Meet The Women

Even today, the issues that divided early suffragettes remain a prominent problem, establishing a barrier between women. Despite the progression that has previously taken place, there have also been regression in regards to oppression. The notion of feminisim has not been inclusive of minority groups, eliminating several important figures from history and resulting in an absence of voices. Women of color have been left on the peripheries while feminism largely caters to white viewpoints. This page aims to illustrate the impacts of women of all groups in America by highlighting just a few of the many women that contributed to progression in Women's History in the US.

With the rise of fourth wave feminism, the concepts of privilege and intersectionality have gained widespread traction amongst younger feminists. The term intersectionality was first introduced in 1989 by critical race theorist Kimberlé Crenshaw, who provided a framework that must be applied to all situations women face, recognizing that all the aspects of identity enrich women's lived experiences and compound and complicate the various oppressions and marginalizations women face. In understanding the impacts of women in history, it is impossible to assess each progression collectively, as these women have all faced challenges intersectionally according to identity.

Angelina Grimké

A nineteenth-century abolitionist, suffragist and orator noted for her work as a speaker for the American Anti-Slavery Society. Additionally, in 1838, Weld became the first woman to address the Massachusetts State Legislature when she brought a petition signed by 20,000 women calling for the abolition of slavery.

Mary Lyon

Chemist and educator Mary Lyon founded Mount Holyoke College—then called Mount Holyoke Female Seminary—in 1837, nearly a century before women gained the right to vote. At the time, there were 120 colleges for men in the United States, but none for women. With the opening of Mount Holyoke, college-aged women could claim their own institution of higher education.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Author, lecturer, and chief philosopher of the woman’s rights and suffrage movements, Elizabeth Cady Stanton formulated the agenda for woman’s rights that guided the struggle well into the 20^th century.

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Harriet Tubman

Enslaved, escaped, and helped others gain their freedom as a “conductor” of the Underground Railroad. Tubman also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. She is considered the first African American woman to serve in the military.

Sojourner Truth

An outspoken advocate for abolition, temperance, and civil and women’s rights in the nineteenth century. Her Civil War work earned her an invitation to meet President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.

Lucretia Mott

An early feminist activist and strong advocate for ending slavery. A powerful orator, she dedicated her life to speaking out against racial and gender injustice.

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Barbara Jordan

First African American woman elected to Congress from Texas, is remembered for her commitment to the U.S. Constitution. Her speech in favor of the impeachment of President Richard Nixon was a key moment in the Watergate investigation.

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Minnie Spotted Wolf

In 1943, Minnie Spotted Wolf was the first Native American woman enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve. Spotted Wolf served for four years in the Marines as a heavy equipment operator as well as a driver.