Over the past hundred years, women have slowly become more powerful and successful due to feminist movements. In the early 1900s, first-wave feminism resulted in equality in property rights, and most importantly, woman’s right to vote in 1920. But in the 1960s, second-wave feminism, or woman’s liberation, focused on many key issues like gender inequality in the workplace and reproductive rights. Music has also played an important role by inspiring and encouraging women to take a stand for what they believe in. Here are some of the most influential songs from the woman’s liberation era to now that have helped shape black women into the powerful females they have become.
1960s
“Respect”- Aretha Franklin
Considered one of the best songs of the R&B era, this song served as a woman’s plea for respect and recognition at the height of the woman’s liberation movement.
Notable history moments: The FDA approves the oral contraceptive pill and it’s made available in 1991; the Equal Pay Act establishes equal pay for women and men doing equal work; Constance Baker Motley elected first black federal judge; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans employment discrimination based on race, gender and more; Shirley Chisholm becomes the first black congresswoman
1970s
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”- Diana Ross
This song represented how no obstacle would stand in a woman’s way of getting what she wanted, and certainly, deserved.
Notable history moments: Woman’s Equality Day was designated as August 26 of every year; the Equal Rights Amendment is reintroduced in Congress; Cheryl Brown becomes the first black contestant in the Miss America pageant; Shirley Chisholm becomes the first black and second woman to run for President; the first battered woman’s shelter opens in Urbana, IL; Mary Bush Wilson becomes the first black board chair of the NAACP; Barbara Jordan becomes the first woman and first black to give the keynote address at a national convention for the Democratic party; for the first time in U.S. history, more women than men enter college in 1978
1980s
“She Works Hard for the Money”- Donna Summer
This music video for this song debuted on MTV, and became the first video by a Black artist to get heavy rotation by the music channel. In the video, a group of women in work uniforms dance in the streets to signify their independence. This song and video symbolized how the hard work that women had put in was finally starting to pay off.
Notable history moments: President Jimmy Carter declares March 8 as International Woman’s Day; Sandra Day O’Connor becomes the first woman elected to the US Supreme Court; 22 states add Equal Rights Amendments to their state constitutions; opportunities arise for women to become lawyers, doctors, scientists, politicians, astronauts and more
1990s
“Not Gon Cry”- Mary J. Blige
The 1990s marked the beginning of third-wave feminism which encouraged women to define feminism for themselves and incorporate their own identities into the belief system. Blige’s song, “Not Gon’ Cry” represented a newly-defined woman who wasn’t going to let a man (especially his cheating ways) bring her down.
Notable history moments: Alice Walker becomes the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and Toni Morrison becomes the first black to win the Nobel Prize for literature; Vanessa Williams becomes the first black Miss America; the first female Attorney General and Secretary of State are elected; Hillary Clinton became the first US First Lady with an independent political and activist career separate from her husband, former president Bill Clinton; Carrie Saxon Perry becomes the first black female mayor of a large American city (Hartford, CT); Oprah Winfrey becomes the first black to host of a nationally-syndicated talk show and founded Harpo Productions
2000s
“Independent Woman”- Destiny’s Child
This chart-topping hit by Destiny’s Child symbolized the millennium woman who had proven herself to the world that she could be an independent power force.
Notable history moments: Astronaut Mae Jemison becomes the first black woman in space; Carol Moseley Braun becomes the first black woman elected to the US Senate; Joycelyn Elders becomes the first black and first female US Surgeon General; Condoleeza Rice becomes the first black woman to be named Secretary of State; Supreme Court upheld affirmative action held in university admissions; Ruth Simmons became the first black president of an Ivy League university (Brown University)
2010-2011
“Moment 4 Life”- Nicki Minaj
Overnight star Nicki Minaj tells her story of chasing and living out her dream on her biggest single to-date. This song signifies that every woman can fulfill her dream if she never gives up.
Notable history moments: The first black US First Lady Michelle Obama announces her campaign, Let’s Move, to end childhood obesity
—— By: Crystal Tate
The power of black women has long been overlooked in American history. For centuries, they have battled against oppressive forces and achieved remarkable success despite the odds being stacked against them. From leading civil rights movements to advocating for progressive politics, black female leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping our society today. This article will explore how these powerful black women overcame countless obstacles and emerged as some of the most influential figures in modern history.
From enslaved Africans working on plantations during colonial times to freedom fighters like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, African-American females fought tirelessly against racism and sexism throughout history. They were among the first voices calling for equality, often having to put their own lives at risk just to be heard. During the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife Coretta Scott King used her platform to speak out about racial injustice across America while also fighting for gender equality within the movement itself.
In recent years, black women continue to rise up and lead us toward a more equitable future. Women such as Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Maxine Waters and Oprah Winfrey are using their positions of influence to create real change both politically and socially—and inspiring other women along the way. Through hard work and determination, these courageous individuals demonstrate that progress can still be made even when faced with adversity.
Historical Context
African American women have faced many obstacles throughout history in their fight to gain power. Their journey began with slavery, a system of oppression that denied them the right to vote or own property. Despite these restrictions, black women found ways to exercise their influence and create change.
The Reconstruction era saw African American women become more active participants in politics as they worked alongside men like Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman during the civil rights movement. They also made significant contributions to education and health care reform initiatives by founding organizations such as the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) and The Phyllis Wheatley Club.
Throughout this period, African American women were an integral part of any social justice effort fighting for equality while also developing strategies through which they could shape their own identities and build community networks outside of oppressive systems. By using activism, organization, and resilience, African American women have been able to overcome centuries of discrimination and make strides towards greater representation within society today.
Current Representation
Today, African American women are beginning to see greater representation within the public and private sectors. They have become leaders in government, business, education, media, law enforcement and more. This progress is due in large part to their hard work and dedication to fighting for equality.
In addition to increased visibility in society, black women have also achieved success through entrepreneurship and activism. Companies like Blavity Inc., founded by Morgan DeBaun, provide invaluable resources that address issues such as racism and sexism while helping others build networks of support. Social justice organizations like Black Lives Matter bring attention to ongoing systemic oppression faced by people of color today.
The power of black women has come a long way since slavery; they serve as strong examples of resilience and determination for future generations. With continued advocacy and upliftment from allies, African American women can continue pushing boundaries to create lasting change across all aspects of life.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is clear that black women have come a long way from facing oppressive systems and inequality. Today, they are powerful figures in society who continue to fight for their rights and the rights of others.
I believe this transformation has been achieved through resilience, hard work, and determination. Despite the challenges faced by African American women throughout history, they still managed to make an impact on both national and global scales. This serves as an inspiration to other minorities who may feel powerless or voiceless in today’s world. We can all learn from these strong individuals and recognize the strength within ourselves too.
Therefore, let us celebrate the accomplishments of black women everywhere! Their journeys have not only broken barriers but created paths for future generations to follow with confidence and pride in their identity. We must keep pushing forward until we achieve true equality and justice for everyone involved.
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