Heroines of Emancipation: Stories of Courage and Resilience

Join 50/50 Leadership in celebrating Juneteenth this year!

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the important historical date of June 19, 1865. This is the date when Union soldiers informed enslaved people in Galveston Bay, Texas, of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrated with parades, parties, and other activities, Juneteenth honors African American freedom and justice, acknowledging both historical progress and the ongoing struggle for equality. This day serves as a reminder of slavery's legacy and the need for continued efforts toward a fair and equitable society.

We celebrate this Juneteenth with a history of the lesser-known Black women who dedicated their lives to the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. Their relentless pursuit of justice and equality laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights movements. Their stories remind us of the resilience and strength inherent in the fight by Black women for freedom in the United States. This Juneteenth, we reflect on their legacy and recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of achieving true emancipation for all.

 Mary Ellen Pleasant was known as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California." Pleasant was a successful entrepreneur who used her wealth to fund abolitionist causes. She provided necessary resources to support the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Her contributions were both financial and direct, as she often provided safe houses and funds for those on the run.

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a prolific writer, poet, and lecturer. Harper was an ardent abolitionist who used her literary talents to advocate for the end of slavery. Her poems and essays often highlighted the struggles of African Americans and the need for societal reform. Harper became a renowned lecturer, traveling extensively to speak out against slavery and advocate for civil rights. She was known for her compelling oratory skills, which she used to inspire and mobilize audiences. She was also an active member of the American Anti-Slavery Society.

 Charlotte Forten Grimké was an educator and diarist. Grimké was one of the first Northern African American teachers to travel south and teach newly freed African Americans during the Civil War. Her commitment to teaching freed African Americans and her detailed diaries provide an important historical record of the era. Forten's life and work exemplify the interconnected struggles for racial and gender equality, and her legacy continues to inspire educators and activists dedicated to social justice.

 Maria W. Stewart was one of the first American women to speak publicly against slavery and for women's rights. Stewart was an influential orator and writer, and her speeches and essays called for the abolition of slavery and the equal treatment of Black people, emphasizing moral and educational improvement as key to liberation. Although Stewart faced considerable opposition and hostility for her boldness, her work had a significant impact on the abolitionist movement and the early women's rights movement.

 Henrietta Bowers Duterte was a pioneering funeral home owner in Philadelphia. Duterte used her business as a cover to assist the Underground Railroad. She provided safe passage and shelter for escaped slaves, using her home as a critical station on their journey to freedom. She was also an active member of her community and involved in various philanthropic efforts. Her success in the funeral business helped to elevate the status and economic stability of African Americans in Philadelphia.

Recognizing and honoring the contributions of Black women in history is crucial for a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the past. It not only highlights their significant role in the fight against slavery, but also challenges the narrative that often excludes or diminishes their accomplishments. By celebrating and learning about these remarkable individuals, we can amplify their voices and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.