Tayyibah Taylor, born in Trinidad and raised in Toronto, Taylor embraced Islam at 19 and later launched Azizah in Atlanta (1999), the first national English-language magazine by and for Muslim women. Under her leadership it earned New America Media and FOLIO Eddy awards, while her global speaking tours and board work—from Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters to dialogues with the Dalai Lama—reframed Muslim women as innovators, professionals, and storytellers. Named among the world’s “500 Most Influential Muslims,” she traveled to nearly 40 countries championing faith-rooted equity until her passing from cancer in 2014, leaving a media legacy that still amplifies women’s voices today.

Laura Jane Addams (1860–1935) co-founded Chicago’s Hull House in 1889, building a vibrant community center that offered education, healthcare, legal aid, and social programs for poor and immigrant families. Living openly in lifelong partnerships with women—most notably Mary Rozet Smith—she embodied what we now call lesbian advocacy, freely expressing love and solidarity at a time when such bonds were marginalized. Addams also confronted bigotry head-on: she helped found the National Conference for Community and Justice to fight anti-Semitism and racism, served as a charter member of the NAACP, and created dedicated programs at Hull House to uplift African American and immigrant residents. In every cause, she insisted that true justice means inclusion and equality for all.

A Harlem Renaissance powerhouse, Bentley commanded the stage with deep growls and bawdy songs, performing in speakeasies while dressed in men’s tuxedos. Openly lesbian in a hostile era, she defied gender expectations and challenged cultural taboos with charisma and courage. Though later pressured to conform during the McCarthy era, her legacy as a Black, queer, gender-nonconforming artist lives on—reminding us that Pride began with boundary-breakers. Bentley’s life is a testament to resistance through expression and liberation through performance.

Trailblazing playwright, radical freedom-fighter, and unapologetically queer thinker who put Black working-class struggle — and lesbian liberation — on center stage, refusing to separate racial justice from feminist and LGBTQ rights.

At just 28, Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun made her the first Black woman to reach Broadway, but she considered “celebrity activism” hollow without systemic change. Off-stage she marched, wrote for Freedom newspaper, sparred with Robert F. Kennedy over civil-rights violence, and penned fearless letters to The Ladder, the first U.S. lesbian magazine. Though she lived closeted publicly, her private papers reveal a visionary who linked homophobia, sexism, colonialism, and class exploitation as a single fight. Her intersectional lens still challenges us to make every stage — and every movement — a platform for full human liberation.

Fearless educator, suffragist, and civil‑rights strategist who “lifted as she climbed,” demanding full citizenship for Black Americans and women alike—even when both racism and sexism tried to bar the door.

Born to formerly enslaved parents yet educated at Oberlin, Terrell co‑founded the National Association of Colored Women, became the first Black woman on Washington, D.C.’s school board, and helped launch the NAACP. Into her eighties she picketed segregated restaurants—and won a 1953 Supreme Court victory that cracked Jim Crow in the nation’s capital. Her lifelong mantra turned personal progress into collective liberation, proving that when one woman rises, an entire community ascends.

Trailblazing suffragist, economist, and community pillar who fought for women’s rights and Chinese American empowerment—even when the law denied her the ballot.

At 16, Mabel Ping‑Hua Lee led NYC’s 1912 suffrage parade on horseback, tying gender and racial equality together. Though barred from voting by the Chinese Exclusion Act, she earned the first U.S. Ph.D. in economics by a Chinese woman and used it to direct Chinatown’s Baptist Church and a community center. Her life’s work lit the path toward full citizenship for women, immigrants, and all who are excluded.

Educator, Activist, and Legacy-Builder who turned personal tragedy into a lifelong commitment to justice, healing, and Black empowerment.

After the assassination of her husband, Malcolm X, Dr. Betty Shabazz emerged as a powerful voice for civil rights, education, and women’s leadership. A nurse, professor, and mother of six, she earned her doctorate and dedicated her life to uplifting Black communities and amplifying the role of Black Muslim women in liberation movements. From speaking globally to mentoring youth, she transformed grief into action and legacy into light.

A quiet force and visionary leader who reshaped the fight for civil and women's rights. As the “Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Height built coalitions, advised presidents, and stood at the crossroads of race and gender advocacy. She knew that true liberation meant dismantling injustice on every front—not just for one group, but for all. Her life reminds us that real change often happens behind the scenes, through persistence, strategy, and unwavering courage. Let’s honor her by continuing the work she so powerfully advanced.

