screen. In her memoir Just as I am, Tyson describes it as her truth where she is plain, unvarnished with the glitter and garland set aside.