Looking Back At The Unsung Heroines of History
By Sophia Maddox | May 13, 2024
Hedy Lamarr
Throughout the annals of history, countless women have blazed trails and made indelible marks, only to have their stories obscured by the biases of their time or the oversight of historians. Their contributions, often revolutionary and transformative, remain largely unrecognized in the broader narrative. As we delve into the lives of these extraordinary women, we uncover tales of resilience, courage, and ingenuity that deserve to be celebrated. From scientists and artists to warriors and leaders, these forgotten heroines remind us that the tapestry of history is richer and more complex than often acknowledged. By rediscovering their legacies, we not only honor their achievements but also inspire future generations to continue breaking barriers and redefining what is possible.
PHOTO: SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION/HULTON ARCHIVE/GETTY
Hedy Lamarr, born in 1914, was not only a celebrated actress but also a pioneering inventor whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern wireless communication technologies. In the 1940s, during World War II, Lamarr co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology aimed at creating unbreakable secret communications for the U.S. Navy. Her invention, developed with composer George Antheil, served as the basis for modern Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS technologies. Despite her significant contributions to science and technology, Lamarr's achievements were often overshadowed by her Hollywood career. However, in recent years, she has been increasingly recognized for her groundbreaking work in both film and technology, earning posthumous acclaim as a visionary inventor and trailblazer for women in STEM fields.
Bessie Stringfield
Bessie Stringfield, born in 1911, was a pioneering African American motorcyclist whose remarkable life story defied societal norms and expectations. Known as the "Motorcycle Queen of Miami," Stringfield embarked on solo cross-country rides during the 1930s and 1940s, at a time when segregation and discrimination were rampant in the United States. Despite facing numerous obstacles and prejudices, she fearlessly navigated her way through the country, breaking down racial and gender barriers with every mile she rode. Stringfield's passion for motorcycling and her determination to defy societal limitations earned her respect and admiration among fellow riders and enthusiasts. In the 1940s, she even served as a dispatch rider for the United States Army, challenging the notion that motorcycle riding was "unladylike" at the time. Today, hundreds of women motorcyclists make an annual cross-country trek in her honor, celebrating her trailblazing spirit and the legacy she left behind. Despite the strides made by female motorcyclists in modern times, Stringfield's story remains a powerful reminder of the resilience and tenacity required to challenge societal norms and pave the way for future generations.
Mabel Stark
https://www.circusringoffame.org/inductees/mabel-stark/
Mabel Stark, nicknamed “Tiger Girl” and “Crazy Mabel,” born in 1889, was a pioneering figure in the world of big cat trainers, known particularly for her work with tigers. Standing at a diminutive 5-foot-3 and weighing just 100 pounds, she fearlessly forged a path in a male-dominated industry, captivating audiences around the world with her daring feats. Despite enduring over 700 stitches from the bites, gouges, and claws of her beloved tigers, Stark never blamed her animals for the maulings, showcasing both her deep bond with them and her unwavering dedication to her craft. Her remarkable courage and resilience allowed her to perform with these majestic creatures until she was nearly 80 years old, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment world. However, in modern times, the decline of traditional circuses and evolving attitudes towards animal welfare have shifted the focus away from performers like Stark, her legacy as a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry remains a testament to her enduring impact.
Claudette Colvin
https://www.civilrightsteaching.org/resource/claudette-colvin-poem
Claudette Colvin, born in 1939, was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement as one of the precursors to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. At just 15 years old, Colvin refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks' similar act of defiance. Despite facing arrest and condemnation, Colvin's courageous stand against racial segregation sparked outrage and galvanized the African American community. However, due to her age and the perception that she was an unmarried, pregnant teenager, Civil Rights leaders ultimately chose Rosa Parks as the face of the Bus Boycott. Nevertheless, Colvin's bravery and determination paved the way for the historic protest and the eventual desegregation of public transportation.
Isabella Goodwin
Isabella Goodwin, born in 1865, was a pioneering figure in law enforcement as one of the first female police detectives in the United States. Rising through the ranks of the New York City Police Department in the late 19th century, Goodwin overcame societal barriers to become a trailblazer in a male-dominated profession. By the 1920s, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the newly created Women’s Bureau, which handled cases involving sex workers, runaways and victims of domestic violence. Her exceptional investigative skills and dedication to justice earned her the respect of her colleagues and the admiration of the public. Despite facing discrimination and skepticism due to her gender, Goodwin remained steadfast in her commitment to serving and protecting her community.
