Educator

"A white woman has only one handicap to overcome - that of sex. I have two - both sex and race. ... Colored men have only one - that of race. Colored women are the only group in this country who have two heavy handicaps to overcome, that of race as well as that of sex."

Smith (1930) is a retired Librarian, Archivist, and Author of over 50 publications including Notable Black American Women. In 1964, Smith became the first African American to earn a Ph.D. degree in library science from the University of Illinois.

Florence (1897-1991) was the first Black woman to graduate from a professional library program in the United States.

"We find the negro woman figuratively struck in the face by contempt from the world about her. Within her soul, she knows little of peace and happiness. But through it all, she is courageously standing erect, developing within herself the moral strength to rise above and conquer false attitudes...The wind of the race's destiny stirs more briskly because of her striving."

Educator, Writer, and Civil Rights Activist

Cole (1936) was the first Black woman to serve as President of Spelman College.

Historian

Clubwoman

Burroughs (1915-2010), was an Artist, Archivist, Poet, Writer, and Founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History and the South Side Community Art Center - both in Chicago. She dedicated her life to preserving and championing Black art, literature, culture, and history.

Civil rights Activist and mother of Emmitt Till.

Morial (1932-2024) was a staunch voting and civil rights activist, the wife of the first Black Mayor of New Orleans, Ernest "Dutch" Morial, and mother of Marc Morial, the second Black Mayor of New Orleans.

First Black Woman elected to Congress.

Multi-talent: a musicologist, diplomat, philanthropist, actress, singer, educator, sociologist, and administrator.

Burke (1900-1955) was a sculptor, educator, art school founder, and fixture in the Harlem Renaissance. Her bas relief image of President Franklin Roosevelt is permanently displayed at the Recorder of Deeds Building in Washington, D.C. and is the disputed inspiration for the American dime.