12 Trail-Blazing Women You Ought To Know About
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12 Trail-Blazing Women You Ought To Know About

Have to give these women they respect they rightfully deserve.

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12 Trail-Blazing Women You Ought To Know About
Josh Johnson

Time to be schooled again folks! Since our education system when we were younger didn't spend a lot of time on these important women I have decided to take matters into my own hands. I was inspired by a quiz I took for the YWCA Stepping Stones in Bloomington during a volunteer training session. After taking the quiz, I realized how little I actually knew about women's history. So I am going to spread the knowledge like butter on a fresh bagel. This week I have complied a list of women in American history who need to be remembered for their contributions to this country and the honors they have achieved.

1. Susan B. Anthony wrote the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote.

In 1878, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented before Congress an amendment that would give women the right to vote. It was ratified as the 19th amendment of the United States, which was the amendment giving women the right to vote across the country in 1920. In addition to this, Anthony and Stanton dedicated their entire lives for fighting to get the right to vote for women and helping women gain marriage rights as well. Thank you, ladies! Couldn't have done it without ya.

2. Harriet Tubman led the Underground Railroad

Tubman escaped slavery and made close to 13 missions to rescue family and friends, around 70 families, friends and acquaintances from slavery using the Underground Railroad. Traveling by night, the people she helped called her Moses. After the passing of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, she ensured other ex-slaves would reach freedom and would be safe by taking them to Canada (under British rule still at the time) where slavery had been abolished. This lady is a hero and a legend.

3. Mary Baker Eddy was the only American woman to found an American-based religion


She established the Church of Christ, Scientist and she wrote and published the movements textbook, "Science and Health with a Key to the Scriptures" Her book has been a best seller for decades and she has founded other publications related to Christian Science. Lawdy what a game changer.

4. Madam C.J Walker became the first woman in the U.S to become a self-made millionaire

After suffering from a scalp condition that resulted in her losing her hair, she invented a line of African American hair products in 1905. And the rest is history.

5. Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic

Margaret opened the first birth control clinic in 1916. Nine days after the clinic opened, she was arrested for distributing information on contraception. The opening of this clinic eventually led to founding of Planned Parenthood. You know what they say, well behaved women seldom make history. Thank god for those queens who refuse to follow the rules.

6. Rosa Parks is considered the mother of the civil rights movement

We all have heard the story of Rosa Parks's refusal give her seat up and move to the back of the bus. Although this was an important catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott, what many people do not know that Rosa Parks worked on cases of racial injustice for the NAACP for about 10 years before that. Also, another kicker, that event of her refusal to give up her seat on the bus, totally planned. The woman couldn't be stopped.

7. Victoria Woodhull was the first woman to run for president

She ran for President of the United States in 1872 under the Equal Rights Party. She was an activist for women's rights and labor reforms. She was a big proponent on "free love" which she believed in the freedom to marry and divorce without social restrictions or government interference.

8. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress

She was elected to Congress in 1968. She also sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1972.

9. Billie Jean King was the first athlete to earn more than $100,000 in one year


Not only is King a decorated tennis player, she also was a champion for gender equality in sport. She beat Bobby Riggs in the famous "Battle of the Sexes match" in 1973. She is also the founder of the Women's Tennis Association and Sports Foundation.

10. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman Justice of the U.S Supreme Court

O'Connor was elected to serve in 1981. She served as a U.S Supreme court justice until 2006. Bringing the law

11. Ellen Ochoa was the first Hispanic astronaut in space

She became the first Hispanic astronaut in space when she went on a mine day mission aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1993. She is an engineer and has earned a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. She is the current director of the Johnson Space Center.

12. Nancy Pelosi has held the highest office ever held by a woman.

Being the speaker of the house until 2011, which is third in line to the Presidency, this makes her have the highest position in government by a woman to date.

So now you are a little richer with women's history. Now go forth and learn more! There is so many women that have contributed and shall continue to do so!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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