Harriet Tubman was born was born in 1820 Harriet Tubman was born was born in 1820 at Edward Brodas plantation near Bucktown, at Edward Brodas plantation near Bucktown, Dorchester County, Maryland. Because she Dorchester County, Maryland. Because she was a slave, and owners did not record their was a slave, and owners did not record their slaves' birthdates, the exact date of Harriet's slaves' birthdates, the exact date of Harriet's birth is unknown. birth is unknown.

Because of her indentured status, Because of her indentured status, Harriet was denied the opportunity Harriet was denied the opportunity for education -- leaving her illiterate for education -- leaving her illiterate her entire life. Slave owners did not her entire life. Slave owners did not want their slaves to know how to want their slaves to know how to read or write. read or write.

Born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Born into slavery on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Harriet's ancestors had been Shore, Harriet's ancestors had been brought to America in shackles from Africa brought to America in shackles from Africa during the first half of the 18th Century. during the first half of the 18th Century. Harriet was the 11th child born to Harriet was the 11th child born to Benjamin Ross and Harriet Greene (slaves Benjamin Ross and Harriet Greene (slaves of Edward Brodas), her given name was of Edward Brodas), her given name was Araminta and she was often called "Minty" Araminta and she was often called "Minty" as a child. But by the time she was an as a child. But by the time she was an adult, she was calling herself Harriet. adult, she was calling herself Harriet.

• Harriet had bravely won her freedom, but Harriet had bravely won her freedom, but realizing how alone she was, she made a vow realizing how alone she was, she made a vow that she would help her family and friends win that she would help her family and friends win their freedom as well. She went to their freedom as well. She went to Philadelphia, found work cooking, laundering Philadelphia, found work cooking, laundering and scrubbing, and saved money to finance and scrubbing, and saved money to finance rescue trips. She became involved with the rescue trips. She became involved with the city's large and active abolitionist (anti-city's large and active abolitionist (anti-slavery) organizations and with organizers of slavery) organizations and with organizers of the Underground Railroad, a secret network the Underground Railroad, a secret network through which slaves were helped in escaping through which slaves were helped in escaping from bondage in the South to freedom in the from bondage in the South to freedom in the North and Canada. North and Canada.

Bessie Coleman was born on January Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892. -- There is confusion about 26, 1892. -- There is confusion about her birthdate because when Bessie her birthdate because when Bessie became well-known, she claimed to became well-known, she claimed to be about four years younger, saying be about four years younger, saying she was born in 1896. she was born in 1896.

• On September 3, 1922, Bessie gave her first performance at an air show at On September 3, 1922, Bessie gave her first performance at an air show at Curtiss Field, near New York City. The show was sponsored by Robert Abbott Curtiss Field, near New York City. The show was sponsored by Robert Abbott and the and the Chicago DefenderChicago Defender. Bessie was proclaimed "the world's greatest woman . Bessie was proclaimed "the world's greatest woman flyer." She was a success -- praised in both white and black newspapers. In flyer." She was a success -- praised in both white and black newspapers. In interviews, she had poise, self-assurance and an eloquence that belied her interviews, she had poise, self-assurance and an eloquence that belied her childhood. And she performed in successful shows in Memphis and Chicago. childhood. And she performed in successful shows in Memphis and Chicago.

• Bessie briefly began a movie career, and moved to southern California, but Bessie briefly began a movie career, and moved to southern California, but broke her contract with the black movie company when she learned she was to broke her contract with the black movie company when she learned she was to play an ignorant black country girl who goes to the big city. She felt the role play an ignorant black country girl who goes to the big city. She felt the role was demeaning to women. A year later, she gave flying lessons to an was demeaning to women. A year later, she gave flying lessons to an advertising executive who offered to buy her an airplane in exchange for advertising executive who offered to buy her an airplane in exchange for airdropping ad leaflets. She got a war surplus JN-4 ("Jenny") army trainer airdropping ad leaflets. She got a war surplus JN-4 ("Jenny") army trainer plane, but it stalled on the first flight and crashed. Bessie spent four months plane, but it stalled on the first flight and crashed. Bessie spent four months recuperating from a broken leg and other injuries. She gave a series of recuperating from a broken leg and other injuries. She gave a series of lectures at the Los Angeles YMCA, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and lectures at the Los Angeles YMCA, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and revealing her determination to open a black aviation school. revealing her determination to open a black aviation school.

• Her career was stalled at this point, and Bessie returned to Chicago with no Her career was stalled at this point, and Bessie returned to Chicago with no job or plane. She did perform in Columbus, Ohio, but it was a year before she job or plane. She did perform in Columbus, Ohio, but it was a year before she found backing for a series of performances in Texas, in the summer of 1925. found backing for a series of performances in Texas, in the summer of 1925. Successful again, she followed this up with shows in Houston, Dallas, Wharton, Successful again, she followed this up with shows in Houston, Dallas, Wharton, Richmond, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Waxahachie -- insisting at the last one Richmond, San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Waxahachie -- insisting at the last one that there be a non-segregated main gate. She also began lecturing in black that there be a non-segregated main gate. She also began lecturing in black theaters, churches and schools, not only in Texas, but also Georgia. theaters, churches and schools, not only in Texas, but also Georgia.

