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Celebrate Black History Month with these famous female firsts
This Black History Month, celebrate the incredible women that have paved the way for thousands of girls nationwide.
What will you be the first to do?
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Misty Copeland
Misty is the the first African-American performer to be appointed as a principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre. Her gorgeous style has made her a major celeb in the dance world.
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Donyale Luna
In 1966, this beauty queen became the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, setting the stage for models like Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks.
Image source: Instagram
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Oprah Winfrey
We all know Oprah, but did you know she was the first African-American woman to become a multi-millionaire...and later billionaire? She is now one of the most famous and well-respected philanthropists in the world.
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Dr. Mae Jemison
Dr. Jemison was the first African-American woman to travel into space. Fun fact: She has also appeared in an episode of Star Trek!
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Shirley Chisholm
Ms. Chisholm was the first African-American woman to be elected to U.S. Congress. Oh, and did we mention she ran for president, too?
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Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin was the first African American woman (and the first woman overall) to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Talk about earning some R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
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Dr. Maya Angelou
One of the most important voices of our generation, Maya Angelou was the first African-American woman to write a nonfiction bestseller, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and has received countless awards and honorary degrees. Not familiar with her work? Start with THIS.
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Gabby Douglas
This pint-sized powerhouse was the first African-American to win Olympic gold in the Individual All-Around event in Gymnastics. The best part? She did it when she was only 16.
POSTED IN diversity, Michelle Obama