Mary Ann Shadd Cary

Mary Ann Shadd Carey (1823–1893), an abolitionist, journalist, publisher and lawyer, became the first Black woman newspaper editor. In 1853, she founded The Provincial Freeman while championing racial and gender equality.

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (1842–1924), a publisher, journalist, and civil rights activist, was the editor of the first African women’s newspaper, Women’s Era, from 1890 to 1897, and in 1895 convened the first conference of Black women’s clubs.

Ida B. Wells

Ida B. Wells (1862–1931), a civil rights activist, journalist, and crusader for justice, was the first to document the lynching of African Americans in the South. She founded Chicago’s first Black women’s club, and co-founded the NAACP.

Alice Dunnigan

Alice Dunnigan (1906–1983), a journalist and civil rights activist, became the first Black female White House correspondent in 1948, reporting on civil rights issues, advocating for equality, and is honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol.

Belva Davis

Belva Davis (b. October 13, 1932), a television and radio journalist, became the first Black woman west coast reporter in 1966 at KPIX TV (Channel 5) in San Francisco and earned numerous Emmys and a Governors Award.

Ethel L. Payne

Ethel L. Payne (1911 – 1991), a journalist and civil rights activist was known as the “First Lady of the Black Press”, affiliated with the Chicago Defender, was the first radio and television commentator to be employed by a national Network in 1971.

Cathy Hughes

Cathy Hughes (b. 1947), a media mogul, is the first in the U.S. to lead the largest African American–owned broadcast company, founded in 1980, which operates TV One, Interactive One, and over 55 radio stations nationwide.

Pearl Stewart

Pearl Stewart (b. 1950), a journalist and journalism educator, was the first woman to lead a major daily newspaper, the Oakland Tribune in 1992, winning a Pulitzer, and later serving as president of the Maynard Institute.