Bessie Smith

Acknowledged as one of the greatest blues singers of the twentieth century, Bessie Smith reigned as the “Empress of the Blues” throughout most of the 1920s.

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Bessie Stringfield

“The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” Bessie Stringfield loved riding so much that she would drop a penny on a map and ride to wherever it landed.

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Aïssata Kane

Mauritian political Aïssata Touré Kane served as the country’s first female government minister as part of President Moktar Ould Daddah’s cabinet from 1975 to 1978, when the government was overthrown by a military coup.

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Grace Kodindo

Chadian obstetrician Grace Kodindo is an advocate for reproductive healthcare in her home countries and internationally. She is also active against female genital mutilation (FGM), drawing attention to the medical dangers of the procedure.

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