In 1959, Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first African American woman to have a show produced on Broadway—A Raisin in the Sun. As a playwright, feminist, and racial justice activist, Hansberry never shied away from tough topics during her short and extraordinary life. an American artists. Her commitment to racial justice inspired countless more.
Harlem Renaissance poet, critic, journalist, and activist
Alice Hamilton promoted “industrial medicine” and laws to protect employees from dangerous substances in the workplace.
Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung was the first Chinese American woman to become a physician. She founded one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1920s. During World War II, she and her widespread network of “adopted sons,” most of them American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who called her “Mom,” became famous.
Stormé DeLarverie was a butch lesbian with zero tolerance for discrimination, or as she called it, “ugliness.” During an era that often showed hostility towards LGBTQ people, and queer women in particular, DeLarverie provided safety and acceptance.
German pianist and composer
American theologian, author, and activist
New Zealand social worker and poet
New Zealand school principal, orchardist, community leader
American author, public speaker, and social commentator known for her sharp wit and incisive views on contemporary culture, politics, and the idiosyncrasies of modern life.