• She became famous; her fans called her Queen Bess or Brave Bessie. But She became famous; her fans called her Queen Bess or Brave Bessie. But she still endured countless obstacles -- from both whites and blacks. Many she still endured countless obstacles -- from both whites and blacks. Many black men resented her doing what they could not. And many black black men resented her doing what they could not. And many black women, despite activism for civil liberties and better schools, were often women, despite activism for civil liberties and better schools, were often too socially conservative to accept Bessie's vibrant persona. Black too socially conservative to accept Bessie's vibrant persona. Black newspapers gave her publicity, but they were smaller in circulation. White newspapers gave her publicity, but they were smaller in circulation. White newspapers often either ignored her altogether, or belittled her. newspapers often either ignored her altogether, or belittled her.

• Early in 1926, Bessie gave exhibitions in Florida. A Baptist minister and Early in 1926, Bessie gave exhibitions in Florida. A Baptist minister and his wife invited her to spend two months with them in Orlando. Here, she his wife invited her to spend two months with them in Orlando. Here, she opened a beauty shop to raise more money for her aviation school. She opened a beauty shop to raise more money for her aviation school. She wrote to a sister that she was nearing enough capital to open the school. wrote to a sister that she was nearing enough capital to open the school. She also had began making payments on another plane.With the help of a She also had began making payments on another plane.With the help of a wealthy Orlando businessman, Bessie made the final payment on the wealthy Orlando businessman, Bessie made the final payment on the plane, another "Jenny." She arranged to have it flown to her next plane, another "Jenny." She arranged to have it flown to her next performance, in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 1, 1926. The mechanic-pilot performance, in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 1, 1926. The mechanic-pilot had to make three forced landings enroute. had to make three forced landings enroute.

• On the evening of April 30, Bessie and her mechanic-pilot took the On the evening of April 30, Bessie and her mechanic-pilot took the airplane for a test run. It malfunctioned and the mechanic lost control. Too airplane for a test run. It malfunctioned and the mechanic lost control. Too short to see over the cockpit's edge, Bessie was not wearing a seatbelt so short to see over the cockpit's edge, Bessie was not wearing a seatbelt so she could lean over to check out the field. The plane suddenly accelerated she could lean over to check out the field. The plane suddenly accelerated and flipped over. She plummeted 1,500 feet. Upon impact, every bone in and flipped over. She plummeted 1,500 feet. Upon impact, every bone in her body was crushed and she died. The plane crashed nearby, killing the her body was crushed and she died. The plane crashed nearby, killing the pilot. pilot.

• Thousands of people mourned Bessie's death -- from Jacksonville and Thousands of people mourned Bessie's death -- from Jacksonville and Orlando to Chicago, where her body was transported by train. Three Orlando to Chicago, where her body was transported by train. Three funerals were held; one in each of those cities. An estimated 10,000 funerals were held; one in each of those cities. An estimated 10,000 people paid their last respects at the memorial service at Pilgrim people paid their last respects at the memorial service at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Chicago. She was buried at Lincoln Cemetery. It Baptist Church in Chicago. She was buried at Lincoln Cemetery. It wasn't until after her death that Bessie received the recognition she wasn't until after her death that Bessie received the recognition she deserved: deserved:

• In 1929, Lt. William J. Powell founded the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, In 1929, Lt. William J. Powell founded the Bessie Coleman Aero Club, the aviation school she'd longed to establish, in Los Angeles. In 1931, the aviation school she'd longed to establish, in Los Angeles. In 1931, the Challenger Pilots' Association of Chicago did their first annual the Challenger Pilots' Association of Chicago did their first annual flyover above Lincoln Cemetery, in honor of her. In 1934, Powell flyover above Lincoln Cemetery, in honor of her. In 1934, Powell dedicated his book dedicated his book Black WingsBlack Wings to her memory. And in 1977, women to her memory. And in 1977, women pilots in the Chicago region founded the Bessie Coleman Aviators pilots in the Chicago region founded the Bessie Coleman Aviators Club. Club.

• In 1990, a road near Chicago's O'Hare Airport was re-named Bessie In 1990, a road near Chicago's O'Hare Airport was re-named Bessie Coleman Drive, and two years later, Chicago declared May 2, 1992, Coleman Drive, and two years later, Chicago declared May 2, 1992, Bessie Coleman Day. In 1995, the U.S. Postal Department issued the Bessie Coleman Day. In 1995, the U.S. Postal Department issued the Bessie Coleman stamp. And finally, in 2000, Bessie Coleman was Bessie Coleman stamp. And finally, in 2000, Bessie Coleman was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame.

