Black Women in History: A Comprehensive Timeline 1711-2022

Introduction

From the early days of American history to the present, Black women have been trailblazers, innovators, and leaders in every field imaginable. Their stories, often overlooked or untold, form a rich tapestry of resilience, brilliance, and determination that has shaped our nation’s history. This timeline takes us on a journey through three centuries, highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black women who defied odds, broke barriers, and paved the way for future generations.

As we explore this timeline, we’ll witness the evolution of Black women’s roles in American society, from the dark days of slavery to the halls of the Supreme Court. We’ll meet poets and politicians, educators and entrepreneurs, activists and artists. Each woman’s story is a testament to the indomitable spirit that has driven progress in the face of overwhelming adversity.

18th and Early 19th Century

In the earliest days of our nation, Black women were already making their mark. Lucy Terry Prince, a formerly enslaved woman, composed “Bars Fight” in 1711, the earliest known poem by an African American1. This period also saw the arrival of Phillis Wheatley in Boston in 1761, who would become the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry1.

The late 18th century brought both struggle and triumph. Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman, negotiated a form of quasi-freedom for her children fathered by Thomas Jefferson in 17931. In 1797, Sojourner Truth was born, destined to become a prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist1.

• 1711: Lucy Terry Prince, a formerly enslaved woman, composes Bars Fight, the earliest known poem by an African American.
• 1761: Phillis Wheatley arrives in Boston and becomes the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry.
• 1793: Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman, negotiates a form of quasi-freedom for her children fathered by Thomas Jefferson.
• 1797: Sojourner Truth is born, later becoming a prominent abolitionist and women’s rights activist.
• 1818: Elizabeth Freeman (Mum Bett), an enslaved woman who successfully sued for her freedom in Massachusetts, passes away.
• 1822: Harriet Tubman is born, later becoming a key figure in the Underground Railroad.

Mid to Late 19th Century

The 19th century saw Black women making strides in education, law, and activism. Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, born in 1831, would become the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in 18641. In 1872, Charlotte Ray broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman lawyer in the United States1.

This era also saw the rise of powerful voices for change. In 1851, Sojourner Truth delivered her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech, challenging societal norms and advocating for women’s rights1. Ida B. Wells-Barnett began her anti-lynching campaign in 1892, using journalism to expose racial injustice1.

• 1831: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler is born. She would become the first African-American woman to earn a medical degree in 1864.
• 1837: Fannie Jackson Coppin is born, later becoming one of the first Black women to earn a college degree and a pioneering educator.
• 1849: Charlotte Forten Grimké, an abolitionist and educator, is born. She later becomes one of the first Black teachers to instruct formerly enslaved children.
• 1851: Sojourner Truth delivers her famous Ain’t I a Woman? speech.
• 1852: Mary Ellen Pleasant moves to San Francisco, becoming a successful entrepreneur and using her wealth to combat racism.
• 1863: Mary Church Terrell is born, later becoming a founding member of the NAACP.
• 1864: Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first Black American woman to receive a medical degree, graduating from the New England Female Medical College.
• 1866: Sarah E. Goode becomes one of the first African-American women to receive a U.S. patent, for her invention of a foldable bed cabinet.
• 1872: Charlotte Ray became the first Black woman lawyer in the United States.
• 1879: Mary Eliza Mahoney becomes the first Black American to earn a professional nursing license.
• 1883: Maria Baldwin becomes the first Black woman to be appointed principal of a predominantly white school in the U.S.
• 1892: Ida B. Wells-Barnett begins her anti-lynching campaign.
• 1884: Judy W. Reed is one of the first African American woman to receive a U.S. patent invention titled “Dough Kneader and Roller”
• 1896: The National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACW) is formed.
• 1897: Julia C. Addington, an educator, becomes one of the first Black women to hold public office in the U.S.

Early 20th Century

The dawn of the 20th century brought new opportunities and challenges. Mary McLeod Bethune founded what would later become Bethune-Cookman College in Florida in 1903, paving the way for Black education1. In 1922, Bessie Coleman soared into history as the first Black woman in the U.S. to make a public flight1.

