The Phenomenal Black Woman

The Phenomenal Black Woman

This special edition of the Insider News features some of our city’s most phenomenal Black Women. What’s so special about being called a phenomenal woman? Well, let us examine the word. The Webster dictionary describes phenomenal as: An extraordinary person or thing.

The great poet Maya Angelou took it a step further when she wrote a poem about the “Phenomenal Woman.” This is a verse taken from that poem.

“Now you understand just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing it ought to make you proud.

I say, It’s in the click of my heels, the bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand, the need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this edition, you will find various women recognized from different walks of life, and professions, and all with common bonds. They all exemplify an unwavering dedication and commitment to their professions, family, and community.

History has taught us throughout the years, that phenomenal Black Women all around the world have made remarkable contributions to society. These women have set outstanding examples, passed the torch and paved the way for the successes of those that would follow. In other words, they created the blueprint. Or you might say, ‘they broke the wheel.’

Women like Harriet Tubman, who helped hundreds of slaves flee to freedom by means of the Underground Railroad. African-American female inventors like, Alice Parker, who invented a new and improved gas-heating furnace. Madame Walker, a St. Louis washerwoman-turned-entrepreneur. Walker invented a method to soften and smooth African American hair in 1905. Adding to the list is Ms. Lyda D. Newman who patented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles. Others would include famous history makers like Sarah Jane Woodson, the first African-American woman college instructor. In addition, Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman, the first African American to become an airplane pilot with an international pilot license. Others who come to mind are the likes of Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Coretta Scott King, Condoleezza Rice, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey. The list could go on and on…but I will end by including our First Lady of the White House, Mrs. Michelle Obama. A phenomenal Black Woman, indeed.

By most standards, all of these women are exceptional, but, the title of Phenomenal Woman is not exclusively held by famous people, inventors, business owners or scholars. Any woman can be phenomenal.

Black Women from the beginning of slavery mastered the term phenomenal woman as they sweated in the fields picking cotton while carrying their babies on their backs. When they were done with that, they cared for their masters and their families. Cooking, cleaning and washing until night fell. At night, while their masters slept, they snuck into underground shelters and taught other slaves how to read by candlelight. All the time fearing if they were caught, they would be killed. These women are often forgotten by some of our younger generation, because they find it hard to believe that slavery even existed. However, let us not forget that these women are the original pioneers. Had it not been for their sacrifices most of us would not have the successes and freedoms we enjoy today.

Fast forward to present day. How many times throughout your life, have you marveled over things you saw your mothers or grandmothers do, and thought, how did she do that? Cook that? Sew that? Know what to say? Make me well when I was sick. Make ends meet on little or nothing. Took care of a family and held down a job. Worked during the day and went to school at night. Ushered, or sang in the church choir. Volunteered to help people in need. If this describes you or some someone you know. You too, are a Phenomenal Black Woman.

Congratulations to all Phenomenal Black Women….