Throughout history, countless African American women have shaped society with their strength, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements. While names like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Maya Angelou are widely recognized, many other remarkable women remain largely unsung. This article highlights three African American women whose contributions have impacted science, education, and civil rights.
1. Alice Augusta Ball (1892–1916) – The Scientist Who Revolutionized Leprosy Treatment

Alice Augusta Ball was a pioneering chemist who changed the medical world with her innovative work on leprosy treatment. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1892, Ball became the first woman and the first African American to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Hawaii. At just 23 years old, she developed the “Ball Method,” an injectable form of chaulmoogra oil, which became the first effective treatment for leprosy. Before her discovery, patients with leprosy were often isolated and left with little hope for recovery.
Tragically, Ball passed away at a young age, and for many years, her contributions were overlooked. Her male colleague took credit for her work, and it wasn’t until decades later that she received the recognition she deserved. Her impact is celebrated today, and her research has saved countless lives worldwide. Ball’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging the contributions of women in science.
Sources:
University of Hawaii: https://www.hawaii.edu
National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov

2. Septima Poinsette Clark (1898–1987) – The “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement”
Septima Poinsette Clark was an educator and civil rights activist whose work laid the foundation for the Civil Rights Movement. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1898, Clark dedicated her life to fighting for equal education and voting rights for African Americans. She believed that literacy was a powerful tool for empowerment and worked tirelessly to teach African Americans how to read and write so they could pass discriminatory voting tests.
Clark’s leadership in the Highlander Folk School, a training center for activists, helped shape key figures in the Civil Rights Movement, including Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. Despite facing discrimination and even losing her job as a teacher due to her activism, she remained steadfast in her mission. Her work led to the creation of Citizenship Schools, which educated thousands of African Americans and played a vital role in securing voting rights. Often overshadowed by other leaders, Clark’s influence was profound, earning her the title “The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”
Sources:
The King Center: https://thekingcenter.org
South Carolina Encyclopedia: https://www.scencyclopedia.org
3. Bessie Coleman (1892–1926) – The First African American Woman Pilot
Bessie Coleman was a fearless aviator who broke racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century. Born in Texas in 1892, she dreamed of becoming a pilot but faced discrimination in the United States, where no flight schools accepted Black women. Determined to succeed, she learned French and traveled to France, where she earned her pilot’s license in 1921—making her the first African American and Native American woman to do so.

Coleman became a stunt pilot, wowing audiences with daring aerial performances. She
refused to perform in segregated venues, using her influence to fight racial injustice. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of aviators and adventurers. Although her life was cut short by a tragic plane accident in 1926, her pioneering spirit remains a testament to perseverance and courage.
Sources:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu
Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars: https://www.bessiecoleman.org
Honoring Their Legacy
The stories of Alice Augusta Ball, Septima Poinsette Clark, and Bessie Coleman serve as powerful examples of determination, brilliance, and resilience. Though not always given the recognition they deserve, these women paved the way for future generations. By learning about and sharing their achievements, we honor their legacy and ensure their contributions are never forgotten. Their journeys remind us that true trailblazers are not always in the spotlight, but their impact is felt for generations to come.
As we approach Women’s History Month next month, we will continue this series by highlighting more extraordinary African American women whose legacies deserve to be celebrated. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of courage, innovation, and perseverance.
"I am a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me." — Maya Angelou