BY: YESENIA JONES
Happy International Women's Day and Women's History Month!
Though we celebrate all women this month for their contributions to society, it's especially important to highlight the achievements of women of color. Their hard work sometimes goes unrecognized throughout our country's history due to sexism and racism. Here's our favorite women of color who are fierce, unapologetic and deserve to shine.
1. Laverne Cox
Cox became an overnight success after her role as Sophia Burset in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black." Since OINTB, the actress has remained a prominent figure on our television screens. On top of Cox's successful acting career, she is an advocate for the transgender community and constant role model for transgender youth.
2. Angela Rye
Rye is a journalist, political activist and CEO of Impact Strategies. She is most commonly known for her political commentary on CNN and political analysis on NPR.
3. Ibtihaj Muhammad
Muhammad was the first women to ever compete at the Olympics in a hijab. She won her first Olympic medal in fencing at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro games.
4. Admiral Michelle Howard
Howard Is one of the highest-ranking African-American women in the military. She is currently the commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in Africa and the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples. The admiral is also the recipient of multiple awards and medals, including an NAACP Image Chairman's Award.
5. Malala Yousafzai
Yousafzai is a young activist who fights for girls' education rights throughout the world. She gained worldwide recognition after being shot by the Taliban and living to tell the story. The Pakistani is also one of the youngest people to win a Nobel Peace Prize.
6. Alicia Garza
Garza is an activist and one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter hashtag that birthed the larger movement.
7. Shakira
Shakira is known for her music and hip-shaking, but most people don't know that she also spends her free time running a large non-profit called The Barefoot Foundation. The organization provides educational opportunities for kids throughout Colombia.
8. Mae Carol Jemison
Jemison was the first African-American female astronaut. She has led the way for women of color who are striving to gain careers in the STEM fields.
9. Patricia Bath
Bath, a Howard University alumni, was the first African-American woman in history to receive a patent for a medical invention. The laserphaco probe has helped treat millions of patients with cataracts.
10. Viola Davis
Davis is a distinguished actor and producer. She is the only black woman to be nominated for three Academy Awards. Her monumental Best Supporting Actress win for her performance in "Fences" added her to the Triple Crown of Acting club - actors who have won an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony in the performance categories.
