Significant women of color throughout history
1831, Maria Stewart is one of the first American women of any race to give public lectures
1851, Sojourner Truth gives her “Ain't I a Woman?” speech, a landmark moment in abolitionist and women’s rights movements
1963, Daisy Bates is the only woman to speak in the civil rights march on Washington
1977, the Combahee River Collective helps develop intersectional feminism
1995, Hillary Clinton’s delivers her famous “Women's Rights Are Human Rights” speech in Beijing
2014, Malala Yousafzai is the youngest-ever laureate to win the Nobel Prize, fighting for girls' education
Celebrate Women’s History Month in March
Book lists involving female perspectives and themes
Ally picks for books of the month
About women of color who overcame
Immigrant, migrant, and refugee
Diverse female heroines for middle grades
Diverse female heroines for high schoolers
About the appreciation of books
About nature and time outdoors
About the underground railroad
About slavery and enslaved peoples
Forgotten and lesser known history for early grades
Forgotten and lesser known history for middle grades
Forgotten and lesser known history for high schoolers
About exercising the right to vote
About holidays around the world
Fairytales with diverse characters
Diverse graphic novels for children
Coretta Scott King award winners
Books to foster your mother culture
Diverse substitutes to “classic” literature
Living books by Indigenous authors
Books about inspiring women of color
Collections of poetry by people of color
Biographies about Latin heroes and figures
Favorite homeschooling books for moms
Rare stories about Indigenous history
Biographies about inspiring BIPOC
Diverse folk tales, fables, and myths
Essential quotes about a woman of color’s experience
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.”
Maya Angelou
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Audre Lorde
“I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance.”
Bell Hooks
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”
Alice Walker
“We can’t become what we need to be by remaining what we are.”
Oprah Winfrey
“If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down.”
Toni Morrison
Understanding the experience of women of color through stories
The experiences of women of color are as rich and diverse as the many communities they belong to. These narratives are essential to understanding the broader scope of human history and culture. Stories about women of color serve as “windows” into a world of resilience, strength, and beauty, as well as “mirrors” reflecting their unique experiences and struggles. For children, this dual function is indispensable for fostering empathy and inclusivity from a young age.
Women of color come from a myriad of backgrounds, each with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. They often navigate multiple layers of identity, balancing racial and ethnic heritage with gender, socioeconomic status, and more. Their stories offer invaluable lessons about overcoming adversity, shattering stereotypes, and paving the way for future generations.
The history of women of color is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience and innovation. From iconic figures like Rosa Parks and Malala Yousafzai to unsung heroes like Katherine Johnson and Dolores Huerta, their stories offer a wellspring of inspiration for young readers.
Children's literature offers a treasure trove of stories that provide rich context and nuance to the experiences of women of color. Works like Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson and Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos by Monica Brown not only entertain but also educate, serving as both windows and mirrors.
Understanding the experience of women of color goes beyond celebrating diversity; it’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our shared human journey. Stories that serve as windows and mirrors enrich this understanding, helping children to see both the unique struggles and universal triumphs of women of color.
