After World War II, the General Assembly of the United Nations outlined basic rights that all human beings should have. On December 10, 1948, they created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — a document that declared those basic human rights would be protected universally, making the UDHR and its message to protect freedom for all people accessible to many communities.

The first article states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

The Universal Month of Human Rights’ goal is to acknowledge people of all different religions, cultures, races, as well as beliefs. We are all people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, these words on paper are not always held up in action.

All over the world, there are groups fighting for their inalienable rights. Over the summer, Iran’s Morality Police unexpectedly reappeared in several Iranian cities. They had been withdrawn after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody in September 2022, which led to weeks of widespread protests and demonstrations. Now, they have the audacity to say that they will be taking a “softer approach.” A new law would specify the consequences for women not wearing the hijab. But it’s the regime’s fixation with women’s modesty that seems more likely to reignite the protests.

The Israel-Hamas war has inflicted unspeakable horrors, with a particularly devastating impact on women and a rising toll of sexual attacks. Amongst the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, and the killing of civilians, there has been disproportionate suffering of women and children. The images we see on social media only paint a surface level picture of what is happening. Israel has executed a targeted assault on the very heart of Palestinian society, which are mothers, daughters, and sisters.

More than 16,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict; over half are women and children. The situation is particularly terrible for about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, who are confronted with the reality of childbirth under the most awful conditions — in makeshift shelters, within rubble, or in overwhelmed health care facilities where there is the risk of infection.

Audre Lorde once said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” Over forty years later, her words are still poignant and relevant.

The hard truth is that human rights laws have failed to accomplish their objectives. The weaknesses seem to undermine the laws, while there is not much evidence that human rights treaties, on the whole, have really improved the well-being of people. The reason is that human rights have never been universally applied in the way that people hoped for; the idea that they could be forced upon countries as a matter of law was misguided from the very beginning.

The human rights movement shares something in common with economic development, which has tried and failed to eradicate poverty. Top-down solutions for developing countries just don’t work. But where development economists have modified their approach to adjust from the bottom up, the human rights movement has yet to acknowledge where it has failed. After looking at the charter, it never gave the General Assembly the power to make international law. Additionally, the rights were described in vague terms that could be interpreted in many different ways. We’ve seen this time and time again with civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Human history has a way of saying one thing, yet doing another. The history books continue to teach that slavery ended in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. However, there were many who ignored the law and continued the institution of slavery. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 — what we now refer to as Juneteenth — that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the war had been won and slavery must come to an end.

We must stay mindful that the application of equal justice has to be intentional, and as citizens, we have to act with purpose. December is a busy month, and it is easy to bypass what people are going through in other parts of the world. So, while the season is a great time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones, it is also the perfect time to research a human rights movement you feel led to support; to remember that we are not all free. It’s time to wrap up the year resolving to do what we say, in the name of equity for us all.

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Fortunately, the movie Formula 1 has expanded our perception by featuring Damson Idris as a competitive and, at times, overly confident race car driver. The appearance of a Black race car driver on the big screen it reminds us that Black athletes are not limited to mainstream sports like football and basketball.

Let’s explore some parts of that history that are often overlooked and learn about the men who opened doors for people of color aspiring to get behind the wheel. Here are some Black Drivers in motorsports you should know about.

Dewey Gatson / “Rajo Jack”

The name “Rajo Jack” might sound unfamiliar, but it holds great significance in motorsports history.  Dewey Gatson, born on July 28th, 1905, in Tyler, Texas, earned his nickname from selling parts for Rajo Motor Manufacturing.

Gatson was one of the first African American race car drivers in America, despite being barred from competing in sanctioned American Automobile Association (AAA) events. While there was no formal law preventing African Americans from racing in AAA events, racial discrimination at the time excluded many Black drivers from competing.

As a result, Gatson competed in “outlaw circuits” and even pretended to be Portuguese to gain entry into certain racing arenas.

His racing journey began in 1923 with a Model T Ford. In 1936, he celebrated his first victory, winning by two laps at the Los Angeles Speedway.

Because of Rajo Jack’s presence in the racing scene, he paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame in 2003 and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2007.

Charles Wiggins

A four-time winner of the Colored Speedway Association’s Gold and Glory Sweepstakes race, Charles Wiggins was one of the most supportive and influential figures within the race car scene. 

His interest in cars began while he was shining shoes at an auto repair shop, where he worked his way up to become a mechanic’s assistant. When World War I broke out, Wiggins took on managing the auto shop floor due to a shortage of workers.

As his love for cars grew, Wiggins eventually designed his own race car and sought to participate in the Indianapolis 500, known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” Unfortunately, his application was denied, but that didn’t stop him from exploring other avenues.

