There are many untold stories of powerful Black Women figures that have played a central role in our history. Despite being neglected by the curriculum their tremendous achievements have paved the way for many activists today, and civilisation. Their lives were driven by resilience, passion, wisdom, and love for the elevation of their people. Here, 9 remarkable black women to celebrate and honour.
1. Nanny of the Maroons
Queen Nanny, is a Jamaican hero and was an 18th-century leader of the Jamaican Maroons. She led a community of formerly enslaved Africans called the Windward Maroons. Nanny was very important in helping defeat the British authorities in the colony of Jamaica. She Freed over 800 slaves and was granted over 500 acres of land.
2. Empress Menen
Was the wife of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Empress Menen was an activist for women’s rights, and founded the Empress Menen Girl school in addis ababa, the first all girls school which had both boarding and day students.
3. Queen Nzinga
Nzinga was the Queen regnant of the joint kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, in modern-day Angola in Africa. She stood up to the Portuguese colonialists and defended her people from enslavement. Her brilliance, pride, and perseverance forced the Portuguese to recognize her kingdoms and she remains a symbol of freedom and resistance to oppression to this day.
4. Queen Nandi
Queen Nandi was the Queen of the Zulu kingdom and the mother of Shaka Zulu one of the Zulu’s kingdom’s greatest Kings in Southern Africa. Queen Nandi was a force of reason during the political strife and was recognized for neighboring kingdoms political wise. She was responsible for the reign of Shaka Zulu, making the Zulu kingdom one of the most powerful nations in African history.
5. Yaa Asantewaa
A strong-willed woman who had the courage to stand by her convictions, throughout her life Yaa Asantewaa defended what she believed to be the sanctity of her land, culture, and language. She was an intellectual, a politician, a human rights activist, Queen, and a leader. She was appointed by her brother to become the leader of the Ashanti Empire, against British colonialism to defend the Golden stool.
6. Queen Amina
Queen Amina was a warrior queen of the city-state Zazzau, which is now called Nigeria. In the 16th Century, Queen Amina commanded an army of 20,000 men who were well trained and fearsome. She expanded the territory of the Hausa people of north africa to its largest borders in history. This was very rare for a female, as it was a male-dominated society.
7. Assata Shakur
Shakur is the embodiment of a revolutionary, paving the way for generations to come. She was heavily involved in the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army, focusing her efforts on community-building and education. She worked alongside many famous revolutionaries like Huey P. Newton and Angela Davis.
8. Sister Souljah
Sister Souljah is a Black author, activist, musician, and film producer. She had a hard life growing up, however, she dedicated herself to her passion for literature by being the voice that articulated the communal struggles for liberation. Sister Souljah was fierce and unapologetic with her stance when addressing the oppression the black nation faced.
9. Queen Afua
Queen Afua is a holistic health practitioner and wellness coach. She is the author of 5 best-selling books, the creator of the Heal Thyself product line and Founder of Sacred Woman Rites of Passage Program, and CEO of the Queen Afua Wellness Center. Queen Afua has inspired over 1million women, men, and children throughout the world.
“We hope this encourages you to seek further knowledge on the achievements of these Queens.“