Breaking Barriers: Five Historic Firsts by Black Women

Black history is complicated. Through a past of violence and slavery, difficult struggles for equality, and the continued fight for a more equitable society, the Black community continuously tells a story of resilience, determination, and strength. As a Black female entrepreneur, I think it’s crucial to not just keep telling our story and making our voices heard, but also celebrate the brilliant women who have left their marks on history and continue to redefine what’s possible. 

In this blog, we’ll go into a few favorite, historic firsts by Black women in our society and how each one tells a story of the power of hard work and perseverance – and triumph over adversity. We’ll also discuss that while these celebrations across various fields are exciting, they may also point to a concerning truth: as long as we have Black “firsts” in any industry, we still have a long way to go. Let’s dive in. 

Misty Copeland: From a Rocky Childhood to Center Stage

As the first Black woman to be a Female Principal Dancer with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Misty Copeland has had her fair share of obstacles and barriers on the journey to stardom. Misty was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in San Pedro, California, where she consistently moved around with her siblings and mother. Misty first discovered ballet at 13 years old when she and her family were living in a motel room. Within a year of her first ballet class she was performing professionally. Throughout her early career, Misty dealt with custody battles, legal proceedings, and familial issues, all while keeping the focus and discipline to become one of the top dancers in the world.

While she is best known for her role as principal dancer at the ABT, Misty is also passionate about charity work and is dedicated to making classical ballet, and the performing arts in general, a more diverse art form. She exemplifies hard work, dedication to your craft, and paving a better way for future generations. 

Beyonce: The Limit Does not Exist 

In February 2024, Beyonce became the first Black woman to hold the No. 1 space on the Billboard country song chart with her song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.” While Beyonce grew up in Houston, Texas, and wasn’t a stranger to life, culture, and arts in the South, she also realized that country music has Black roots that have often gone ignored and unappreciated. Many were surprised by the pick of genre for her new Act II album coming out later this month, but given the significance of Black history within the country music genre, it’s no surprise that one of the world’s top Black entertainers wants to elevate the history of the Black community within the genre. 

Beyonce isn’t just a powerhouse entertainer – she’s an excellent example of just how powerful brand identity, community building, and niche marketing can be. 

Serena Williams: Serving Up Talent for a Historical Tennis Career

While the title of the first Black woman to win a Grand Slam event goes to Althea Neale Gibson in 1956, Serena Williams became the first Black woman to win a singles championship in the Open era. Serena Williams has had a transformative effect on the sport of tennis and is regarded by many as the best female player of all time.

Growing up in Compton, California, Serena was trained in tennis by her parents, who saw the potential in Serena, and her sister Venus, and instilled in them a lifestyle of tenacity and fierce dedication. While the sisters faced racism and prejudice in the White-dominated sport, they fought against these obstacles to eventually rise to dominance. Serena Williams holds 73 career titles and almost $1 billion in prize money. She also started her own venture capital fund in 2017 and is the highest-earning female athlete of all time. 

Ava DuVernay: Revolutionizing the Film Industry 

Producer, writer, and filmmaker Ava DuVernay earned the title of the first Black woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Director for her work on the 2014 film, Selma. Spending time around her stepfather’s childhood home in Selma influenced her vision for the movie and helped spark important conversations about prejudice and inequality in American history and society. She is also the first Black woman to win an award for Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Ava is dedicated to giving Black voices a platform through her films, work, and public speaking. She is also the founder of ARRAY, an organization dedicated to amplifying the work of Black artists. 

Loretta Lynch: The Fight for Justice

Loretta Lynch became the first Black woman to hold the position of Attorney General of the United States after receiving the nomination from former President Barack Obama in 2014. Throughout her legal career, Loretta has fought a battle for minority communities everywhere, especially during her time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. 

Loretta was inspired to pursue a career in public service by her parents, who both graduated from Shaw University and taught Loretta the importance of fighting for justice and equality. Her grandfather was a sharecropper and helped people escape Jim Crow laws by moving to the North. 

Conclusion

While it’s important to celebrate the accomplishment of Black women fighting the odds and achieving amazing things in their fields, it’s also critical that we ask ourselves the question: are “firsts” still a reason for celebration, or are they concerning? 

As long as we still hear about Black firsts within our society and in our lifetimes, the fight for an equal and just society is not over. Remember to support Black-owned businesses, lift up Black voices, and celebrate the accomplishments of Black women in your community and beyond. Let’s make “firsts” a thing of the past.