Wiggins joined the Colored Speedway Association, an organization for Black race car drivers in the Midwest. He was eventually able to compete in races organized by the Association and won four times, driving cars he had designed himself.

Although he never competed in the Indianapolis 500, Wiggins contributed significantly by helping engineers design winning cars. Though not widely known publicly, he was highly praised and honored within the racing community.

Joie Ray

Joie Ray, born Joseph Reynolds Ray Jr., was the first Black driver to break color barriers by participating in a sanctioned sprint car race with the Midwest Dirt Track Racing Association.

He earned the nickname “the Jackie Robinson of racing” because Ray’s and Robinson’s debuts occurred about a week apart.

Ray got his start in racing after placing a bet and winning $500, which was enough to buy a Dodge four-cylinder sprint car priced at $450. This investment enabled him to compete in various racing organizations, including the Central States Racing Association (CSRA) and the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA), where he became the first African American to race.

Throughout his career, Ray secured numerous top-5 and top-10 finishes, racing alongside notable drivers such as Bill Cantrell, Cliff Griffith, and Chick Smith. His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the Hoosier Auto Racing Fans (HARF) Hall of Fame in 1995.

Lewis Hamilton

Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton is the first Black driver to compete in Formula 1. 

Born on January 7, 1985, in Stevenage, England, Hamilton began his racing career in karting at the age of six, winning multiple national and international karting championships.

As a teenager, he was recruited into the McLaren-Mercedes Young Driver Programme, which laid the foundation for his career. Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007. In his rookie season, he won four races and finished just one point behind the World Champion, Kimi Räikkönen.

Hamilton’s fame continued to grow when he won his first World Drivers’ Championship in 2008, becoming the then-youngest World Champion in Formula One history. 

Throughout his career and alongside teammate Nico Rosberg, Hamilton secured multiple titles, including back-to-back championships in 2014 and 2015. Following Rosberg’s retirement, Hamilton went on to win further titles in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, reaching a record-tying seven World Championships alongside Michael Schumacher.

In addition to his record-breaking racing achievements, Hamilton has been a prominent advocate for racial justice, diversity, and environmental sustainability, using his platform to influence positive change within and beyond motorsport.

Whether you are a fan of racing or new to the sport, it is important to recognize the pioneers who opened doors for Black drivers, Black athletes, and other people of color. Though many of these individuals may only be well-known within certain circles, their impact has transcended generations.

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Now, it’s more than just a haven. Black women are showing that being a geek isn’t only cool, it’s profitable. From comic books to coding bootcamps, they’re proving that imagination can pay off. Check out how these Black women are making nerd money monetizing from their passions.

Shequeta Smith and the Business of Black Comic Books

Like many lifelong nerds, Shequeta L. Smith spent countless hours browsing comic book shops, only to notice something missing. Amid shelves of glossy, art-filled pages of unique and powerful superheroes, she rarely found stories featuring Black women as the protagonists. Sure, there were the token side characters, but no one who looked like her as the main hero.

Rather than accept that gap, Smith set out to create the world she wanted to see. That vision led her to launch Shero Comics, a multimedia company that puts Black women and girls at the center of their own universes.

Smith didn’t limit her creativity to comics. Over the years, she expanded into short films and, more recently, games. “I built my company with comic books that we could eventually adapt into films and games,” she explained. Today, Shero Comics boasts nine titles, five award-winning short films, and a prototype mobile game based on her graphic novel series Rayven Choi. In 2024, she took her storytelling to the next level with the launch of Shero Games.

Through comic con sales, crowdfunding, and now angel investors, Smith has kept her dream alive while steadily growing her business. And she’s never strayed from her mission. “Our powerful ‘sheroes’ of color belong in the comic book world – and they can easily be adapted into television and film projects.”

Smith’s journey is proof that imagination can be monetized and that being a nerd can become big business when built on authenticity and representation.

Katie “PikaChulita” Robinson: Streaming with Purpose

Katie Robinson discovered her love for gaming growing up in Kansas City, spending hours with her GameBoy Color and Nintendo 64. As she grew up, her love for gaming remained steady. She is now a Twitch streamer who uses her platform not only to play games but to spark meaningful conversations about inclusivity and equity.

Better known online as PikaChulita, Robinson refuses to separate her identities or water down her message. She speaks out against racism, sexism, ableism, and homophobia in gaming, even if she gets a few hateful comments from close-minded people. 

As a member of Black Girl Gamers and the Noir Network, Robinson is a key figure in the Black Twitch community. Along with being featured on Twitch’s front page multiple times, Robinson is committed to uplifting others and promoting visibility for Black women creators. 