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley, born in 1753, was an exceptional African American poet whose literary talents defied the racial prejudices of her time. Enslaved at a young age, Wheatley's remarkable intellect and poetic abilities were recognized by her enslavers, who provided her with an education. At just 12 years old, she published her first poem, and by her late teens, she became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in the United States. Her poetry, often focused on themes of freedom, religion, and humanity, garnered widespread acclaim both in America and abroad. Despite facing discrimination and the challenges of being a black woman in colonial America, Wheatley's literary achievements paved the way for future generations of African American writers and intellectuals.
Marian Anderson
Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty Images.
Marian Anderson, born in 1897, was a trailblazing African American contralto whose extraordinary talent transcended racial barriers and left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Despite facing discrimination and segregation throughout her career, Anderson's rich, velvety voice and profound musicality captivated audiences worldwide, earning her acclaim as one of the greatest singers of the 20th century. In 1939, she made history as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, breaking down racial barriers in the predominantly white world of classical music. However, her most iconic performance took place in 1939, when she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., after being denied permission to perform at the racially segregated Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Anderson's historic concert, attended by over 75,000 people and broadcast to millions on the radio, became a powerful symbol of resistance against racial injustice and inequality.
Jackie Mitchell
https://imaginesports.com/news/who-was-jackie-mitchell
Jackie Mitchell, born in 1913, was a remarkable baseball player whose talent and determination challenged gender stereotypes in the sport. In 1931, at just 17 years old, Mitchell made headlines when she struck out two of baseball's greatest hitters, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, during an exhibition game between her team, the Chattanooga Lookouts, and the New York Yankees. Despite her extraordinary pitching skills, Mitchell's accomplishments were often downplayed or dismissed due to her gender, reflecting the prevailing attitudes of the time that deemed baseball unfit for women. Nevertheless, her remarkable feat remains a symbol of defiance against gender discrimination in sports. In modern times, while women's participation in baseball has increased, disparities in recognition and opportunities persist, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in athletics. Mitchell's legacy serves as a reminder of the barriers women have overcome and the progress yet to be made in achieving true inclusivity in sports.
Michiko “Miki” Gorman
https://www.nyrr.org/Run/Photos-And-Stories/2021/Miki-Gorman-Toshi-delia
Michiko “Miki” Gorman, born in 1935, was a groundbreaking Japanese-American long-distance runner who defied expectations and made history in the world of marathon racing. In 1977, she became the first woman to win both the Boston and New York City Marathons in the same year, a remarkable achievement that solidified her place as one of the sport's elite athletes. Gorman's success was particularly noteworthy considering the challenges she faced as an Asian-American woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated sport. Despite encountering barriers and discrimination, she persevered with determination and resilience, paving the way for future generations of female runners. Gorman's trailblazing accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the world of marathon racing, inspiring countless women to pursue their athletic dreams despite societal obstacles.
Alison Hargreaves
Alison Hargreaves, born in 1962, was a fearless British mountaineer whose extraordinary achievements in the world of high-altitude climbing continue to inspire climbers around the globe. In 1995, she made history as the first woman to summit Mount Everest solo and without supplemental oxygen, a feat that showcased her unparalleled skill, determination, and mental toughness. Hargreaves' groundbreaking ascent of Everest was just one of many impressive climbs throughout her career, during which she conquered some of the world's most challenging peaks. Despite her remarkable accomplishments, Hargreaves faced criticism and skepticism from some quarters, who questioned her decision to pursue mountaineering while also being a mother. When she reached the peak of Mt. Everest, she sent a radio message to her son and daughter: “To Tom and Kate, my dear children, I am on the highest point of the world, and I love you dearly.” Tragically, she lost her life later that same year while descending from the summit of K2, the world's second-highest peak. Hargreaves' legacy as a pioneering female mountaineer endures, inspiring countless climbers to push the boundaries of human potential in the pursuit of their dreams.
