17 Times Influential Black Women (Other Than Beyoncé) Were Totally #Flawless
Beyoncé has more or less put a trademark on the word “***Flawless” to describe herself, but she’s far from the only black woman out there showing exactly what “***Flawless” means. Here's a picture perfect tour through the history of black women in America, showing how many of them could still teach Beyoncé a thing or two about being, well, you know...
That time Frances Wills and Harriet Pickens became the first female African-American officers in the Navy.
That time in 1945 (out of so many other examples!) of Dorothy Dandridge looking incredible while performing on stage.
That time author Alice Walker posed for a publicity shot for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “The Color Purple.”
That time when Shirley Chisholm, America’s first black Congresswoman, made the victory sign.
That time Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison showed everyone her notebook AKA where the magic happens.
That time author Maya Angelou took a break from writing game changing books and throwing fabulous parties and had fun giving her garden LIFE.
That time in 1964 when Frankie Muse Freeman became the first black woman to be part of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
That time Coretta Scott King curled up with the best book ever (her own).
That time political activist Angela Davis gave a speech before the Women's Decade Conference.
That time in 1992 when Carol Moseley Braun became the first female African American Senator and called for more diversity in politics.
That time Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who was the first black woman to be a mayor in a metropolis in the South, got to hold the Olympic Torch (jealz!).
That time Hattie McDaniel broke the history books by becoming the first black person to take home a coveted Oscar.
That time Althea Gibson became the first African-American to break the color barrier in global tennis, winning the Grand Slam title at the prestigious French Championships.
That time Disco Queen Donna Summer showed us the "Last Dance" we'd ever need to see.
That time Oprah was like, "What's this? Oh, just my VOGUE COVER."
That time Tina Turner performed “What’s Love Got To Do With It” in Holland and inspired every New Years Eve look ever.
That time singer Aretha Franklin was on “The Andy Williams Show” to let people know not only was she ***Flawless, but she deserved mad "R-E-S-P-E-C-T."