• DATE OF DEATH: April 30, 1926 DATE OF DEATH: April 30, 1926 • PLACE OF DEATH: Jacksonville, Florida PLACE OF DEATH: Jacksonville, Florida

• (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896) was an American (June 14, 1811 – July 1, 1896) was an American abolitionistabolitionist and author. Stowe's and author. Stowe's novelnovel Uncle Tom's CabinUncle Tom's Cabin (1852) depicted life for (1852) depicted life for African-AmericansAfrican-Americans under under slaveryslavery; it reached ; it reached millions as a novel and play, and became millions as a novel and play, and became influential in the U.S. and influential in the U.S. and BritainBritain and made and made the political issues of the 1850s regarding the political issues of the 1850s regarding slavery tangible to millions, energizing anti-slavery tangible to millions, energizing anti-slavery forces in the American North, while slavery forces in the American North, while provoking widespread anger in the provoking widespread anger in the SouthSouth. . Upon meeting Stowe, Upon meeting Stowe, Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln allegedly remarked, "So you're the little lady allegedly remarked, "So you're the little lady who started who started this great warthis great war!"!"[1][1]

• Harriet Beecher was born in Harriet Beecher was born in Litchfield, ConnecticutLitchfield, Connecticut on June 14, 1811. on June 14, 1811. She was the daughter of outspoken religious leader She was the daughter of outspoken religious leader Lyman BeecherLyman Beecher and Roxana Foote, a deeply religious woman who died when Stowe and Roxana Foote, a deeply religious woman who died when Stowe was four years old. She was the sister of the educator and author, was four years old. She was the sister of the educator and author, Catharine BeecherCatharine Beecher, clergymen , clergymen Henry Ward BeecherHenry Ward Beecher, , Charles BeecherCharles Beecher, , and and Edward BeecherEdward Beecher..

• Harriet enrolled in the seminary run by her eldest sister Catharine, Harriet enrolled in the seminary run by her eldest sister Catharine, where she received a traditionally "male" education. At the age of 21, where she received a traditionally "male" education. At the age of 21, she moved to she moved to Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio to join her father, who had become the to join her father, who had become the president of president of Lane Theological SeminaryLane Theological Seminary, and in 1836 she married , and in 1836 she married Calvin Ellis Stowe, a professor at the seminary and an ardent critic of Calvin Ellis Stowe, a professor at the seminary and an ardent critic of slavery. The Stowes supported the slavery. The Stowes supported the Underground RailroadUnderground Railroad and housed and housed several fugitive slaves in their home. They eventually moved to several fugitive slaves in their home. They eventually moved to Brunswick, MaineBrunswick, Maine, where Calvin taught at , where Calvin taught at Bowdoin CollegeBowdoin College..

• In 1850 Congress passed the In 1850 Congress passed the Fugitive Slave LawFugitive Slave Law prohibiting prohibiting assistance to fugitives. Stowe was moved to present her objections on assistance to fugitives. Stowe was moved to present her objections on paper, and in June 1851 the first installment of paper, and in June 1851 the first installment of Uncle Tom's CabinUncle Tom's Cabin appeared in the antislavery journal National Era. The forty-year-old appeared in the antislavery journal National Era. The forty-year-old mother of seven children sparked a national debate and, as mother of seven children sparked a national debate and, as Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln is said to have noted, a war. Stowe died on July 1, is said to have noted, a war. Stowe died on July 1, 1896, at age eighty-five, in Hartford, Connecticut.1896, at age eighty-five, in Hartford, Connecticut.

• (September 6, 1860 – May 21, 1935) (September 6, 1860 – May 21, 1935) was a founder of the was a founder of the U.S.U.S. Settlement HouseSettlement House movement, and movement, and the second woman to be awarded the second woman to be awarded the the Nobel Peace PrizeNobel Peace Prize. .

• Born in Born in Cedarville, IllinoisCedarville, Illinois, Jane Addams was the youngest of six children born , Jane Addams was the youngest of six children born into a prosperous, loving family.into a prosperous, loving family.[1][1] Although she was the eighth child, two of her Although she was the eighth child, two of her siblings died in infancy, leaving only six to mature.siblings died in infancy, leaving only six to mature.[2][2] Her mother, Sarah Addams Her mother, Sarah Addams ((néenée Weber), died from tuberculosis during pregnancy when Jane was two years Weber), died from tuberculosis during pregnancy when Jane was two years old.old.

• Jane's father, Jane's father, John H. AddamsJohn H. Addams, was the President of The Second National Bank of , was the President of The Second National Bank of Freeport, an Freeport, an Illinois State SenatorIllinois State Senator from 1854 to 1870, and owner of the local from 1854 to 1870, and owner of the local grain mill. He remarried when Jane was eight. Her father also was a founding grain mill. He remarried when Jane was eight. Her father also was a founding member of the member of the Republican PartyRepublican Party and supported and supported Abraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln. Jane was a first . Jane was a first cousin twice removed to cousin twice removed to Charles AddamsCharles Addams, noted cartoonist for , noted cartoonist for The New YorkerThe New Yorker..[3][3] She was born She was born African-American businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur and philanthropist. She made her fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women under the company she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company.

