15 Remarkable American Women You Should Know About

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When the second wave of feminism rolled around in the ’60s and ’70s, activists embraced the famous saying, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” They transformed it into a powerful mantra: “the personal is political.” With this rallying cry, women began dismantling stereotypes, breaking barriers, and smashing those pesky glass ceilings. But it wasn’t just the celebrities making waves; it was the everyday heroines with guts and grit that truly made history. Fast forward to today, and we’re still witnessing fearless women forging paths toward equality and justice. The fight isn’t over yet, and we must keep pushing forward. If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further than these extraordinary figures:

1. Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston was truly a force of nature. This trailblazing black woman from the South earned her anthropology degree from Columbia University at the ripe age of 37 in 1928. After mingling with legends like Margaret Mead, she became a key voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Her novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, inspired literary giants such as Alice Walker, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. Later in life, she fought to end “paramour rights,” a form of sexual exploitation in the segregated South.

2. Carolyn Rivers and Kelly Martin

In a historic move, Vermont became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage on July 1, 2000. The first couple to say “I do” was Carolyn Rivers and Kelly Martin, who became symbols of pride and inspiration for the LGBT rights movement, ultimately paving the way for nationwide marriage equality.

3. Margaret Sanger

Next time you hear “birth control,” remember Margaret Sanger, the fearless activist who opened the first birth control clinic in the U.S. in 1916. Arrested for her efforts, she championed women’s reproductive rights and coined the term “birth control.” Thanks to her, organizations like Planned Parenthood exist today, embodying the mantra of “my body, my choice.”

4. Sally Ride

In 1977, NASA decided it was time to include women in their ranks, which is how we were introduced to the phenomenal Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Beyond her historic flight, she made science and math appealing to girls everywhere and created projects that allowed kids to photograph Earth from the International Space Station.

5. Audre Lorde

Born in New York to Caribbean roots, Audre Lorde became a vital voice in feminism and civil rights. Through her powerful poetry, she expressed the anger and frustration she felt regarding racism and sexism. As a black lesbian poet in the 1950s, she carved out a space for herself and others, shaping contemporary feminist thought that continues to resonate today.

6. Sylvia Rivera

Often called the Rosa Parks of the modern transgender movement, Sylvia Rivera was a fierce advocate for transgender rights. She fought tirelessly for equality, access to healthcare, and the protection of drag culture. Her legacy lives on as we see greater acceptance of transgender individuals today.

7. Kathrine Switzer

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon, a male-only event for over 70 years. Under the name K.V. Switzer, she signed up, and when an organizer attempted to physically remove her from the race, she stood her ground. This courageous act opened doors for women in sports everywhere.

8. Maud Stevens Wagner

Maud Wagner was the first female tattoo artist in the U.S., breaking societal norms and becoming a celebrated artist in circuses and vaudeville. Her boldness paved the way for women to embrace body art without shame, challenging the stigma surrounding female tattoos.

9. Rachel Carson

With her groundbreaking book Silent Spring, published in 1962, Rachel Carson raised alarms about environmental degradation caused by human actions. She pointed fingers at pesticide and chemical companies, sparking a conservation movement that we continue to build upon today.

10. Betty Friedan

Known for coining “the problem that has no name,” Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique challenged the notion that women should be confined to domesticity. Her work ignited the second wave of feminism, making it a must-read that still resonates with women today.

11. Maya Lin

At just 21 years old, Maya Lin won a prestigious design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, beating out more than 1,400 applicants. Despite facing criticism for being young, female, and Asian, her design became a beloved landmark, drawing millions of visitors each year.

12. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

If badassery had a face, it would be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. As a feminist lawyer and Supreme Court Justice, she championed women’s rights throughout her career. Appointed in 1993, RBG has been a consistent voice for equality, inspiring countless women to stand tall.

13. Lauren Hill and Jasmine Parker

Meet Lauren Hill and Jasmine Parker, two fearless young women from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. They worked tirelessly to advocate for their community’s right to water during protests, embodying resilience and dedication in the face of adversity.

14. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

The first elected female head of state in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as the President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, she fought tirelessly for women’s rights and education, leading her country toward stability after years of civil war.

15. Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King revolutionized women’s sports, famously defeating Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match in 1973. She’s not only an icon for her athletic prowess but also for her advocacy for gender equality in sports, founding the Women’s Sports Foundation and championing equal pay.

These incredible women have left an indelible mark on history, and their stories continue to inspire new generations. As we celebrate their achievements, let’s remember that the fight for equality is far from over. Explore more about their contributions and keep pushing for progress.

Summary:

This article highlights the achievements of 15 remarkable American women who have made significant contributions to society, from Zora Neale Hurston’s literary prowess to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legal battles for equality. Each woman’s story serves as an inspiration to continue the fight for justice and equality in today’s world.