Robinson proves that Black women don’t have to shrink themselves to be successful.  She reminds every geek out there that they can make money doing what they love and without compromising their values.

Kimberly Bryant and Black Girls CODE

Sports were once thought to be just for boys. When coding became popular, the same sexist belief followed. However,  Kimberly Bryant believed coding was a skill more Black girls should learn. In 2011, she founded Black Girls CODE, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching girls of color programming, robotics, and emerging technologies. Her vision was clear: expose young Black girls to coding early and empower them to become future tech leaders.

What started as a small initiative has grown into an international movement with 15 chapters and a long-term goal of teaching one million girls to code by 2040. During the pandemic, Black Girls CODE adapted to virtual programs and experienced rapid growth in both reach and revenue.

Kimberly Bryant’s work has changed the landscape of STEM education, inspiring thousands of girls and paving the way for greater diversity in the field.

Jay-Ann Lopez and the Power of Black Girl Gamers 

Have you heard of Black Girl Gamers? It is a community with over 8,000 members worldwide. Black Girl Gamers provides visibility, networking, advocacy, and support for Black women gamers, creating a safe and empowering space in an often exclusive industry. This movement was started by ambitious gamer Jay-Ann Lopez.

What started out as a Facebook group grew into a recognized brand that consults for major gaming companies, hosts influential events, and brokers talent opportunities for its members.

Lopez’s work has gained widespread recognition; she has been featured in Vogue, Dazed, and Forbes, and was named a top innovator by the Institute of Digital Fashion. She is also a BAFTA Games judge, an honorary professor, and a sought-after speaker and consultant for major brands such as Adidas, Google, and PlayStation. 

Lopez’s work also expands through events like Gamer Girls Night In, which blends gaming with beauty and fashion.

Her leadership and advocacy have helped elevate Black women’s voices in gaming, proving that this community is not only powerful but also a driving force in the industry’s future.

Dr. Eve L. Ewing: From Poetry to Marvel Comics

Dr. Eve L. Ewing is the definition of multifaceted. Born and raised in Chicago, Eve is a writer, scholar, and cultural organizer whose work spans poetry, academic research, children’s literature, and comics.

Her acclaimed poetry collections include Electric Arches and 1919, with the latter chronicling the 1919 Chicago race riot and adapted into a play by Steppenwolf Theatre. Her nonfiction work Ghosts in the Schoolyard investigates racism and school closures on Chicago’s South Side, showcasing her commitment to social justice through education. She has also authored Maya and the Robot, a children’s book celebrated for its depiction of self-discovery and belonging.

Ewing’s success doesn’t stop at her literary works. A writer for Marvel’s Ironheart, Black Panther, she is the first Black female author of that series. Her limitless storytelling flows across genres, blending Afrofuturism, education policy, and superhero narratives.  

An associate professor at the University of Chicago, Dr. Ewing calls herself a “professional, paid nerd,” a title that reflects her ability to blend intellectual rigor and creative passion.

Ewing’s career is a testament to how Black women’s creativity is versatile and needed. She is a reminder to all Black women that embracing all parts of ourselves can lead to unstoppable success.

Because these outstanding women don’t fit the norm of what society expects from Black women, their stories aren’t widely told. Yet their careers, their journeys, and who they are are what can inspire this generation and future generations to come. 

They are living proof that Black nerds can thrive in this world.

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Scrolling social media, it would be easy to think self-care is just perfectly curated Instagram posts, candles, and your favorite ice cream. In some respects, I suppose it can be. However, I gained a different perspective about self-care, while listening to activists Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins speak on a Zoom webinar. Both trailblazing women are former members of the Black Panther Party who were incarcerated for their activism.

Huggins discussed asking her attorney for a yoga book, because she wasn’t able to stretch in her cell. The time she spent in solitary confinement sparked a meditation practice that she still does to this day. Davis struggled with bouts of anxiety and depression, as she awaited her trial in solitary confinement. She was prescribed medications and even tranquilizers but nothing seemed to help. One day, the Black Panther Party’s primary doctor suggested yoga and gave her a book. Both women began to think less about their incarceration and more about their well-being.

One of my favorite writers, Audre Lorde, amplified what self-care looked like as she documented her battle with cancer. Her book, A Burst of Light: and Other Essays, is now a statement for the Black woman identity. Lorde writes, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

By the time we had to self-quarantine last year, I had been working from home for five years. I had no transition to make; however, I quickly started to feel confined. Part of my self-care routine was working from my favorite coffee shop or bookstore a couple of days a week. I no longer had that to look forward to. Also, meeting in person with my writing group took away a much-needed community.

