gapmuse 2018 Black History Month Roundup: Phenomenal Women Who Inspired Us The Most

Who knew when we decided to do a 2018 Black History Month series featuring exceptional black women in history that it would inspire so many! In just 28 days, you’ve liked our posts on Facebook nearly 1,700 times, shared with your network of family friends 440 times, and commented 55 times! That’s 440 more people who now know about these women! And who knows how many of those people shared too! Thank you gapmuse family for all your love and for spreading the inspiration. Your generosity is ensuring that these women are never “hidden figures” again!

In case you missed it, here are the extraordinary black women who inspired us the most during Black History Month 2018:

1. 40 amazing women who have made a profound impact in our lives in the arts, media, civil rights, science, technology, and more.

The beauty about this easily digestible book from our gapmuse bookshelf is that it appeals to both children and adults. The bite size biographies are packed with captivating stories about how these incredible women transcended adversity to pursue their passions and to prevail. Bravo to Vashti Harrison for sharing this gem!

2. Wangari Maathai

There are very few women in history who are in the league of Wangari Maathai. Her story is a testament to all women and young girls to never give up no matter the obstacles they come across. Her life long work to save the environment, to promote peace, and to alleviate poverty for women and children will be felt for many generations to come.

Click on the video below to experience her tremendous journey in less than 3 minutes.

3. Gladys West

Of all the amazing women (and hidden figures) we discovered, Glady’s was the biggest and most mind blowing story. Who knew that GPS, one of the most ubiquitous technologies we use today was pioneered by a black woman! If you’re like me and cannot survive without it (no shame admitting it!) then you’ll agree that this woman is well deserving of the recognition! It’s a shame that many do not know about about her enormous contribution to their every day lives.

4. Wakanda Women of Black Panther

Who can forget the fearless, sexy, and strong women in this year’s blockbuster movie, Black Panther! Bravo to Disney and director Ryan Coogler for an empowering and thrilling representation of women! Earning $800 million dollars in just under 2 weeks of release, the movie sends a powerful message to the world that the way we represent black women (and women in general) in our stories matters and resonates if done well.

5. Alice Ball

Imagine developing medication to cure one of the most debilitating diseases in 1915 only to have your achievements stolen and attributed to a man because you’re a woman of color. That’s the tragic story of Alice Ball. Thankfully, her story has a happy ending. Even though posthumously, the University of Hawaii finally awarded her the credit she deserves. Bringing her story to light reminds us that we must never allow this injustice to happen ever again in the future.

Whether it’s in science, arts, media, politics, civil rights, or technology, women of color have shaped our lives in unimaginable ways (and for many generations.) It’s only fitting that we continue to honor their legacy so that young women and girls are not only inspired by them, but also continue to educate future generations on their accomplishments.