• with with Pott'sPott's disease disease, which caused a curvature of her spine and lifelong health , which caused a curvature of her spine and lifelong health problems.problems.

• Addams's father encouraged her to pursue a higher education, but not at the Addams's father encouraged her to pursue a higher education, but not at the expense of losing her femininity and the prospect of marriage and motherhood, expense of losing her femininity and the prospect of marriage and motherhood, as expected of upper class young women. She was educated in the as expected of upper class young women. She was educated in the United StatesUnited States and and EuropeEurope, graduating from the Rockford Female Seminary (now , graduating from the Rockford Female Seminary (now Rockford CollegeRockford College) in ) in Rockford, IllinoisRockford, Illinois. After Rockford, she spent seven months at . After Rockford, she spent seven months at the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, but dropped out. Her parents felt the Women's Medical College of Philadelphia, but dropped out. Her parents felt that she should not forget the common path of upper class young women. After that she should not forget the common path of upper class young women. After her father's sudden death, Addams inherited $50,000.her father's sudden death, Addams inherited $50,000.

(December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) was an

• In 1885, she set off for a two-year tour of Europe with In 1885, she set off for a two-year tour of Europe with her stepmother. Upon her return home, she felt bored her stepmother. Upon her return home, she felt bored and restless, indifferent about marriage, and wanting and restless, indifferent about marriage, and wanting more than just the conventional life expected of well-to-more than just the conventional life expected of well-to-do ladies. After painful spinal surgery, she returned to do ladies. After painful spinal surgery, she returned to Europe for a second tour in 1887, this time with her Europe for a second tour in 1887, this time with her best friend best friend Ellen StarrEllen Starr and a teacher friend. During her and a teacher friend. During her second tour, Addams visited second tour, Addams visited LondonLondon's 's Toynbee HallToynbee Hall, , which was a settlement house for boys based on the which was a settlement house for boys based on the new philosophy of charity. Toynbee Hall was Addams's new philosophy of charity. Toynbee Hall was Addams's main inspiration for Hull House.main inspiration for Hull House.

• Throughout her life Addams was close to many women Throughout her life Addams was close to many women and was very good at eliciting the involvement of and was very good at eliciting the involvement of women from different classes in Hull House's women from different classes in Hull House's programs. Her closest adult companion and friend was programs. Her closest adult companion and friend was Mary Rozet Smith, who supported Addams's work at Mary Rozet Smith, who supported Addams's work at Hull House, and with whom she shared a Hull House, and with whom she shared a romantic friendshipromantic friendship. Together they owned a summer . Together they owned a summer house in house in Bar Harbor, MaineBar Harbor, Maine[4][4][5][5][6][6][7][7][8][8]

• According to one biographer Addams was raised as a According to one biographer Addams was raised as a Quaker but joined a Presbyterian church in Chicago Quaker but joined a Presbyterian church in Chicago and maintained her membership there as an adult.and maintained her membership there as an adult.

• (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) (December 23, 1867 – May 25, 1919) was an was an African-AmericanAfrican-American businesswomanbusinesswoman, , hair carehair care entrepreneurentrepreneur and and philanthropistphilanthropist. She made her . She made her fortune by developing and marketing a fortune by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women under hair products for black women under the company she founded, Madam C.J. the company she founded, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. Walker Manufacturing Company.

• She was born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana. She was the first She was born Sarah Breedlove in Delta, Louisiana. She was the first member of her family to be born free, to parents who had been slaves. member of her family to be born free, to parents who had been slaves. At age 14, she married a man named Moses McWilliams and was At age 14, she married a man named Moses McWilliams and was widowed at age 20. She then moved to widowed at age 20. She then moved to St. Louis, MissouriSt. Louis, Missouri to join her to join her brothers. Sarah worked as a laundress for as little as a dollar and a brothers. Sarah worked as a laundress for as little as a dollar and a half a day, but she was able to save enough to help her daughter. half a day, but she was able to save enough to help her daughter. While living in St. Louis, she joined , which helped develop her While living in St. Louis, she joined , which helped develop her speaking, interpersonal and organizational skills.speaking, interpersonal and organizational skills.

• In 1905, she worked as a sales agent for In 1905, she worked as a sales agent for Annie MaloneAnnie Malone, another black , another black woman entrepreneur who manufactured hair care products. Sarah woman entrepreneur who manufactured hair care products. Sarah also consulted with a Denver pharmacist, who analyzed Malone's also consulted with a Denver pharmacist, who analyzed Malone's formula and helped Walker formulate her own products. In addition, formula and helped Walker formulate her own products. In addition, she often told reporters that the ingredients for her "Wonderful Hair she often told reporters that the ingredients for her "Wonderful Hair Grower" had come to her in a dream.Grower" had come to her in a dream.