• 1903: Mary McLeod Bethune founds what would later become Bethune-Cookman College in Florida.
• 1904: Mary McLeod Bethune founds the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training Institute for Negro Girls, which later becomes Bethune-Cookman University.
• 1908: Jane Bolin is born. She would become the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School and the first Black female judge in the United States.
• 1910: Alice Dunbar Nelson, a poet and journalist, becomes an influential voice in the Harlem Renaissance.
• 1912: Augusta Savage, a sculptor and civil rights activist, is born. She later mentors young Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance.
• 1917: Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S., builds a business empire in hair and beauty products for Black women.
• 1922: Bessie Coleman becomes the first Black woman in the U.S. to make a public flight.
• 1923: Fannie Barrier Williams co-founds the National League of Colored Women.
• 1925: Anna Julia Cooper becomes the first African American woman to receive her PhD in History and Romance Languages from the University of Paris.
• 1929: Dorothy Height, an activist for civil rights and women’s rights, is born. She later becomes the president of the National Council of Negro Women.

Mid 20th Century

The mid-20th century was a time of significant social change, with Black women at the forefront. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus in 1955 became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement1. In 1968, Shirley Chisholm made history as the first Black woman elected to Congress1.

• 1935: Mary McLeod Bethune founds the National Council of Negro Women.
• 1936: Mary McLeod Bethune is appointed to the National Youth Administration by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming part of his influential “Black Cabinet.”
• 1937: Zora Neale Hurston publishes Their Eyes Were Watching God, a seminal novel in African American literature.
• 1939: Claudette Colvin is born. At 15, she would refuse to give up her bus seat, preceding Rosa Parks’ act.
• 1940: Hattie McDaniel becomes the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Gone with the Wind.
• 1945: Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Godmother of Rock ‘N’ Roll, gains popularity, influencing future rock and roll artists.
• 1950: Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry collection Annie Allen.
• 1952: Althea Gibson becomes the first Black woman to compete in the U.S. National Tennis Championships.
• 1955: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus.
• 1957: Daisy Bates plays a crucial role in the desegregation of Arkansas schools, particularly in supporting and guiding the Little Rock Nine as they integrate Central High School.
  1959 Miriam Makeba (1932-2008): Include her U.S. debut in 1959 and her role in popularizing African music globally3
• 1960: At age 6, Ruby Bridges became the first Black student to racially integrate an all-white school.
• 1960 Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games.2
• 1962 and 1964: Makeba testified against apartheid before the United Nations, using her growing international platform to raise awareness about the situation in South Africa13
• 1962: Mae Jemison is born. She would later become the first African American woman in space.
• 1965: The Voting Rights Act is passed, representing over a century of work by Black women to make voting more equitable.
• 1965: Makeba won a Grammy Award with Harry Belafonte for their album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba”29
• 1968: Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black woman elected to Congress.

Late 20th Century to Present

In recent decades, Black women have continued to break new ground. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space in 19921. In 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to become Vice President of the United States1. Most recently, in 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first African-American woman appointed to the Supreme Court1.

• 1972: Shirley Chisholm becomes the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States.
• 1973: Barbara Jordan becomes the first Black woman from the South elected to Congress.
• 1977: Wangari Maathai establishes the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, an environmental non-governmental organization focused on planting trees, environmental conservation, and women’s rights.
• 1983: Alice Walker publishes The Color Purple, later adapted into a film and Broadway musical.
• 1992: Mae Jemison becomes the first African American woman in space.
• 1999: Oprah Winfrey launches O, The Oprah Magazine, further solidifying her influence as a media mogul.
• 2002: Halle Berry became the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress.
• 2004: Wangari Maathai becomes the first Black African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
• 2008: Michelle Obama becomes the first Black First Lady of the United States.
• 2013: Misty Copeland becomes the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.
• 2015: Misty Copeland was the first Black principal ballerina at the American Ballet Theatre.
• 2020: Stacey Abrams plays a crucial role in voter mobilization efforts in Georgia.
• 2021: Kamala Harris is sworn in as the first woman, first Black person, and first person of South Asian descent to become Vice President of the United States.
• 2022: Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes the first African-American woman appointed to the Supreme Court.

Conclusion

As we reflect on this timeline, it’s clear that the story of Black women in America is one of perseverance, courage, and triumph. From Lucy Terry Prince’s pioneering poetry to Ketanji Brown Jackson’s groundbreaking Supreme Court appointment, Black women have consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what’s possible. Their contributions have not only enriched Black history but have fundamentally shaped American history as a whole.

This timeline serves as a reminder of the power of determination and the importance of representation. It challenges us to recognize and celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of Black women throughout our nation’s history. As we look to the future, we can draw inspiration from these remarkable women, knowing that their legacy continues to light the way for generations to come.