February: Black History Month Spotlight
Black History Month Spotlight: Honoring Trailblazing African American Women
This Black History Month, we celebrate the extraordinary impact of African American women whose leadership, courage, and brilliance continue to shape our world. From the heart of Nashville’s commitment to advancing women, we honor three trailblazers whose legacies inspire us to push boundaries, elevate voices, and create pathways for the next generation of women leaders.
🌟 Fisk University–born activist Diane Nash
A fearless leader of the Nashville Sit-Ins and the Freedom Rides, Diane Nash’s unwavering commitment to justice transformed the Civil Rights Movement. Her strategic leadership and courage remind us that women are often the architects of lasting social change.
🌟 Tennessee native & business icon Dr. Gladys West
A mathematician whose trailblazing work led to the development of GPS technology, Dr. West reshaped how the world navigates. Her brilliance and perseverance continue to inspire women in STEM to break barriers and innovate boldly.
🌟 Nashville educator & senator Thelma Harper
The first African American woman elected to the Tennessee State Senate, Senator Harper spent decades championing education, equity, and community empowerment. Her legacy lives on in the many women she uplifted and the communities she strengthened.