• In 1906 she married Charles Joseph Walker, a St. Louis In 1906 she married Charles Joseph Walker, a St. Louis newspapermannewspaperman[1][1], and changed her name to "Madam C.J. Walker". , and changed her name to "Madam C.J. Walker". She founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company to sell She founded the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company to sell hair care products and hair care products and cosmeticscosmetics. Madam Walker divorced Walker in . Madam Walker divorced Walker in 1910 and moved her growing manufacturing operations from St. Louis 1910 and moved her growing manufacturing operations from St. Louis to a new industrial complex in to a new industrial complex in IndianapolisIndianapolis. By 1917 she had the . By 1917 she had the largest business in the largest business in the United StatesUnited States owned by an African-American. owned by an African-American.

• ““I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From I am a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations...I have business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations...I have built my own factory on my own ground.built my own factory on my own ground.[2][2]””Walker saw her Walker saw her personal wealth not as an end in itself, but as a means to promote personal wealth not as an end in itself, but as a means to promote economic opportunities for others, especially black people. She economic opportunities for others, especially black people. She took great pride in the profitable employment — and alternative to took great pride in the profitable employment — and alternative to domestic labor — that her company afforded many thousands of domestic labor — that her company afforded many thousands of black women who worked as commissioned agents. Her agents black women who worked as commissioned agents. Her agents could earn from $5 to $15 per day in an era when unskilled white could earn from $5 to $15 per day in an era when unskilled white laborers were making about $11 per week.laborers were making about $11 per week.[3][3] Marjorie JoynerMarjorie Joyner, who , who started work as one of her employees, went on to lead the next started work as one of her employees, went on to lead the next generation of African-American beauty entrepreneurs.generation of African-American beauty entrepreneurs.

• Walker was known for her philanthropy, leaving two-thirds of her Walker was known for her philanthropy, leaving two-thirds of her estate to educational institutions and charities, including the estate to educational institutions and charities, including the NAACPNAACP, the , the Tuskegee InstituteTuskegee Institute and and Bethune-Bethune-CookmanCookman College College. In . In 1919, her $5,000 pledge to the NAACP's anti-lynching campaign 1919, her $5,000 pledge to the NAACP's anti-lynching campaign was the largest gift the organization had ever received.was the largest gift the organization had ever received.

• Walker had a mansion called "Walker had a mansion called "Villa Villa LewaroLewaro" built in the wealthy " built in the wealthy New York suburb of New York suburb of Irvington on Hudson, New YorkIrvington on Hudson, New York, near the , near the estates of estates of John D. RockefellerJohn D. Rockefeller and and Jay GouldJay Gould. She spent hundreds . She spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on furnishings.of thousands of dollars on furnishings.[4][4] The The ItalianateItalianate villavilla was was designed by architect designed by architect VertnerVertner Tandy Tandy, the first registered black , the first registered black architectarchitect in the state of New York, in 1915. Walker also owned in the state of New York, in 1915. Walker also owned townhouses in townhouses in IndianapolisIndianapolis and New York. and New York.

• Madam Walker died on May 25, 1919, at age 51, at her Madam Walker died on May 25, 1919, at age 51, at her estate estate Villa Villa LewaroLewaro. She was buried at . She was buried at Woodlawn CemeteryWoodlawn Cemetery in in the Bronxthe Bronx..

• Her daughter Her daughter A'LeliaA'Lelia Walker Walker carried on the tradition of carried on the tradition of hospitality, opening her mother's home and her own to hospitality, opening her mother's home and her own to writers and artists of the emergent writers and artists of the emergent Harlem RenaissanceHarlem Renaissance. She promoted important . She promoted important members of that movement.members of that movement.[5][5] She converted a section She converted a section of her of her HarlemHarlem townhouse at 108-110 West 136th Street townhouse at 108-110 West 136th Street into the Dark Tower, a salon and tearoom where into the Dark Tower, a salon and tearoom where Harlem and Harlem and Greenwich VillageGreenwich Village artists, writers and artists, writers and musicians gathered. Poet musicians gathered. Poet Langston HughesLangston Hughes called her called her "The joy goddess of Harlem's 1920s" in his "The joy goddess of Harlem's 1920s" in his autobiography autobiography The Big SeaThe Big Sea, because of the lavish , because of the lavish parties she hosted in Harlem and parties she hosted in Harlem and IrvingtonIrvington..