So, here is where I further changed my perspective: Self-care is not about being selfish. Self-care means taking care of yourself, so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can be creative, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish.  

As someone who has battled anxiety all my life, I lean into practices that focus on my emotional and physical health — writing, reading, journaling, walking, and meditation. Within my four walls, I began to check in with myself every day, to see how I was doing and what my mind and body were telling me. I stayed in touch with family through FaceTime, opened the cookbooks I had on the shelf, and rediscovered how much I love to create in the kitchen. I started showing myself grace if I was having a rough day, downloaded the Calm app (which helped me sleep better), and spent less time on social media.

With the uncertainty of a global pandemic glaring at me each day, it was more about expanding my scope of what self-care actually looked like. It’s different for each person. As self-care has become more mainstream, the definitions have started to become more relatable. Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels good and nourishing. That can certainly be something relaxing or calming, or it can be something that is spiritual, intellectual, or physical.

On Instagram, celebrities shared their self-care routines and tips. Kourtney Kardashian offered calming techniques and advice on sexual health. Gwyneth Paltrow advised people to “write a book, learn an instrument or language, or learn to code online, draw, or paint.” Our favorite girl Lizzo played her flute in a room filled with crystals promoting healing.

Resources such as BetterHelp and Talkspace have not only made professional counseling accessible but affordable. Through online chat, video, or phone, people can speak with a licensed therapist from anywhere at any time. I found both services were covered under my insurance.

There’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care because everyone’s definition is their own. It doesn’t have to be about spending money or having extravagant experiences (though it certainly can). Whatever brings you more joy, do that.

Truth is, self-care requires a personal commitment and intention to invest in your well-being. It’s a personal choice that is well worth the time and effort. If the pandemic year taught us nothing else, it’s normalizing being kind to and taking care of ourselves.

We all experienced various forms of change and indifference last year — not being able to mentally or physically stretch. It caused us to develop our own definitions of self-care so that we could survive through a difficult time. We also realized that self-care doesn’t have to be something to practice during difficult times, but it’s more about maintaining peace and focus at all times. It’s what we all deserve.

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Within the past few years, “introversion” is one of the most popular words to grace the internet. To some, it’s a fad, but to others, it’s our lifestyle. So much so, the thought of talking to someone for hours, seconds or even minutes about coffee, Kim Kardashian or recent brands is uninspiring. Let’s talk about Kepler 186f, better yet, TRAPPIST-1 solar system. Let’s dive deeper and explore our subconscious mind to learn about what makes it so majestic. Let’s take a look at the extrovert-introvert.

Some days I want to talk while other days, I’d rather not be bothered, as my mind has already traveled around the galaxy and back. But once I’m back on earth, my introversion becomes questioned. Many people assume there is a look or style to introversion when in all actuality, we just lose energy by being around people for a long time. Before congregating with fellow earthlings, I need a forewarning because I need to recharge by only being consumed with my thoughts for the moment, a good book or movie. Sometimes I like to go for long walks with my dog as well.

Introversion is notably unique, especially being a woman of color whose an INFJ. Women of color are believed to be extroverted, the life of the party or always on the go. However, being the rarest personality type, which makes up 1% of our population, I consider myself a rare breed among rarer breeds. INFJs (Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, Judging) are one of Myers-Briggs 16 personality types, which was created by a prominent psychiatrist, Carl Jung. I like to believe he used my brain to define INFJs because I see myself in each aspect of his research.

As an INFJ, I’m sometimes mistaken for an extrovert because I have an outgoing personality, especially around people that I’m alike. Due to my excessive enthusiasm and love for fighting a cause, my eagerness has labeled me an “extroverted introvert,” until I’m invited for tea on the weekend and I somehow fall ill *cough – cough* in order to recharge my batteries.

Since decoding these 4 exquisite letters, INFJ, I’ve been on an everlasting spaceship capturing amazing images from my telescope. I continue to celebrate myself. I’m okay with random burst of laughter, discussing ruby programming or people watching to create characters of how I see the world. Introversion is not something that needs to be fixed, but a personality profile that creates coders, authors, artist, gamers and most of all, a rare personality which keeps the world rotating.

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Women entrepreneurs are among the fastest-growing segments of business owners in the country. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), women-owned businesses account for nearly half of all small businesses, generating millions of jobs and contributing billions to the U.S. economy. Yet despite their tremendous impact, Black women continue to face persistent hurdles. Limited access to capital remains one of the most significant barriers, as women often receive smaller loans with higher interest rates compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, many women lack access to robust mentorship networks and business development resources, both of which are vital for scaling and sustainability.

