As the world continues to turn, Black women continue to be a leading force across all industries.
While pioneers like Madame CJ Walker, Shirley Chisholm, Hattie McDaniel, Dorothy Dandridge and countless others laid the foundation, there are also plenty of women breaking barriers today.
From education and politics, to music, sports and film, Black Girl Magic continues to make history daily.
Here’s a look at Black women who have made history with their “firsts” in the last 15 years.
01
Quinta Brunson
In 2022, Quinta Brunson became the first Black woman to receive three Emmy nominations in the comedy category in one year for her sitcom Abbott Elementary.
02
Starr Andrews
On January 27, 2023, Starr Andrews became the first Black Woman To medal At the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 35 years.
03
Angela Bassett
On January 24, Angela Bassett became the first actor to receive an Academy Award nomination for a Marvel role.
04
Sheryl Lee Ralph
At the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, Sheryl Lee Ralph became the first Black woman to win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 35 years.
05
Tamron Hall
In 2014, Tamron Hall became the first Black woman to co-anchor ‘Today’ Show. “I’m a part of this for women, for Black women, for all of us,” she told ESSENCE.com.
Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty Images
06
Lupita Nyong’o
First Black spokesperson for Lancome
Lancome
07
Carla D. Hayden
First Black Librarian of Congress
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08
Halle Berry
First Black woman to win an Oscar for best actress.
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09
Maritza Correia
First Black woman to earn a place on the U.S. Olympic swim team
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10
Misty Copeland
First Black performer to be appointed principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater
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11
Michelle Obama
First Black woman to become First Lady of the United States
Chip Somodevilla
12
Ava DuVernay
First Black female director to receive a Golden Globe Award
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13
Loretta Lynch
First Black woman to become Attorney General of the United States
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14
Paulette Brown
First Black woman to be named president of the American Bar Association
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15
Mia Love
In 2017, she became the first Black female Republican to be elected to Congress.
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16
Rihanna
First Black woman to be the face of Dior
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17
Shonda Rhimes
First Black woman to create and executive produce a top 10 network series
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18
Gabrielle Douglas
First Black woman to become individual all-around Olympic champion
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19
Beyonce
First artist ever to have 6 albums debut at Number 1 on the Billboard charts
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20
Simone Biles
First Black all-around world champion
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21
Charlottesville Mayor Nikuyah Walker
In 2018, she became the first Black woman mayor of Charlottesville, VA.
@NikuyahWalkerCC Twitter
22
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell
She is the first Black woman to be elected mayor of New Orleans.
LaToya Cantrell Facebook
23
Tonya Boyd
She is the first Black woman to be named Deputy Chief of the NYC Fire Department.
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24
Lena Waithe
In 2017, Lena became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing.
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25
Mia Love
@MiaBLove: “Hey President Obama – Yoda was right, “Do or do not, there is no try.” We need progress, not excuses. #townhalldebate #CantAfford4More”
26
Oprah
In 2018, Oprah became the first Black woman to receive the prestigious Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Kevork Djansezian/NBC/Getty Images
27
Kamala Harris
Upon inauguration on January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris became the first female vice president as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.
