6 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Women in Black History

Happy Black History Month, queens (and kings)! As we kick this joyous month off, let’s take a moment to appreciate the long list of people in black history that we are aware of and the even longer list of black history that we have yet to discover.

So often, African American women are taught about the great efforts and accomplishments of Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, etc., and while all of their contributions made toward the uplifting and empowerment of African Americans are highly appreciated and well-respected, there are a multitude of other women of African descent that should be receiving just as much recognition and respect. Here is a list of some of the unique black history facts that you don’t typically learn:

#FeaturedInFebruary

Originally Negro History Week, Black History Month occurs during the month of February because February is the month in which Abraham Lincoln (Feb.12) and African American author and abolitionist Frederick Douglas (Feb.14) were born.

#WhatDoesn’tKillUsMakesUsStronger

Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman to run for president, survived multiple assassination attempts during her 1972 campaign. Chisholm passed on Jan. 1, 2005, in Ormond Beach, Florida, leaving behind a beautiful political legacy.

#CheckPlease!

How many 11-year-olds does it take to break the bank? Well, just one if you were Sarah Rector. In 1913, Rector became the richest black girl in America. At the young age of 11, Rector began earning more than $300 a day—the equivalent of about $7,000-$8,000 today—after an oil driller produced a “gusher” on her land!

#HerBiteWasWorseThanHerBark

During a train ride from Memphis to Nashville, a white man ordered African American journalist and feminist Ida B. Wells to move from her first-class seat to a seat designated for African Americans. When Wells refused, the man became forceful, so Wells forcefully bit his hand! She later won a $500 settlement in the court case that addressed this matter.

#RealMulan

Cathay Williams was the first black woman to enlist in the United States Army. However, she didn’t enlist as Cathay. Williams enlisted in the army as a man, William Cathay, and managed to serve for two years before a doctor discovered her true identity.

#RockAndRollingInTheDeep

Not only was Aretha Franklin the first African American woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but she was also the first woman in general to be inducted! Better put some R-E-S-P-E-C-T on it!