That’s why Women’s Small Business Month is a call to action. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness about these challenges and to advocate for policies and programs that close the gap. The SBA plays an active role during this month by providing valuable tools and resources to help women entrepreneurs thrive. From funding opportunities and business counseling to training programs and mentorship networks, the SBA’s initiatives are designed to equip women with the knowledge and support needed to grow and sustain their ventures.

In addition to government support, community engagement plays a vital role in empowering women in business. Consumers can make a tangible difference by intentionally shopping with women-owned brands, investing in local women-led enterprises, and amplifying their stories across social platforms. Corporations and investors also have a responsibility to promote equity by increasing funding opportunities, offering supplier diversity programs, and creating pathways for women founders to access markets traditionally dominated by men.

This month is also a time for reflection and inspiration. Stories of women breaking barriers from tech innovators and restaurateurs to fashion designers and social entrepreneurs serve as a reminder of what’s possible when women are given the tools and trust to lead. Their success is not only a personal achievement but a community victory, as women-owned businesses often reinvest in their neighborhoods, support local causes, and foster inclusive economic growth.

As we celebrate Women’s Small Business Month, let’s honor the trailblazers who’ve paved the way and commit to nurturing the next generation of women leaders. Empowering women entrepreneurs is not just about fairness, it’s about fueling innovation, strengthening our economy, and building a more equitable future for all. When women succeed, we all rise.

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The Black Panther Party was 60 percent women. Despite their numerous contributions to Black society, sexism existed in the organization and diminished women’s roles in the party throughout history.

For many women, it seems as if the movement represented the best option at the time. Other activist organizations either didn’t accept women or didn’t understand where a woman’s role needed to be. While there was a glimmer of hope that a woman’s role in the BPP could be recognized and celebrated, its downfall came in part because sexism went unchecked.

Early on women members were “Pantherettes.” They had a separate hierarchy and chain of command. The most well-known woman Panther, Assata Shakur, said joining the party was the most powerful thing she could do, even though there was an overwhelming emphasis on manhood. In 1973, Shakur was pulled over by New Jersey police, shot, and then charged with the murder of a police officer. She spent over 6 years in prison before escaping to Cuba in 1984. The FBI added her to the most wanted terrorist list in 2013. If you haven’t read her autobiography, do so.

Elaine Brown became the first and only woman to lead the party from 1974 to 1977. She took over as chairwoman while Newton went into exile in Cuba. When he returned in 1977, the male members of the party complained that the women had too much control. The men told Newton that Regina Davis, the school’s administrator, had publicly reprimanded a male member. Newton permitted the men to beat Davis, and she ended up hospitalized.

In Brown’s 1992 memoir, A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story, she said that her title of chairwoman was meaningless. “A woman in the Black Power movement was considered, at best, irrelevant. A woman asserting herself was a pariah. If a Black woman assumed a role of leadership, she was said to be eroding Black manhood, to be hindering the progress of the Black race.”

The violence, sexism, and patriarchy caused Brown to leave the party for good. She founded the National Alliance for Radical Prison Reform and works to help prisoners find housing after they are released.

As another famous woman in the party, Angela Davis, said, “Straight Black men and white women will always be the weakest links in the struggle for equality because they view equality as achieving status with white men. The problem with that is that white men’s status is contingent on the oppression of other people.”

Another important figure was Kathleen Cleaver, wife of Eldridge Cleaver and the Party’s first female member of the central decision-making cabinet. As communications secretary, she became one of the most visible women in the Party. When a New York reporter once asked her what she thought a woman’s place was in the revolution, her reply cut straight to the truth: “No one ever asks what a man’s place in the revolution is.”

Her statement underscored the ongoing tension. The women were not simply helpers or “supporters” to the men. They were leaders, organizers, and thinkers. They faced arrests, harassment, and constant surveillance right alongside their male counterparts. But unlike the men, they also faced the dual oppression of racism and sexism within the very spaces where liberation was supposed to be the goal.

It’s always been striking to me when I see photos of the beautiful, Black women from the party with a spectrum of complexions, determined faces, and fists raised high in solidarity. Even their afros have beauty and power. More importantly, despite what was happening in the party, the women kept pushing towards the mission. They organized free breakfast programs, free health clinics, and other social programs in Black communities.

I’d like to believe they were fighting for their own lives and the lives of their families. I’d like to believe they were motivated by the Black community desperately needing change and understanding the assignment. We witness, to this day, the Black Lives Matter movement, which was created and led by women. Collaboration breeds change, and Black women know how to do this like no other.

Growing up, I saw this take place in the Black church. Women made up the majority of the congregation; organized every meeting, conference, and program. They established what they needed to do in the community and made it happen. However, there was an unspoken place where the women stayed, and the men always assumed the leadership.