Gladys Bentley
https://www.pbs.org/video/gladys-bentley-gender-bending-performer-and-musician-i0xlo0/
Gladys Bentley, born in 1907, was a trailblazing African American blues singer, pianist, and entertainer whose bold and unapologetic presence challenged societal norms of gender and sexuality in the early 20th century. Known for her flamboyant style and powerful voice, Bentley rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances and risqué lyrics. Notably, Bentley openly defied traditional gender roles, often performing in men's attire and embracing her identity as a lesbian at a time when such expressions of sexuality were heavily stigmatized. Despite facing discrimination and censorship, she fearlessly asserted her authenticity, becoming an icon of the Harlem Renaissance and the LGBTQ+ community. However, as societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality evolved, Bentley's once-bold persona faded from public memory, and her contributions to music and LGBTQ+ visibility were often overlooked.
Milicent Patrick
https://www.latimes.com/books/la-ca-jc-lady-from-the-black-lagoon-review-20190301-story.html
Milicent Patrick, born in 1915, was a pioneering figure in the world of special effects and creature design in Hollywood during the mid-20th century. Despite facing gender barriers in the male-dominated industry, Patrick made significant contributions to several iconic films, including her most famous creation, the titular creature from the 1954 film "Creature from the Black Lagoon." Patrick's talent and creativity were undeniable, yet her role in shaping some of Hollywood's most beloved monsters was often downplayed or overshadowed by her male colleagues. Tragically, her career in the film industry was cut short due to the prevailing gender biases of the time, leading to her departure from Hollywood and subsequent obscurity. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Patrick's work, with scholars and fans alike recognizing her as a trailblazer for women in the fields of special effects and creature design.
Gertrude Jeannette
(image via The New York Times)
Gertrude Jeannette, born in 1914, was a pioneering African American actress, playwright, and director whose remarkable career spanned over seven decades and broke numerous barriers in the entertainment industry. Best known for her trailblazing work on stage and screen, Jeannette made history as the first African American woman to work as a licensed cab driver in New York City during the 1940s, defying societal norms and challenging racial and gender stereotypes in the male-dominated taxi industry. Throughout her career, Jeannette fearlessly tackled complex and diverse roles, portraying strong and multifaceted characters that defied racial and gender stereotypes. In 1971, she made history yet again as the first African American woman to direct a Broadway play with her production of "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin. Despite facing discrimination and adversity throughout her life, Jeannette remained steadfast in her pursuit of excellence and equality, paving the way for future generations of African American women in the performing arts.
Bessie Coleman
image credit Cradle of Aviation Museum
Bessie Coleman, born in 1892, was a pioneering African American aviator who defied racial and gender barriers to become the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license. Born to sharecropper parents of Native American descent, Bessie Coleman drew inspiration from tales of the Wright brothers and World War I aviators. Facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the United States, Coleman traveled to France in 1920 to pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Despite the challenges she encountered, including learning French to attend flight school and overcoming financial obstacles, Coleman persevered with determination and tenacity. In 1921, she earned her pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, becoming an international sensation and inspiring generations of aspiring aviators. Coleman's groundbreaking achievements not only shattered racial and gender stereotypes but also paved the way for future generations of African American and female pilots.
Karen Sparck Jones
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/inspiring-women-karen-sp%C3%A4rck-jones-linda-gellert/
Karen Sparck Jones, born in 1935, was a pioneering British computer scientist whose groundbreaking work in information retrieval and natural language processing revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. Recognized for her innovative contributions, Sparck Jones developed the concept of inverse document frequency (IDF), a fundamental principle in modern search engines that helps rank the relevance of documents to a user's query. She once said: “Computing is too important to be left to men.” When most scientists were trying to make people use code to talk to computers, Sparck Jones taught computers to understand human language instead. Her research laid the groundwork for advancements in search engine technology, establishing the basis for search engines like Google. Despite facing gender barriers in the male-dominated field of computer science, Sparck Jones remained a trailblazer throughout her career, earning numerous awards and accolades for her pioneering work.
Mary Allen Wilkes
Mary Allen Wilkes, born in 1937, was a pioneering computer programmer and one of the first individuals to use a computer in a private residence. In 1965, she became the primary developer of LINC, an early and influential interactive computing system, while working at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory. Wilkes also gained recognition for her role in developing the operating system for the LINC, which was one of the first to use a command-line interface and real-time processing. Her work laid the foundation for modern personal computing and user-friendly interfaces. Despite facing gender discrimination in the male-dominated field of computer science, Wilkes's contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer for women in technology, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in computer science and innovation.
