An important part of acknowledging the achievements of American women means specifically honoring the efforts of Black women.

Many of these women are still alive today and remind us that our struggles (and firsts) were not that long ago. Here are some of these inspiring Black women that continue making history and inspiring change.

Jemison is a physician, engineer and former NASA astronaut. In 1992, she became the first Black woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist.

At six years old in 1960, Bridges became the first Black child to integrate an all-white elementary school in the South. The activist’s bravery paved the way for desegregation in U.S. schools.

Harris officially became the first female, first Black and first South Asian Vice President of the United States in 2021. The former senator and attorney general is a graduate of Howard University and a member of AKA.

Obama was the first Black First Lady from 2009-2017. During her time in the White House, she created initiatives like “Let’s Move!” to combat childhood obesity and “Let Girls Learn” for girls’ global education.

Burke is the founder of the #MeToo Movement, bringing awareness to sexual harassment and assault. As a longtime activist, she works to support survivors of abuse and push for systemic change.

Jackson was appointed as the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 2022. She is known for her commitment to criminal justice reform and defending constitutional rights.

Copeland overcame barriers in the elite world of ballet to become the first Black female principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) in 2015. She is also an author and advocate for diversity in the arts.

Davis is a political activist, scholar and author known for her work in civil rights, Black liberation and prison reform. She is a key figure in the prison abolition movement, Black Panther Party and US Communist Party.

Captain Armour, known as “FlyGirl,” became the first Black female combat pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. She earned multiple military honors after serving in the Iraq War and is a motivational speaker and leadership coach.

Gelobter is a computer scientist and technologist who played a major role in the development of GIF technology, contributed to the creation of Shockwave, a key technology for web animation and more.

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