The story of women in the Panthers is not just about their strength but also about the Party’s contradictions. For all its vision and courage, the BPP mirrored society’s misogyny. The beating of Regina Davis was not an isolated event — it was symptomatic of a broader culture that devalued women even as it depended on their labor.

By the time Newton returned from Cuba in August 1977, many women felt betrayed. Brown eventually left, writing later that her departure was the only way she could survive in a structure that refused to honor her leadership.

This unchecked sexism weakened the Party at a time when government repression, infiltration, and arrests were already taking their toll. FBI COINTELPRO campaigns had decimated the organization through infiltration, trumped-up charges, and biased jury trials. With leaders like Hilliard, Seale, and Newton facing legal battles, the Party could not afford to alienate the very women who kept it alive. Yet that is precisely what happened.

Women’s participation and the issues of sexism seemed like a natural rhythm within the Panther’s history. The truth is, the Black Panther Party duplicated what was going on in the world at that time. Women dealt with hostility or were looked over because they were simply women — this was not anything new. This was something already happening in the world, and the party fell in line. That is not to say that it was right. It’s disappointing to learn this and goes against what we thought we knew. The history of misogyny and sexism in this country has laid a painful foundation, harming and repressing women.

Black women in the Black Panther Party carried significant roles and leadership, whether they were visible or not. Their efforts are what kept the party alive and capable of accomplishing the work that they did. They regenerated hope, gave the best parts of themselves for the greater good, and brought together resources for the best future possible for Black people. A legacy we must carry.

Other resource: International Socialist Review

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But what’s behind the surge in educational attainment? And how are systemic barriers like sexism and structural racism shaping the motivations of young Black women to pursue multiple degrees despite the challenges?

The facts

According to a report released in 2020 by the National Center for Education Statistics, Black women have been overachieving in the classroom.

Additionally, in 2018, 35% of Black women in the States obtained degrees. In Colorado, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia, and Massachusetts, the attainment rate for Black women exceeds 40%. 

Further, Black women are surpassing Black men when it comes to higher education. Statistics show that out of all the bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans, Black women are responsible for two-thirds. Also, Black women hold 70% of all master’s degrees and 60% of all doctorate degrees earned by Black men and women. And in proportion to their share of the overall population, the rate of Black women getting degrees exceeds that of Latinas, Native Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and white women. 

What motivates Black women to pursue their dreams through higher education?

Black women’s motivation 

Many Black women were raised believing that a better education would lead to a better future. While this belief can be true, there are more reasons that Black women are obtaining more degrees. 

Career advancement

When you ask various Black women, it seems they want to excel in their careers instead of simply holding down a job. 

Sharifa Akilah, CEO of Revision Publishing LLC, emailed BGN to share her motivations. “In my desire to move up the corporate ladder, I decided to pursue higher education,” she says. “I felt more respected being a Black woman showing my ability to advance in education. It was like a staple of achievement to help me brand myself as a smart, go-to employee.”

Stacyann Nathan, a senior account executive at Highwire PR, was also after more career traction and upward mobility. Nathan emailed BGN sharing the following. “Prior to going to college, it was made clear to me that having more degrees would make you more marketable, and I wanted to have as much of an advantage in the workplace as possible.” Nathan currently holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s in public relations. 

Role models

Black women’s pursuit of higher education isn’t a self-centered goal. In addition to career advancements, many Black women continue studying to set an example and to better support their community. Akansasira Annitah, a Black businesswoman, emailed BGN saying, “Black women recognize the importance of education as a means to become role models for younger generations and make a positive impact on their communities.”

Annitah also highlighted another reason: Many Black women pursue multiple degrees to go against a system that wants them to fail. “Higher education allows Black women to challenge stereotypes and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields or industries,” Annitah says.

Others pursue degrees as a way of giving back.

She emphasized how college access is also about representation. She also pointed out that many women pursue degrees in fields like human services, social work, and public administration — professions rooted in addressing the needs of Black women and their communities. She added: “Higher education allows Black women to challenge stereotypes and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields like STEM and mathematics.”

What are the long-term benefits of degree attainment?

While career advancement and supporting community development are alluring reasons to take out another student loan, is having a second degree worth it? After all, there is a $20,702 yearly income difference between Black women and non-Hispanic white men. Black women make a median wage of $36,303, and white men earn $57,005 yearly.

Despite this, some Black women say the hours of studying and dedication are well worth it. 

How Black women benefit from earning multiple degrees

Although the job market may be unstable and the pay gap is still apparent, having a degree gives Black women a significant career advantage.

