Discrimination against marginalized people in the United States has been an unwelcome truth since explorers first set foot in the new world. In a world that constantly tries to bring them down, women, African Americans and a plethora of other groups have continued to fight for an equal place in society by pushing past the confines of societal barriers. Their efforts characterize human persistence and deserve respect as the trailblazers of equality. Here are a few of the many firsts which have shaped the course of history.
Jeannette Rankin (1916)
Jeannette Rankin was the first American woman to hold federal office in the United States. She was elected to the US Congress in 1916 and remains the only women from Montana to hold a position in Congress. As a member of the Republican Party and an advocate for women’s rights, she became instrumental in the creation and passage of the 19 amendment which granted unrestricted voting rights to women in 1920.
Jackie Robinson (1947)
Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play major league baseball on April 15, 1947 when he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1945, Jackie had attracted the attention of the president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. Jackie was first signed to play on a Dodger farm team where he lead the team batting average and later was asked to join the Brooklyn Dodgers. From 1947 until 1956, Jackie was honored with many accolades for his incredible skills, including Rookie of the Year in 1949 as well as Most Valuable Player.
Thurgood Marshall (1967)
Thurgood Marshall, an American lawyer, became the first black Justice to serve on the Supreme Court when he was nominated for the position under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Through his career, he was an avid supporter of the civil rights movement and even argued the famous Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansa before the Supreme Court in 1961. His victories for civil rights as a lawyer continued on the bench as he became a passionate voice for equality until he retired under the Bush administration. He was replaced by Clarence Thomas, the second African American to serve in the Supreme Court.
Kathryn Bigelow (2009)
In 2009, Kathryn Bigelow won the Oscar Award for Best Director for her film The Hurt Locker, making her the first women in 82 years of the Oscars to ever receive the award. The awards began in 1927 and, up until her win, had only ever recognized male directors. Today, the film industry is still heavily dominated by men with only 7% of the top 250 films directed by women according to the New York Times.
