“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” — Madam C.J. Walker, American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and social activist (1867 – 1919)
As we celebrate Black History Month and its focus on the hard work of Black people who have influenced our country’s history, we must honor the role Black women have played in shaping the landscape of work and industry. Their ingenuity, determination, and resilience have resulted in countless advancements in business, innovation, and economic progress. From domestic work and skilled trades to entrepreneurship and corporate leadership, Black women have been pivotal in redefining work and creating opportunities for future generations.
Despite facing the dual barriers of racial and gender discrimination, Black women have historically proven to be among the most industrious and creative workers. In the face of limited opportunities, they carved out spaces of excellence, often creating industries of their own when doors remained closed. For example, Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire, built a beauty empire that not only revolutionized haircare but also provided employment and professional development to thousands of Black women during the early 20th century. Her success story is one of many examples demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Black women.
In fields where Black women were overrepresented in low-wage work—such as domestic labor, hospitality, and caregiving—they transformed their roles by demanding dignity, innovation, and structural change. They weren’t just workers; they were problem solvers, leaders, and community builders. Dorothy Lee Bolden, for instance, transformed domestic work from an undervalued job into a movement for respect and fair wages, helping formalize the labor rights of domestic workers.
Beyond grassroots movements, Black women have also made significant contributions in the professional sphere, excelling in law, finance, technology, and education. Leaders like Ursula Burns, the first Black woman to head a Fortune 500 company as CEO of Xerox, and who once said “Impatience is a virtue,” exemplify the power of persistence and innovation. In creative industries, women like Oprah Winfrey have reshaped media and storytelling, proving that Black women can be dominant forces in any sector.
Their influence extends globally. Maida Springer Kemp’s international labor work and Shirley Chisholm’s groundbreaking political career showcase how Black women have transcended borders, advocating for workers’ rights, equity, and justice worldwide.
These contributions go beyond labor movements and entrepreneurship—they encompass a legacy of innovation, leadership, and resilience that continues to redefine what is possible. Today, Black women are leading companies, propelling startups, shaping governments, running nonprofits, excelling in STEM fields, and transforming the world.
As we reflect during Black History Month, let us remember that honoring Black women’s contributions to work means acknowledging their legacy of hard work, brilliance, and perseverance. They have built a foundation, and so many remarkable women (and men) continue to build on it. I salute and celebrate all of the heroes, leaders, innovators, and workers who continue to shape our world.