Attorney Carmen Peterson emailed BGN sharing the benefits of her law degree. “My first job, as a public defender, paid a whopping $39,000, and I had more cases than I could handle ethically,” she admits. “Thirteen years later, I would say my law degree has opened doors to a plethora of opportunities and ultimately led me to manage my law firm. Peterson Legacy Planning was born from navigating the challenges of parents who died without an estate plan [to provide] for their minor children.” 

In addition, award-winning professor Gabrielle Gambrell, who completed her bachelor’s degree at 20 and her master’s at 22, found an easier path to jump-start her career. 

Gambrell wrote to BGN about her post-graduate experience. “I was able to start my professorship immediately following commencement,” she explains. “I have been a college professor for 15 years and have taught at many well-known and respected universities, such as St. John’s University, Iona University, New York University, and Columbia University. Like my grandfather Walter Simpson, I look forward to receiving my Ph.D. in the future. As a Black person, I recognize that we must go above and beyond, as mediocrity is not an option for us, and higher education can support the desires of our hearts. No one can refute or take away our education.”

Black women are making progress; society needs to catch up 

As Black women continue to be living examples of hard work and dedication, society can learn from them. Although a degree helps Black women gain more employment opportunities, a diploma doesn’t erase the discrimination they face in the workplace. 

Despite the hostility, as Black women get their degrees, they will become seen in more boardrooms and offices nationwide. As a result, more Black women have opportunities to network with other Black women within and across their fields. 

While the drive for degrees is inspiring, the battle is far from over. Issues of civil rights, workplace discrimination, scholarships access, and equitable opportunities remain unresolved. Journalists, educators, and policymakers continue to document how systemic barriers hold back the well-being of Black Americans despite their educational strides.

Yet, Black women keep pushing forward. From the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. to today’s leaders breaking into STEM, public administration, and beyond, their resilience has reshaped the narrative around college access and college graduation in America.

Black women will continue to rise up the career and academic ladders, and one can only hope that all of society will welcome that growth and expansion. 

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Josephine Baker is one of those women who will always be more than they appeared on the surface. At first glance, she was a show performer, a fantastic and famous one at that. But her agenda fulfilled more than a few numbers and risqué dancing on stage. Josephine Baker was in fact a driving force in the Civil Rights Movement and politics worldwide. A true activist. She was so fierce she even played a key part in the French resistance of World War 2.

Born in St. Louis, America, Josephine grew up knowing her mother, Carrie, without being too sure of her father. Carrie herself had been adopted by Richard and Elvira McDonald, who were both former slaves of African and Native American decent. Josephine’s estate claimed a drummer by the name of Eddie Carson was her biological father. Yet, there’s contrasting evidence to suggest this isn’t true, so her other pair of grandparents are unknown.

Josephine’s early life had been far from easy. She grew up in the mixed low-income area of St. Louis, and spent most of her time poorly dressed and very hungry. By eight, Josephine was working as a live-in maid for a white family, one of whom abused her by burning her hands when she used too much detergent in the laundry. Four years later, by 12, Josephine dropped out of school. Life was the true definition of hardship for this sweet young woman. Little did she know, she’d change the future forever.

Josephine Baker was known as a fantastic, showstopping dancer before becoming an all-round on-stage sensation. Her early career highlighted her talent for moving to music and she became famous for headlining prestigious Parisian venues. Josephine’s infamously risqué (and now contentious) costume of a short banana skirt, low hung beads, and little else was first debuted in one of these early shows. The look eventually became an iconic image of the 1920s Jazz Age.

Could she go wilder? Well, there was even a time when Josephine would perform with her ‘pet’ leopard. Apparently, the wild cat would sometimes leap into the musician’s pit causing mayhem, laughter, and a constant sense of suspense during her performances. Josephine was also infamous for embracing her acts almost completely naked at times. She knew her worth, knew her body, and pushed the boundaries almost a century ago!

In 1925, Baker sailed to Europe, where her life changed forever. Her debut in Paris with the “Danse Sauvage” stunned audiences. France embraced her in a way the United States never had, making her one of the most celebrated entertainers and singers of the Jazz Age. Nicknamed the “Black Venus,” she headlined Parisian stages while also appearing in films and recording music. Baker made France her home and eventually became a French citizen, but she never forgot her roots or the racial injustice that shaped her personal life in America.

At the outbreak of World War II, Baker refused to stand idly by. She joined the French Resistance movement, leveraging her celebrity to gain access to high-ranking officials across Europe and Morocco. She carried secret messages for the Allies, writing them in invisible ink on her sheet music and musical scores, even hiding notes in her costumes. From Lisbon to Paris, she smuggled intelligence while continuing to entertain troops to boost morale.