• Ms. Walker was inducted into the Junior Achievement Ms. Walker was inducted into the Junior Achievement U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1992 and in U.S. Business Hall of Fame in 1992 and in 20022002, , MolefiMolefi KeteKete Asante Asante listed Madam C. J. Walker on his list of listed Madam C. J. Walker on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans100 Greatest African Americans..[6][6]. On 28 January . On 28 January 1998 the 1998 the USPSUSPS, as part of its Black Heritage Series, , as part of its Black Heritage Series, issued the Madam C.J. Walker Commemorative stamp.issued the Madam C.J. Walker Commemorative stamp.[7][7]

• (September 23, 1838 – June 9, 1927) was an (September 23, 1838 – June 9, 1927) was an AmericanAmerican suffragistsuffragist who was described by who was described by Gilded AgeGilded Age newspapers as a newspapers as a leader of the American woman's suffrage movement in the 19th leader of the American woman's suffrage movement in the 19th century. She became a colorful and notorious symbol for century. She became a colorful and notorious symbol for women's rights, women's rights, free lovefree love, and spiritualism as she fought , and spiritualism as she fought against corruption and for labor reforms. The authorship of against corruption and for labor reforms. The authorship of many of her speeches and articles is disputed. Many of her many of her speeches and articles is disputed. Many of her speeches on these subjects were not written by Woodhull speeches on these subjects were not written by Woodhull herself alone but also by her backers and husband. Either way, herself alone but also by her backers and husband. Either way, her role as a representative of these movements was her role as a representative of these movements was nonetheless powerful and controversial. She was the first nonetheless powerful and controversial. She was the first woman along with her sister to operate a brokerage firm in Wall woman along with her sister to operate a brokerage firm in Wall Street and then open a weekly newspaper. She is most famous Street and then open a weekly newspaper. She is most famous for her declaration and campaign to run as the first woman for for her declaration and campaign to run as the first woman for the the United StatesUnited States PresidencyPresidency in in 18721872. Many of the reforms and . Many of the reforms and ideals espoused by her for the common working class against ideals espoused by her for the common working class against the corrupt rich business elite were extremely controversial in the corrupt rich business elite were extremely controversial in her time though generations later many of those implemented her time though generations later many of those implemented are now taken for granted. Other ideas and reforms still remain are now taken for granted. Other ideas and reforms still remain controversial and debated today. controversial and debated today.

• 1797 – November 26, 1883) was the 1797 – November 26, 1883) was the self-given name, from 1843, of self-given name, from 1843, of Isabella Isabella BaumfreeBaumfree, an African-American , an African-American abolitionistabolitionist and and women's rightswomen's rights activist. activist. Truth was born into Truth was born into slaveryslavery in in SwartekillSwartekill, , New YorkNew York. Her best-known . Her best-known speech, speech, Ain'tAin't I a Woman? I a Woman?, was , was delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's delivered in 1851 at the Ohio Women's Rights Convention in Rights Convention in Akron, OhioAkron, Ohio..

• (June 23, 1940 – November 12, 1994) was an (June 23, 1940 – November 12, 1994) was an AmericanAmerican athlete.In the athlete.In the 1960 Summer Olympics1960 Summer Olympics in in RomeRome, she became the first American woman , she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in to win three gold medals in track and fieldtrack and field during a single Olympic Games, despite during a single Olympic Games, despite running on a running on a sprainedsprained ankle at the time. ankle at the time.[1][1] A A track and field champion, she elevated women's track and field champion, she elevated women's track to a major presence in the United States.track to a major presence in the United States.

• The powerful sprinter emerged from the 1960 The powerful sprinter emerged from the 1960 Rome Olympics as "The Tornado," the fastest Rome Olympics as "The Tornado," the fastest woman on earth.woman on earth.[2][2] The Italians nicknamed her The Italians nicknamed her "La Gazzella Nera" (the Black Gazelle); to the "La Gazzella Nera" (the Black Gazelle); to the French she was "La Perle Noire" (The Black French she was "La Perle Noire" (The Black Pearl).Pearl).[3][3][4][4]

• Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely at 4.5 lbs., with 19 brothers and sisters, and Wilma Rudolph was born prematurely at 4.5 lbs., with 19 brothers and sisters, and caught "infantile paralysis" (caused by the polio virus) as a very young child. She caught "infantile paralysis" (caused by the polio virus) as a very young child. She recovered, but wore a brace on her left leg and foot which had become twisted as a recovered, but wore a brace on her left leg and foot which had become twisted as a result. By the time she was twelve years old, she had also survived scarlet fever, result. By the time she was twelve years old, she had also survived scarlet fever, whooping cough, chicken pox and measles. Her family drove her regularly from whooping cough, chicken pox and measles. Her family drove her regularly from Clarksville, Tennessee to Nashville, Tennessee for treatments to straighten her twisted Clarksville, Tennessee to Nashville, Tennessee for treatments to straighten her twisted leg.leg.

