From government to entertainment, there’s no shortage of contributions made by Black women in society over the last century. While I’m familiar with many of the greats, there are several whose legacy I had no idea bout. In no particular order, let’s take a look at 100 Black women legends who’ve broken barriers between 1926 and 2026.
16.
Marian Wright Edelman
21.
Patricia Roberts Harris
26.
Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton
28.
Septima Poinsette Clark
32.
Amelia Boynton Robinson
35.
Constance Baker Motley
72.
Gwendolyn Elizabeth Brooks
79.
Ida Gray Nelson Rollins
80.
Dorothy Lavinia Brown
81.
Elizabeth Carter Brooks
84.
Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander