By: Sharron Reed-Davis, W*SS Program Coordinator
“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” -Malcolm X
As it is now Women’s History Month I wanted to take some time to highlight some Black Women that have paved the way for people like me throughout history. This list is not all inclusive, more so just an ode to a few of my heroes.
Claudette Colvin:
The first Black woman to refuse to give up her seat to a white person on a bus. Many people know the story of Rosa Parks. This action only took place after Claudette refused to give up her seat 9 months earlier. At just 15 years old Claudette was a pioneer of this movement. Sadly because she didn't fit the “look” The NAACP chose Rosa Parks to be the Face of this movement. If you’re interested in learning more about this and more check out her book “Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice”
Sylvia Woods:
Chicago-based union organizer and community activist, helped organize the Laundry Workers Union. She helped establish the Bendix Local 330 of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and even though only 25 percent of the membership was Black, she was elected financial secretary-treasurer of the UAW in.
Shirley Chisholm:
The first African-American woman elected to Congress, sought the Democratic nomination in 1972 as the first black woman to run for president. "I am not the candidate of black America, although I am black and proud. I am not the candidate of the women's movement of this country, although I am a woman and I am equally proud of that. I am the candidate of the people, and my presence before you now symbolizes a new era in American political history."
Marsha P. Johnson:
An LGBTQ activist and trans woman who was one of the first drag queens to walk into the Stonewall Inn. In addition to being a drag performer, Johnson co-founded the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries organization with Sylvia Rivera, according to CNN. The organization housed and fed homeless youth that identified as queer, as well as sex workers in the lower part of New York City, said USA TODAY.
Charlotte E. Ray:
The first black woman to practice law in the U.S., Charlotte E. Ray’s career as an attorney was all too brief, but impactful nonetheless. After graduating from Washington, D.C.’s Institution for the Education of Colored Youth at age 19, Upon completing her studies in 1872 became the first black woman to graduate from an American law school. Her acceptance into the District of Columbia bar soon after made her one of three women attorneys in the entire country. When the prejudices and oppression of the day made it impossible for her to build a sustainable practice, Ray left the law but continued to work toward equality by fighting for women’s and civil rights.
These Women have made it possible for me to stand proudly as a Black Woman working at a predominantly white institution. However there are also local heroes here at MSU that have paved the way for students and staff alike.
Myrtle Craig Mowbray: The First Black Woman to Graduate from Michigan Agricultural College, later to be called Michigan State University.
Eunice Forster: The first woman and remains the only African-American to earn tenure in Michigan State University's Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences.
Patty Burnette: the first African American woman to be voted “Miss MSU” by the undergraduates of Michigan State University.
Barbara Ross-Lee: The first Black Woman Dean of MSU Medical School
These Black women all inspire me to make history. It is sad to say that there are still many firsts to be had for Black Women. But as the late and great Harriet Tubman once said ”Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.”