IGNITE's Blog

Ibtihaj Muhammad, an Olympic medalist in fencing, made history in 2016 as the first American to wear a hijab while competing. This fencer and activist has been breaking barriers and advancing the profile of all Muslim-American athletes for years. 

When reflecting on our foremothers in civil rights, we tend to hone in on Rosa Parks and the stance she made. While Parks was definitely influential in the Montgomery, Alabama Bus Boycotts, Claudette Colvin preceded her in refusing to give up her seat on a bus.

Photo credit: MPR News/Hamline University

In more than a six decade-long phenomenal career, Anna Arnold Hedgeman was a civil rights activist, educator, and writer, but most profoundly, a lifelong advocate for justice and equality. Anna Arnold Hedgeman was the only woman on the executive committee for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, a crucial part of the civil rights movement. 

History has shown us time and time again that Black women are the unsung heroes. During Black History Month, we challenge you to only read books written by Black women. Check out some of the reads recommended by Black women and written by Black women. You can purchase these books from Black-owned bookstores which we’ve linked at the end. 

During the first week of January, Cori Bush was sworn in as the first Black Congresswoman representing Missouri. A few days later, she faced a Capitol Building riot that shocked the entire nation. Bush swiftly rose to action, as she has always done for her city of St. Louis. 

Black women are the fabric of America and have helped shape history in countless ways. Judge Jane Bolin is an unforgettable name when we talk about those extraordinary Black women. Continue reading to learn about Judge Jane Bolin, a hero who broke glass ceilings in her field.   

Known for her authorship and advances in Black feminism, Anna Julia Cooper née Anna Julia Haywood is one of the many Black women to know, love, and celebrate this month and every month. Keep reading to learn more about Anna Julia Cooper. 

Along with the Vice President and the heads of fifteen executive departments in the Cabinet, there are additional Cabinet-level positions as well. Cabinet-level positions can vary with each president. 

On a stage as big as Inauguration Day, the fashion choices made always make a statement that go beyond the surface. 

Dr. Jill Biden is the First Lady of the United States. Dr. Biden, a community college educator, is the first First Lady to have a paying job during her time in office. Here is a timeline of highlights of Dr. Biden’s life.