Elizabeth Peratrovich
Elizabeth Peratrovich is seen in an undated photo from the Alaska State Archives. On the right, an illustration of a $1 coin in her honor was released by the U.S. Mint in October 2019.
Elizabeth Peratrovich, born in 1911, was a formidable Tlingit civil rights leader and activist who played a pivotal role in the fight against discrimination towards Alaska Natives. In 1945, she delivered a powerful speech to the Alaska Territorial Legislature advocating for the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act, which aimed to eliminate racial segregation and discrimination in Alaska. Peratrovich's impassioned plea highlighted the hypocrisy of segregationist policies and called for equal rights and dignity for all citizens. Her efforts were instrumental in the passage of the act, making Alaska the first territory or state in the United States to ban discrimination based on race.
Patsy Mink
RALPH CRANE—THE LIFE PICTURE COLLECTION/GETTY IMAGES
Patsy Mink, born in 1927, was a pioneering Asian American politician and civil rights activist who made significant contributions to education and gender equality in the United States. As the first woman of color elected to the United States Congress, Mink tirelessly advocated for social justice and equality throughout her career. She co-authored the landmark Title IX legislation, which prohibits sex discrimination in education, and played a key role in the passage of the Women's Educational Equity Act. Mink's unwavering commitment to equality and justice continues to inspire generations of activists and policymakers, and her legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and advocacy in the fight for a more inclusive society.
Rosalind Franklin
https://scientificwomen.net/women/franklin-rosalind-38
Rosalind Franklin, born in 1920, was a brilliant British chemist whose pioneering work in X-ray crystallography played a crucial role in uncovering the structure of DNA. Franklin's groundbreaking research provided key insights into the molecular structure of DNA, including the famous "Photo 51" image, which revealed the double helix configuration. Despite her significant contributions, Franklin's work was not fully recognized during her lifetime, and she did not receive the credit she deserved for her role in the discovery of DNA's structure. However, her research was crucial in guiding James Watson and Francis Crick's eventual model of DNA, which earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. In recent years, there has been a greater acknowledgment of Franklin's contributions, and she is now recognized as a key figure in the elucidation of DNA's structure. Her legacy continues to inspire scientists and researchers, particularly women in STEM fields, to pursue groundbreaking discoveries and challenge the status quo.
Artemisia Gentileschi
The National Gallery, London
Artemisia Gentileschi, born in 1593, was an Italian Baroque painter renowned for her powerful depictions of biblical and mythological scenes, as well as her remarkable talent for capturing emotion and drama in her works. Despite facing numerous challenges as a woman in the male-dominated art world of the 17th century, Gentileschi achieved widespread acclaim and recognition for her exceptional skill and innovative approach to painting. Her bold use of chiaroscuro and her ability to convey complex narratives with sensitivity and depth set her apart from her contemporaries. Gentileschi's personal experiences, including a highly publicized trial for rape, deeply influenced her art, imbuing her work with themes of strength, resilience, and female empowerment.
Ani Pachen
Ani Pachen. Kuva: Timothy Allen / Eyevine-Lehtikuva
Ani Pachen, born in 1933, was a courageous Tibetan Buddhist nun and freedom fighter who played a pivotal role in resisting Chinese occupation in Tibet during the mid-20th century. Renowned for her indomitable spirit and leadership, Pachen led her community in armed resistance against Chinese forces, defending their homeland and preserving Tibetan culture and traditions. Despite facing immense challenges and personal sacrifices, including imprisonment and torture, Pachen remained steadfast in her commitment to the Tibetan cause, inspiring others to join the fight for freedom and justice. After years of struggle, she eventually fled to India, where she continued to advocate for the rights of the Tibetan people until her passing in 2002.
Egeria
Egeria, believed to have lived in the 4th century AD, was a pioneering Christian pilgrim whose writings provide valuable insights into the early practices of Christianity and pilgrimage. Her detailed accounts of her travels to the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, offer a rare glimpse into the religious customs, rituals, and daily life of Christians during the late Roman Empire. Egeria's writings, known as the "Itinerarium Egeriae" or "Travels of Egeria," provide invaluable historical and cultural information, shedding light on the development of Christian pilgrimage traditions and the significance of sacred sites in the early Christian world. Despite her anonymity and the limited surviving information about her life, Egeria's writings continue to be studied and revered by scholars, historians, and Christians worldwide for their rich historical and religious insights.
