Ladies Of Color To Honor | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Featured

5 Ladies Of Color To Honor On International Women's Day

Let's shed some light on unheard women of color this International Women's Day.

1360
Frida Kahlo

In This Article:

International Women's Day falls on March 8th, 2019. This day is meant to celebrate all the accomplishments made by women. These achievements are included in areas pertaining to politics, society, economy, and academics. According to the International Women's Day website, "International Women's Day is all about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy, and action — whatever that looks like globally at a local level."

Many women broke barriers throughout history. In this article specifically, I'll be going over several women of color who made an impact in the world. This is not to say that white women have not contributed to the cause since there have been many extraordinary white ladies who have achieved great accomplishments. However, it's important to acknowledge the ladies we don't always hear about in the media or in history books.

1. Wangari Maathai

She's an environmental activist born in Kenya who founded the Green Belt Movement. This foundation campaigned for conservation, planting trees, and even for women's rights. She became the first woman with a doctorate degree in East and Central Africa. Maathai received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her efforts in sustainability and peace.

2. Frida Kahlo

This bisexual Mexican artist branded herself with her unique paintings that infused identity and gender in a cohesive, vibrant manner. Kahlo's paintings weren't fully appreciated during her lifetime. Although, Kahlo soon became the highest-selling woman in art when her self portrait, "Roots," was auctioned off for $5.62 million.

3. Bessie Coleman

Coleman, an African American woman, became the first American woman to earn an international pilot's license and the first black woman to stage a public flight, which took place in 1922. She would refuse to fly in front of segregated audiences, and the money that was collected from her performances helped fund a school to train black aviators.

4. Junko Tabei

Tabei climbed Mount Everest, becoming the first woman to ever reach its summit in 1975. This Japanese woman made headlines for her strength, symbolizing women's empowerment and debunking female stereotypes.

5. Gabriela Mistral

This Chilean poet-diplomat, whose real name Lucila Godoy Alcoyaga, became the first Latin American author to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1945. Her work often talked about motherhood, love, and nature, and allowed readers to explore Latin American identity.

Women have come a long way and successfully climbed their way to the top of the ladder, reaching for the stars. It's important to acknowledge the women around you this March 8th and appreciate the small to large efforts that have been made by them. Learn about all types of women, especially those who are underrepresented in society, and let them fuel your ambition to be the change you want to see in the world. Whether your dream lands in the arts, the laboratory, or in the White House, know that it is possible.

Remember, it's only crazy until you do it.

Report this Content
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

837
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15817
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3265
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments