Jackie “Moms” Mabley

African-American stand-up comic and actor who was active in stage, television and films from the 1910s to 1970s. She was also one of the 20th century’s first openly queer comedians, coming out as a lesbian in 1921.

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Alice Ball

African-American chemist Alice Augusta Ball developed the “Ball Method”, the most effective treatment for leprosy of the early 20th century, but her work went unrecognised for many years because her white, male advisor stole her work after her untimely death at age 24.

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Althea Gibson

Pioneering African American tennis player and golfer who broke through racial barriers in both sports during a time when opportunities for Black athletes were severely limited.

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Omu Okwei

Merchant queen’ Omu OOkwei was made Chief of the Ontisha Waterside Settlement and a member of the native court in 1912. In 1936 she was crowned Omu of Osomari. Despite her interaction with British colonisers for trade purposes, she maintained and fought for Igbo beliefs and practises.

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Ndoye Demba

She was a princess of the Serer people, before marrying the Brak, or king, of Waalo, Caaka Mbaar Mbooj, around 1367, making her Queen of Waalo.

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Nandi

Whilst he was building his empire, her son Shaka did not marry which meant that Nandi executed considerable influence and authority in her role as queen mother.

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