From putting the spotlight on gender and racial discrimination to forging their own career paths in male-dominated industries such as politics and technology, throughout history black women have sparked conversation and action about social injustice around the world. Here are five incredibly inspiring videos of revolutionary women.
[Related: Women’s History Month: 7 Fun, Enlightening Ways to Celebrate]
Kathleen Neal Cleaver, Professor and Black Panther Member
“Why We Wear Our Hair Like This 1968â€
Currently a professor of American law at Emory
College, Kathleen Neal Cleaver, is widely recognized as an integral member of the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary black nationalist, and socialist organization. In this inspiring video, Cleaver talks about the reasons why black people wear their hair naturally.
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Maya Angelou, Revolutionary Poet and Literary Icon
The Best Advice Dr. Maya Angelou Has Ever Given–and Received
Award winning poet, Dr. Maya Angelou is known for her memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and her
numerous poetry and essay collections. In this 4-minute video clip, Oprah Winfrey asks the revolutionary poet and literary icon, Dr. Maya Angelou about the best advice she’s ever received. Angelou, drops a few gems about forgiveness and taking caring of yourself.Angela Davis, Political Activist, Scholar, and Author
Angela Davis Talks “The Movement†with Black Enterprise Magazine
Currently a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Davis has authored several books, including Women, Culture and Politics (1988), ASSATA, and Women Race and Class
. In this video Black Enterprise has a candid conversation with Davis about her experience, her career and her mission to abolish the U.S. prison system.Nina Simone -Nina Simone, Singer, songwriter, civil rights activist and classically trained pianist
A revolutionary voice in music whose songs put the spotlight on the issues of race and skin tone around the globe. Her musical talents extended across a wide range of musical genres including jazz, folk, blues, gospel, and pop.
Leymah Gbowee, Peace activist, women’s rights advocate, and founder of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa
2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee is most recognized for leading a women’s movement that was instrumental in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003. As an advocate for women and girls around the world, she currently gives talks around the world about her own life’s transformation, and of the untapped potential of girls around the world.