• • • Wilma Rudolph at the finish line during 50 yard dash at track meet in Madison Square Wilma Rudolph at the finish line during 50 yard dash at track meet in Madison Square

Garden, 1961Garden, 1961• In 1952, 12-year-old Wilma Rudolph finally achieved her dream of shedding her In 1952, 12-year-old Wilma Rudolph finally achieved her dream of shedding her

handicap and becoming like other children. Wilma's older sister was on a handicap and becoming like other children. Wilma's older sister was on a basketballbasketball team, and Wilma vowed to follow in her footsteps. While in team, and Wilma vowed to follow in her footsteps. While in high schoolhigh school, Wilma was on , Wilma was on the basketball team when she was spotted by the basketball team when she was spotted by Tennessee StateTennessee State track and fieldtrack and field coach coach Edward S. Temple. Being discovered by Temple was a major break for a young athlete. Edward S. Temple. Being discovered by Temple was a major break for a young athlete. The day he saw the tenth grader for the first time, he knew he had found a natural The day he saw the tenth grader for the first time, he knew he had found a natural athlete. Wilma had already gained some track experience on Burt High School's track athlete. Wilma had already gained some track experience on Burt High School's track team two years before, mostly as a way to keep busy between basketball seasons.team two years before, mostly as a way to keep busy between basketball seasons. [5][5]

• While attending Burt High School, Rudolph became a basketball star, setting state While attending Burt High School, Rudolph became a basketball star, setting state records for scoring and leading her team to the state championship. By the time she records for scoring and leading her team to the state championship. By the time she was 16, she earned a berth on the U.S. Olympic track and field team and came home was 16, she earned a berth on the U.S. Olympic track and field team and came home from the from the 1956 Melbourne Games1956 Melbourne Games with an Olympic bronze medal in the 4 × 100-meter with an Olympic bronze medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay.relay.

• At the At the 1960 Summer Olympics1960 Summer Olympics in in RomeRome she won three Olympic titles; the 100 m, 200 m she won three Olympic titles; the 100 m, 200 m and the 4 × 100 m relay. As the temperature climbed toward 110 degrees, 80,000 and the 4 × 100 m relay. As the temperature climbed toward 110 degrees, 80,000 spectators jammed the spectators jammed the Stadio OlimpicoStadio Olimpico. Rudolph ran the 100-meter dash in an . Rudolph ran the 100-meter dash in an impressive 11 seconds flat. However the time was not credited as a world record impressive 11 seconds flat. However the time was not credited as a world record because it was wind-aided. She also won the 200-meter dash in 23.2 seconds, a new because it was wind-aided. She also won the 200-meter dash in 23.2 seconds, a new Olympic record. After these twin triumphs, she was being hailed throughout the world Olympic record. After these twin triumphs, she was being hailed throughout the world as "the fastest woman in history". Finally, on September 11, 1960, she combined with as "the fastest woman in history". Finally, on September 11, 1960, she combined with Tennessee State teammates Martha Hudson, Lucinda Williams and Tennessee State teammates Martha Hudson, Lucinda Williams and Barbara JonesBarbara Jones to to win the 400-meter relay in 44.5 seconds, setting a world record. Rudolph had a special, win the 400-meter relay in 44.5 seconds, setting a world record. Rudolph had a special, personal reason to hope for victory—to pay tribute to personal reason to hope for victory—to pay tribute to Jesse OwensJesse Owens, the celebrated , the celebrated American athlete who had been her inspiration, also the star of the American athlete who had been her inspiration, also the star of the 1936 Summer Olympics1936 Summer Olympics, held in , held in Berlin, GermanyBerlin, Germany..[6][6] Rudolph sprinted in the Drake Rudolph sprinted in the Drake Relays in Des Moines, IA and won first place.Relays in Des Moines, IA and won first place.

• Rudolph retired from track competition in 1962 after winning two races at a U.S.–Rudolph retired from track competition in 1962 after winning two races at a U.S.–Soviet meet.Soviet meet.

• Oprah Gail WinfreyOprah Gail Winfrey (born January 29, 1954) (born January 29, 1954) is an American television host, producer, and is an American television host, producer, and philanthropist, best known for her philanthropist, best known for her self-titled, multi-award winning talk showself-titled, multi-award winning talk show, , which has become the highest-rated program which has become the highest-rated program of its kind in history.of its kind in history.[3][3] She has been ranked She has been ranked the richest the richest African AmericanAfrican American of the 20th of the 20th centurycentury[4][4] and beyond, and beyond,[5][5] the greatest black the greatest black philanthropist in American history,philanthropist in American history,[6][6][7][7] and and was once the world's only was once the world's only black billionaireblack billionaire..[8][8][9][9][10][10][11][11][12][12] She is also, according to She is also, according to some assessmentssome assessments, the most influential woman , the most influential woman in the world.in the world.[13][13][14][14][15][15]

• Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Winfrey was born into poverty in rural MississippiMississippi to a teenage to a teenage single mother and later raised in an single mother and later raised in an inner-cityinner-city MilwaukeeMilwaukee neighborhood. She experienced considerable hardship during neighborhood. She experienced considerable hardship during her childhood, including being her childhood, including being rapedraped at the age of nine and at the age of nine and becoming pregnant at 14; her son died in infancy.becoming pregnant at 14; her son died in infancy.[16][16] Sent to Sent to live with the man she calls her father, a barber in live with the man she calls her father, a barber in TennesseeTennessee, , Winfrey landed a job in radio while still in high school and Winfrey landed a job in radio while still in high school and began co-anchoring the local evening news at the age of 19.began co-anchoring the local evening news at the age of 19.[17][17] Her emotional ad-lib delivery eventually got her Her emotional ad-lib delivery eventually got her transferred to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting transferred to the daytime talk show arena, and after boosting a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place,a third-rated local Chicago talk show to first place,[9][9] she she launched her own production company and became launched her own production company and became internationally internationally syndicatedsyndicated..

