Phenomenal Woman
In two of her most poignant poems, Phenomenal Woman and Still I Rise, the acclaimed Maya Angelou wrote about Black women being extraordinary and resilient. These qualities continue to serve as catalysts for Black and Brown women’s success today. Phenomenality and resiliency have spurred icons and trailblazers in virtually every industry and walk of life for hundreds of years.
We Salute the Phenomenal Woman in You
The fight to climb the proverbial ladder of success and break the symbolic glass ceiling is real for women of any color, but it is especially daunting for Black women who face discrimination caused by racial and gender biases. Knowing that Black women stare down a double-barreled shotgun most every time they challenge the status quo, stretch to reach their full potential, or refuse to take no for an answer when striving to realize their dreams, it is essential that we acknowledge them this Women’s History Month. We salute the phenomenal woman in everyone everywhere.
From entertainment to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts
Do you know this phenomenal woman?
Legendary Black Women Icons and Trailblazers
- Mary Jane Patterson (1840-1894)
- Whoopi Goldberg, Ph.D. (1955- )
- Katherine Johnson (1918- )
- Mae C. Jemison (1956- )
- Shirley Chisholm (1924 -2005)
- Lori Lightfoot (1962 – )
From putting the first man into space to becoming the first Black woman in space, these icons and trailblazers exemplify the endless possibilities available to phenomenal women despite racial and gender biases. They represent only a small sample of the influential Black women pioneers. For all that these phenomenal and resilient women have done and continue to do, we say thank you.
