Honoring Black Women in History

February marks Black History Month, a time dedicated to reflect on the contributions made by women, men, and children in black history. One woman I learned about more recently is Anna Julia Cooper, who is currently featured on a U.S. postal stamp. According to the USPS, Cooper "helped establish local organizations for women, young people, and the poor that addressed a range of issues including education, housing, and unemployment" (http://www.usps.com/). In addition to obtaining advanced degrees, Cooper went on to become principal of a high school and teach at the collegiate level in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Anna Julia Cooper was not only a pioneer for black women in her time, she fought for issues Women's Fund cares about today; namely, insufficient income and economic empowerment for women.

As an undergraduate student, through The Other Side of Middletown book project, I had the opportunity to work closely with members of the black community in Muncie and meet many local women. The leadership of these women made an impression on me and led in part to my interest in issues impacting women and girls. One woman I will never forget is Daidra, a single mother raising a preteen son. Daidra lived in a house she built through Habitat for Humanity and, along with other women in her neighborhood, she helped look after the well-being of children in her neighborhood. While the importance of women like Daidra and her peers may never be written in history books, their significance is not minimized.

This month, the Indianapolis Star is highlighting important contributions by black Hoosiers, such as IPD officer Emma Christy Baker - the first black female police officer for the department. Women's Fund is thankful for the leadership of women like Anna Julia Cooper, Daidra, Emma Christy Baker, and other women who are inspiring leaders in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities. What black women have inspired you?