Maya Angelou was an American writer, poet, and civil rights activist. She fought for racial equality alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. Her most famous works include I Know Why the Caged Birds Sings, which talks about her southern upbringing, and, “On the Pulse of the Morning,'' a poem which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. Despite her traumatic childhood abuse, Angelou remained strong and continued to fight for what she believed in. Angelou is an inspiration for all due to her resilience and courage during the civil rights era. 

Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist most known for her courage in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man and was arrested. After her actions, the courts decided that bus segregation was against the constitution. Parks fought for justice in a time it was needed and inspired many others to fight for equality. Because of her role in making America a land of equality, the United States Congress named her "the first lady of civil rights" and "the mother of the freedom movement."

Harriet Tubman was an American abolitionist and activist. Tubman was born a slave and was determined to save herself and others from slavery. She escaped slavery and also helped 70 other slaves escape through underground railroads. Along with her anti-slavery work, Tubman was an advocate for women’s rights. During the civil war, Tubman served as a cook and nurse for the Union Army. In fact, she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the war in which she freed 700 slaves. Tubman’s story highlights courage and selflessness. Tubman lived a life dedicated to freeing others and progressing the status of African Americans. 

Malala Yousafazi is a Pakistani activist that promotes female education and is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner. In 2012, while on a bus, Malala was shot in the head, but survived the bullet wound. After her survival, she continued to advocate for women’s education through her organization, the Malala Fund, and her book I am Malala. Her story inspired the launch of a United Nations petition which demanded that Pakistan give every child education, that all countries outlaw discrimination against girls, and that all girls become educated. Malala is a modern-day inspiration to all and personifies bravery and perseverance.  

Mary Wollstonecraft was a British writer, philosopher, and activist of women’s rights. Today, many consider her to be one of the first feminists and often call on her works as the beginnings of the women’s rights movement. She is most known for her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman in which she advocates that men and women should be treated equally. During her lifetime, not many people agreed with her work. Wollstonecraft’s journey shows us all that we should speak out for what we believe in, even when others may not support the cause. 

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican artist best known for her self-portraits. Kahlo had aspirations to become a doctor, but after a bus crash suffered lifelong medical problems. During her recovery, she rediscovered art and became more passionate about becoming an artist. Kahlo painted in a time where women and men were not equal in Mexican society. Her boldness showed that she was proud to be a woman and her art highlighted women as strong and independent figures. Kahlo’s ability to overcome medical and societal challenges and pursue a successful career demonstrated her optimism and resilience.