Women's History Month: 7 Black Women Making History Today

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate those who defy the odds and accomplish the impossible. While we certainly hold space for women like Charlotta Bass, who became the first African American woman to own a newspaper or Nella Larsen who was an author, nurse and librarian, we also celebrate contemporary leaders like Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who became the first African American woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court.

It is easy to celebrate persons with big titles, but we should be careful to see and honor grassroots leaders who inspire and propel women and girls to greatness. It is natural to look back and honor those who came before us, but we should also celebrate those living among us.

In the spirit of celebrating women who are making history in the present and uplifting those whom we may not see daily, Spotlight PR LLC wants to name seven Black women who are making history in the present. Their advocacy and life’s work no doubt clear the path for women and girls coming after them. Our social justice PR firm is connected to these leaders or the entities that fund them.

Danielle Torain

Danielle Torain is an attorney and philanthropic executive. Since 2020, she has led the Open Society Foundations Baltimore office, OSI-Baltimore. Prior to that, she worked to get resources into the hands of Black and people of color-led organizations in Baltimore with stints at the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and Frontline Solutions.

Most recently, when she learned that the organization she leads will close, Torain raised $20 million in combined contributions to ensure the grantees she has long supported at OSI-Baltimore will not be left in the cold with the organization’s closure. She single-handedly ensured that these organizations – which often struggle to find support – have a longer runway to identify other philanthropic partners. Learn more here.

Dr. Charlene Sinclair

Dr. Charlene Sinclair is the publisher of Colorlines and the chief of staff for Race Forward. She is an expert in Christian social ethics and critical race theory. She is most proud to have been a community organizer for over 30 years. Learn more here and here.

Natalie Collier

Natalie Collier is the founder of The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects. She developed the organization’s name after being inspired by Ella Baker, who said that if you shine a light, people will find their way. The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects is a nonprofit organization in Jackson, Mississippi, that cultivates nonprescriptive spaces of solidarity for southern Black girls through programming and research.

It offers leadership development for Black girls and women. But it is important to note that the organization’s leadership development centers on building power, community and self-awareness. The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects and its members also advocate improving Black maternal health, quality health care and reproductive justice. Collier has said that “Black girls who have access to time and space have power.” Learn more here.

Angela Grayson

Angela Grayson works for The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects in Mississippi. She has worked to support Medicaid Expansion in Mississippi as well as policies that improve maternal health for Black mamas. While Black mothers continue to face deteriorating health outcomes during pregnancy, Grayson is working to name that problem and advocate for solutions. Learn more here.

Phyllis Hill

Phyllis Hill is the national organizing director for Faith in Action. She also founded and runs the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative, which is designed to support the leadership and ingenuity of Black women executive directors in the South. She believes that Black women are often sought out for their talents without recognition of their struggles. In founding the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative, Hill sought to create a safe, supportive space where Black women could be seen and known. The group includes the executive directors of the New Georgia Project, Memphis Artists for Change, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, One Voice, Faith in Florida and fellows in Alabama. Learn more here and here.

Ellen Reddy

Ellen Reddy is the executive director of the Nollie Jenkins Family Center in Lexington, Mississippi. She is on a mission to educate parents, policymakers and community members on the dangers of corporal punishment. She has noted, “We need a different vision for our children and schools. That vision must include safe spaces for young people.” Reddy has passionately outlined the fear that children experience when they are beaten at schools or at home. She has advocated other models for positive parenting and has broadened the debate around discipline. Learn more here.

Ashley K. Shelton

Ashley K. Shelton is the founder and president of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice in Louisiana. She is an advocate for climate justice, traveling to COP27 in Egypt to discuss the needs of Black communities and the ways in which they are harmed by climate injustice. Shelton is also a passionate advocate for environmental justice, voting rights and equitable redistricting processes. She is a member of the Black Southern Women’s Collaborative. She has traveled the world advocating for justice and encouraging organizers not to be weary in their activism, understanding that our communities will prevail if we refuse to relent. Learn more here and here.

Jennifer R. Farmer is the author of “First and Only: What Black Women Say About Thriving at Work and in Life.” 

SEE ALSO:

The Unique Challenges Faced By Black Women In The Fight For Equality

Honoring The Contributions Of Black Women In The Fight For Social Justice

Celebrating Black Women Pioneers And Their Many Historic Firsts

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