• Credited with creating a more intimate confessional form of Credited with creating a more intimate confessional form of media communication,media communication,[18][18] she is thought to have popularized she is thought to have popularized and revolutionizedand revolutionized[18][18][19][19][20][20][21][21] the the tabloid talk showtabloid talk show genre genre pioneered by pioneered by Phil DonahuePhil Donahue,,[18][18] which a which a YaleYale study claims study claims broke 20th century taboos and allowed broke 20th century taboos and allowed LGBTLGBT people to enter people to enter the mainstream.the mainstream.[22][22][23][23] By the mid 1990s she had reinvented By the mid 1990s she had reinvented her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, and her show with a focus on literature, self-improvement, and spirituality. Though criticized for unleashing confession culturespirituality. Though criticized for unleashing confession culture[21][21] and promoting controversial self-help fads, she is and promoting controversial self-help fads, she is generally admired for overcoming adversity to become a generally admired for overcoming adversity to become a benefactor to others.benefactor to others.[24][24] In 2006 she became an early In 2006 she became an early supporter of supporter of Barack ObamaBarack Obama and one analysis estimates she and one analysis estimates she delivered delivered over a million votesover a million votes in the close 2008 Democratic in the close 2008 Democratic primary race,primary race,[25][25] an achievement for which the governor of an achievement for which the governor of IllinoisIllinois considered considered offering her a seatoffering her a seat in the in the U.S. senateU.S. senate..[26][26]

• Mary WollstonecraftMary Wollstonecraft (pronounced (pronounced /ˈ/ˈwʊlstənkrɑːftwʊlstənkrɑːft//; 27 April 1759 – 10 September ; 27 April 1759 – 10 September 1797) was an eighteenth-century 1797) was an eighteenth-century BritishBritish writer, writer, philosopherphilosopher, and , and feministfeminist. During her . During her brief career, she wrote novels, treatises, a brief career, she wrote novels, treatises, a travel narrativetravel narrative, a history of the , a history of the French RevolutionFrench Revolution, a conduct book, and a , a conduct book, and a children's book. Wollstonecraft is best known children's book. Wollstonecraft is best known for for A Vindication of the Rights of WomanA Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792), in which she argues that women are (1792), in which she argues that women are not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be not naturally inferior to men, but appear to be only because they lack education. She only because they lack education. She suggests that both men and women should be suggests that both men and women should be treated as rational beings and imagines a treated as rational beings and imagines a social order founded on reason. social order founded on reason.

• Among the general public and specifically among Among the general public and specifically among feminists, Wollstonecraft's life has received much more feminists, Wollstonecraft's life has received much more attention than her writing because of her unconventional attention than her writing because of her unconventional and often tumultuous personal relationships. After two ill-and often tumultuous personal relationships. After two ill-fated affairs, with fated affairs, with Henry FuseliHenry Fuseli and and Gilbert ImlayGilbert Imlay (by (by whom she had a daughter, whom she had a daughter, Fanny ImlayFanny Imlay), Wollstonecraft ), Wollstonecraft married the philosopher William Godwin, one of the married the philosopher William Godwin, one of the forefathers of the anarchist movement. Wollstonecraft died forefathers of the anarchist movement. Wollstonecraft died at the age of thirty-eight, ten days after giving birth to her at the age of thirty-eight, ten days after giving birth to her second daughter, leaving behind several unfinished second daughter, leaving behind several unfinished manuscripts. Her daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, manuscripts. Her daughter Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, later Mary Shelley, would become an accomplished writer later Mary Shelley, would become an accomplished writer in her own right.in her own right.

• After Wollstonecraft's death, William Godwin published a After Wollstonecraft's death, William Godwin published a MemoirMemoir (1798) of her life, revealing her unorthodox (1798) of her life, revealing her unorthodox lifestyle, which inadvertently destroyed her reputation for lifestyle, which inadvertently destroyed her reputation for a century. However, with the emergence of the feminist a century. However, with the emergence of the feminist movement at the turn of the twentieth century, movement at the turn of the twentieth century, Wollstonecraft's advocacy of women's equality and Wollstonecraft's advocacy of women's equality and critiques of conventional femininity became increasingly critiques of conventional femininity became increasingly important. Today Wollstonecraft is regarded as one of the important. Today Wollstonecraft is regarded as one of the founding feminist philosophers, and feminists often cite founding feminist philosophers, and feminists often cite both her life and work as important influences.both her life and work as important influences.