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.

1381
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

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

160266
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

47340
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

42213
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments