A list of the top Black women politicians around the world and throughout history.
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, it's undeniable that these Black female politicians are impressive individuals. Many famous Black female politicians have served in the U.S. House of Representatives while other Black women politicians have served as mayors. Many top Black female politicians got their start in the civil rights movement.
Who will you find on this list of notable Black female politicians? Condoleezza Rice made history when she became the first female African American Secretary of State in 2005. She held the office - serving under George W. Bush - until 2009. First lady Michelle Obama is also an incredibly popular Black female politician, thanks to her stance on issues including children's health and poverty awareness. Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for New York from 1969-1983. Other women featured on this roundup of top Black female politicians include Kamala Harris, Carol Moseley Braun, and Fannie Lou Hamer.
Which Black female politician do you think has had the biggest impact on history?
Michelle Obama worked as a lawyer before her husband, Barack Obama, began his political career. She served as first lady of the United States from 2009-2017, championing issues including children's health and support for military families.
Shirley Chisholm was the first African American woman elected to Congress. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for New York from 1969-1983. Chisholm was also the first Black candidate - and woman - to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination.
Age: Dec. at 80 (1924-2005)
Birthplace: New York City, New York, United States of America
Kamala Harris was the first Black woman elected to serve as California's attorney general. In 2016, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, the second Black woman to hold that position.
In 2019 she ran for president of the United States, but dropped out, then became Joe Biden's running mate. In November 2020 she became the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent elected to the vice presidency.
Age: 58
Birthplace: Oakland, California, United States of America
Constance Baker Motley blazed many political trails in New York. She was the first Black woman to serve in the state's senate, the first female borough president of Manhattan, and the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge.
Age: Dec. at 84 (1921-2005)
Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
Dorothy Height was the president of the National Council of Negro Women. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.