Today, not as many people know how influential and active Josephine Baker had been during The Civil Rights Movement. When she had first arrived in New York during the 1950s, she’d been refused reservations in over 35 different hotels. So, Josephine took to the pen and wrote numerous articles to educate the world on the discrimination she’d faced in America.

Another time, in 1951, she also made charges of racism against a renowned and famous club. Apparently, the superstar actress Grace Kelly was present during the altercation, and was so disgusted she stormed out of the venue with Josephine on her arm vowing never to return. It’s to no surprise that the pair become close, and these are only two instances of Josephine’s never-ending fight against racial discrimination during the 50s. Later, during 1963, she’d go on to be the only official female speaker to stand aside Martin Luther King Jr at the March on Washington.

After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., Josephine was even asked to become the unofficial leader by Coretta King Scott. However, fearing for the safety of her children, she felt she had to turn down the opportunity. She’d already helped save her family from the threat of Nazi infantry in Paris and didn’t feel ready to face the risk such a high and exposed position would bring. Yet, she continued to fight for equality until the day she died in 1975.

The post The Famous Dancer Turned Fierce Activist – The Life of Josephine Baker appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Naomi

Initially part of the Funkadactyls, Trinity Fatu, known as Naomi, is a force to be reckoned with when she went solo and became one of the most popular female wrestlers ever. The two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion displayed great athleticism, aerobics, and attitude, and was good enough to go up against the best of the best. She had quite the interesting storyline when she stepped in as a replacement for Jade Cargill in the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship with Bianca Belair.

In a shocking turn of events, Noami was assaulted by Cargill, but the plot thickened when she later turned heel for the first time in nine years when she admitted she was the one who harmed Cargill in the first place. She took part in the Total Divas series and was an active star from 2013-2019. Today, she still wrestles and is currently the Women’s World Champion on the Raw brand as she recently defended her title in this years SummerSlam. Her next match will be in Paris at Clash against Iyo Sky where she is currently in her hell (villain) era.

Sasha Banks

Mercedes Varnado, also known as Sasha Banks and The Boss, is currently the it girl when it comes to Black female wrestlers, and she made history with Bianca Belair when they became the only two Black women to go toe to toe at Wrestlemania. She helped shape the way females were viewed in the organization, as she fought for them to be seen more as athletes rather than eye candy. She came up under the NXT brand and her name has been mentioned as one of the best female competitors in the entire sport. She and Naomi both stepped away from the WWE due to creative differences in 2022, but she went on to sign with AEW and continues to wrestle. She has solidified herself as one of the greats and is certain to land herself in the Hall of Fame one of these years.

Bianca Belair

Real name Bianca Blaire but Bianca Belair on stage, she made history alongside Sasha Banks at WrestleMania 37 when they both headlined. From winning the 2021 Royal Rumble match to coming up victorious in the SmackDown Women’s Championship, Belair makes her job look so easy and she does it with grace and a beautifully beat face. She is proud to mention that she has yet to be beaten at WrestleMania, which is no easy feat. She is also the first woman to win multiple Elimination Chamber matches, with her next match set to be against Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley on August 31st in Paris, France. She is still dominating the women’s section of the wrestling industry with other females holding their own. This is much needed, as the amount of Black women in the WWE continues to grow, and not in any small roles; they are kicking some serious butt and delivering some of the must see matches over the guys.

Jazz

Starting off at ECW in the 90s, Jazz achieved legendary status in such a short period of time when she made history at WrestleMania 18 as the first Black woman to retain the WWE Women’s Championship when she defeated Trish Stratus and Liti. She dealt with a lot of injuries, so her career never reached its full potential as she left WWE in 2007 after only six years. She is considered a trailblazer as she is seen as having peak female physique enough to go up the toughest men and women in the organization. In 2004, her husband Rodney Mack joined the WWE, so she became his manager during his time there. Today, Jazz still dabbles in her wrestling passion as she is a coach at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, as well as offers training and coaching outside of the WWE.

Jacqueline Moore

Texas Native Jacqueline Moore is considered an OG who paved the way for the ladies today as she was the first Black woman to win a WWE Women’s Championship back in September of 1998 (formerly WWF). She was known for her fierceness and ability to challenge anyone, no matter if they were male or female, as she fought alongside Marc Mero and delivered a powerful punch to Disco Inferferno right to the jaw. Though she had her fair share of matches from her debut in 1997 until she stepped away in 2004, she never lost her passion for wrestling. She took part in the series Tough Enough as a trainer where she’d help teach a younger generation the ins and outs of being a superstar Diva. She is constantly praised for her braveness to be so confident and good at her job in an industry that wasn’t always welcoming to not just women but women of color. Her hard work and dedication paid off as she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2016.

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