Lena Horne, Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Eartha Kitt, Pam Grier, Nell Carter, Dorothy Dandridge, Isabela Sanford, Marla Gibbs, Della Reese, Hattie McDaniel, Mabel King, Lawanda Paige, Ruby Dee, and Cecily Tyson
These women represent generations of talent, resilience, and groundbreaking achievement in film, television, and entertainment. At a time when opportunities for Black actresses were limited and often shaped by stereotypes, they carved out space for themselves through skill, determination, and undeniable presence.
From pioneers like Hattie McDaniel, who became the first Black person to win an Academy Award, to stars like Dorothy Dandridge, who broke barriers as one of the first Black women nominated for Best Actress, each of these women contributed to changing how Black women were seen on screen. Their work challenged narrow roles and opened doors for more complex and meaningful representation.
Actresses such as Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Diahann Carroll, and Ruby Dee brought depth and versatility to their performances, proving that Black women could lead, inspire, and captivate audiences across genres. Others, like Pam Grier, helped redefine strength and independence in film, while figures like Cicely Tyson elevated storytelling with roles that honored dignity and cultural identity.
Beyond their performances, many of these women used their platforms to speak on social issues, advocate for equality, and push the industry forward. Their influence extends far beyond the screen, shaping both culture and opportunity for future generations. #WomensHistoryMonth
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During a time when the U.S. justice system was used to punish Black liberationists, Angela Davis used her voice to advocate for prison reform and against fascism.
Her words continue to resonate as the Trump White House sparks intense conversations about fascism in the U.S.
This is Linda Davis, a special education teacher who was killed in a car crash involving ICE agents
The agents didn’t render aid.
She was minutes from her school and bled to death in her car.
They didn’t offer aid to Renee Good or Alex Pretti either.
Say her name too.
Barack Obama read from 6-year old Alex's letter at the Leaders Summit on Refugees using it as a call for global compassion toward refugees.
Sometimes the greatest lessons come from our youngest voices.
I’ll never understand how America went from Barack Obama to Donald Trump.
From dignity, empathy, and competence
to grievance, cruelty, and chaos.
It wasn’t an accident.
It was backlash.
Backlash to having a smart, principled, wildly popular Black president who proved this country could be better.
And some people couldn’t stand it.
Since it’s Presidents’ Day, it’s only right to look back at a time when presidents united beyond politics and showed respect for each other.
op: somethingblackmade via IG
This Presidents' Day, we're celebrating a legacy that didn't end when the term ended. Service, humility, and lifelong commitment to peace defined the presidency and post-presidency of Jimmy Carter. For Carter, leadership didn't stop when he left the White House.