Women's History Month- Women in the Arts, Media and Culture (March 15-21)

(Credit: University of Chicago Photographic Archive \ 1920)

Investigative Journalism Pioneer

Ida Bell Wells-Barnett, known as Ida B Wells, was a fearless journalist, activist, and early civil rights leader who dedicated her life to exposing racial violence and advocating for justice. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, she used investigative reporting to document the brutal realities of lynching in the United States, publishing Southern Horrors and The Red Record. Despite facing threats and backlash, she continued her work, co-founding the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and fighting for women's suffrage. In addition to her activism, Wells was one of the first Black women to own and run a newspaper, using the press as a tool for change. For her courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching, she was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize.

(Courtesy: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders Magnolia)

The First Black Woman to Win a Nobel Prize in Literature

Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, known as Toni Morrison, reshaped American literature with her powerful storytelling, becoming the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Her novels, including Beloved, The Bluest Eye, and Song of Solomon, explore themes of race, identity, and history, centering Black experiences with unparalleled depth and lyricism. Morrison's work not only brought untold stories to light but also influenced generations of writers, ensuring that literature remains a space for diverse voices and untold histories. In addition to her novels, she was a respected editor, helping to publish and promote Black voices in literature, including Muhammad Ali’s autobiography.

(Courtesy Cleveland Public Library)

The First Woman TV News Anchor

Dorothy Violet Snell Fuldheim made history as the first woman to anchor a television news broadcast in the United States, breaking barriers in an industry that was predominantly male. She began her career in journalism in the 1940s and became a household name in Cleveland, Ohio, where she hosted her own television show, The Dorothy Fuldheim Show, for an impressive 37 years. Known for her intelligence, wit, and no-nonsense approach, Fuldheim was a trailblazer who tackled serious political and social issues while also offering engaging interviews with prominent figures. Her work as a journalist and television personality paved the way for future women in broadcasting and left an enduring legacy in the world of media.

Credit: Jon Pack/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

The First Woman Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Aretha Louise Franklin, as the “Queen of Soul,” used her voice not just to entertain but to empower. With hits like Respect, Natural Woman, and Think, she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, paving the way for future female artists. Her music was deeply tied to the civil rights and feminist movements, as she demanded respect for women and Black communities. With a career span of six decades, Franklin’s influence on music and activism remains undeniable. In 2009, she made history again by performing at President Barack Obama’s inauguration, solidifying her legacy as an American icon. In 2010, Franklin was ranked first on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". In 2019, she was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize today, one of two special citations given by the awards committee which recognizes outstanding achievements in arts and journalism.

(Public Domain)

The World’s First Novelist

Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting at the imperial court of Japan during the Heian period, is credited with writing The Tale of Genji, often considered the world’s first novel. Completed in the early 11th century, her work masterfully blends romance, politics, and psychological depth, following the life and loves of the noble Genji. Unlike earlier literary works, The Tale of Genji offers a nuanced portrayal of human emotions and relationships, making it a groundbreaking achievement in storytelling. Written in kana, the phonetic script used by women at the time, it also challenged the male-dominated literary tradition. She also wrote The Diary of Lady Murasaki, a book of poetry. Over a thousand years later, Lady Murasaki’s influence endures, as her novel continues to be studied, translated, and adapted, shaping the evolution of literature worldwide.

(Courtesy Shakti Studios)

The First Woman to Create a Multi-Series Production

Shonda Lynn Rhimes, an American television producer and screenwriter, revolutionized television with her bold storytelling and diverse casts. As the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and Bridgerton, she has crafted powerful narratives that put complex female characters at the forefront. Her work challenged Hollywood’s norms, proving that shows led by women and people of color could be wildly successful. As the first woman to create a multi-series production empire with her company Shondaland, Rhimes has permanently changed the TV landscape, inspiring future generations of storytellers. In 2017, she signed a groundbreaking deal with Netflix, becoming one of the highest-paid showrunners in history. 

“I am not lucky. You know what I am? I am smart, I am talented, I take advantage of the opportunities that come my way, and I work really, really hard. Don’t call me lucky. Call me badass.”

(Self Portrait in the Studio, 1579 | Uffizi Gallery, Firenze, Italy)

The First Female Career Artist in Western Europe

Lavinia Fontana (Zappi) was one of the most successful women artists of the Italian Renaissance and was the first to find success outside of a court or convent. Fontana trained with her father, Prospero Fontana, in the 16th century. She was one of the first women to execute large, publicly commissioned figure paintings. Fontana’s works were admired for their vibrant color and the detail of the clothes and jewelry that her subjects wore. Beyond her artistic talent, Fontana was also a successful businesswoman and mother; she managed her own studio and raised a large family, demonstrating her ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities in a period when such roles were rarely combined for women.