An international superstar and unapologetic trailblazer, Josephine Baker used her fame to fight fascism, racism, and injustice. As a bisexual Black woman, she shattered societal norms—spying for the French Resistance during WWII and later refusing to perform for segregated audiences in the U.S. Her activism extended beyond the stage as she adopted 12 children from different backgrounds—calling them her “Rainbow Tribe”—to model a world of racial harmony.

Artist, activist, and educator who used creativity to preserve Black history and empower future generations.
She was a cultural force who used art, education, and activism to celebrate and preserve African American heritage. In 1961, she co-founded the DuSable Museum of African American History—one of the first of its kind in the U.S. A lifelong educator and poet, she championed access to the arts for all and empowered generations to know their worth and history.

Trailblazing Cherokee leader who redefined Indigenous female leadership and power.

Wilma Mankiller was the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995. A fierce advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, community development, and women’s leadership, she revitalized tribal infrastructure and education. Her legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equity, and uplifting marginalized voices.

Sonia Sotomayor is a groundbreaking figure, becoming the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history. Her journey from growing up in the Bronx to reaching the highest court is a testament to her perseverance, intelligence, and commitment to justice. Throughout her career, Sotomayor has championed equal rights, advocating for fairness and accessibility in the legal system. She continues to inspire by using her voice to elevate marginalized communities and uphold the values of democracy and equality.

A groundbreaking lawyer, civil rights activist, author, and the first African American woman ordained as an Episcopal priest, paved the way for justice and equality. Her fearless fight for both racial and gender equality challenges us to stand firm against oppression. Let Pauli Murray’s legacy guide us in the ongoing battle for a more just, inclusive future.

A fierce advocate for social justice whose work transcended race and borders. A Japanese American activist, she was a powerful voice in the fight for civil rights, amplifying marginalized communities and standing in solidarity with movements for racial equality. Her commitment to activism—rooted in love, empowerment, and equality—continues to inspire generations to stand up and fight for justice.

A pioneering figure whose words still inspire us to stand strong and unapologetic in our identity. Hurston’s work celebrates resilience, self-expression, and the power of embracing our own truth. Her legacy reminds us that our stories—no matter how difficult or beautiful—are worth telling. Let’s keep lifting our voices and making space for others to do the same.

A fearless warrior and leader of the Northern Cheyenne, whose bravery at the Battle of the Rosebud in 1876 helped protect her people from U.S. forces. Her courage and resilience in the face of oppression continue to inspire us, reminding us of the power of standing up for justice and equality. Let her legacy guide us in fighting for a more just and inclusive future.

A civil rights powerhouse, she has spent decades fighting for voting rights, education equity, and racial justice. As a past NAACP president and lifelong activits, she has paved the way for generations of leaders. Her legacy reminds us that real progress comes from persistence, courage, and inwavering commitment to justice.

Marsha P. Johnson was a fearless advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She was a central figure in the Stonewall Riots and co-founded STAR with Sylvia Rivera. She dedicated her life to advocating for trans rights, sex workers, and LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.

Marsha was also a key organizer in early Pride marches, bringing visibility to transgender individuals and people of color within the movement. Her activism and unapologetic presence challenged societal norms, making her a lasting symbol of resilience and liberation.

They were a pioneering transgender and LGBTQ+ activist. As a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and co-founder of STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) with Marsha P. Johnson, Rivera fought tirelessly for the rights of transgender people, queer youth, and those experiencing homelessness. Her advocacy challenged exclusion within the LGBTQ+ movement, ensuring trans and marginalized voices were heard. Rivera’s legacy continues to inspire activism for equality and justice.

A legendary labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with César Chávez. She played a crucial role in organizing farmworkers, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and labor rights, many of whom were immigrants. Today, through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continues to fight for social justice, focusing on immigration reform, voter engagement, and empowering marginalized communities.

She played a crucial role in organizing the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), which was established as a direct challenge to the all-white, segregationist Democratic Party in Mississippi. The MFDP aimed to give Black citizens a political voice at a time when they were systematically disenfranchised through racist voter suppression laws. Under Baker’s leadership, the MFDP sent a delegation, including sharecroppers and grassroots activists, to the Democratic National Convention to demand recognition and a seat at the table. Though they were denied full representation, their bold challenge exposed racial injustices within the political system and laid the groundwork for future voting rights advancements, influencing the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.