Art & Literature
This English writer is the epitome of "rags to riches"; living on welfare and working minimum wage jobs before becoming a millionaire thanks to her iconic Harry Potter series of books.
J.K. Rowling
While critically acclaimed for many different roles throughout her career, this actress is widely known for playing the part of Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz (1939).
Judy Garland.
"When the sun shines we'll shine together, told you I'll be here forever, said I'll always be your friend, took an oath I'mma stick it to the end. Now that's it's raining more than ever, know that we'll still have each other, you can stand under my umbrella..."
"Umbrella" by Rihanna feat. Jay-Z
"Ooh! You can dance you can jive, having the time of your life Ooh, see that girl watch that scene, digging the dancing queen."
"Dancing Queen" by ABBA.
This former seamstress was an American activist in the civil rights movement best known for her refusal to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger.
Rosa Parks.
This Mexican born painter is remembered for her self-portraits surrealistic paintings, and iconic unibrow.
Frida Kahlo.
This actress is an EGOT known for many roles such as Rose Maxson in Fences, Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder, Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and Amanda Waller in the DC Universe of Films.
Viola Davis.
"I don't want no scrub, a scrub is a guy that can't get no love from me. Hanging from the passenger side of his best friend's ride, trying to holler at me."
"No Scrubs" by TLC.
"Cause baby you're a firework, c'mon show 'em what you're worth, c'mon make 'em go, "Oh, oh, oh as you shoot across the sky."
"Firework" by Katy Perry.
The widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., founded the King Center, and sought to make his birthday a national holiday. She finally succeeded when Ronald Reagan signed legislation in 1983. She later advocated for LGBTQ rights and opposition to apartheid.
Coretta Scott King.
This iconic writer is remembered for writing classic books such as The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, and Beloved for which she received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Toni Morrison
Since 1985, this actress has made a name for herself starring in films such as Friday, If Beale Street Could Talk, Watchmen. She has also voiced Huey and Riley Freeman in the animated series the Boondocks.
Regina King.
"Girls, you know you better watch out! Some guys, some guys are only about that thing, that thing, that thing."
Lauryn Hill.
"I decided long ago never to walk in anyone's shadows. If I fail, if I succeed at least I'll live as I believe. No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity.
"Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me."
"Greatest Love Of All" by Whitney Houston
This American Marxist and feminist political philosopher, academic, and author had brief dealings with the Black Panther Party who now works as a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Angela Davis.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning writer is best known for writing To Kill A Mockingbird, which remains one of the most revered works ever made.
Harper Lee.
Known as "J-Law," this actress' most known role is that of Katniss Everdeen in the Hunger Games series of films.
Jennifer Lawrence.
"All the women who independent
Throw your hands up at me
All the honeys who making money
Throw your hands up at me
All the mamas who profit dollars
Throw your hands up at me
All the ladies who truly feel me
Throw your hands up at me."
"Independent Women, Part I" by Destiny's Child
"Doesn't really matter what the eyes see, cause I'm in love with the inner being. Yeah, doesn't really matter what they believe what matters to me is your love for me."
"Doesn't Really Matter" by Janet Jackson.
This American poet and activist's work focuses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization, as well as the African diaspora. She was the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate and published the poetry book The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough in 2015. In 2021, she delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden.
Amanda Gorman.
This English writer wrote six novels during her lifetime such as Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility which examined women in British society.
Jane Austen.
This young actress gained recognition for her starring role as the oldest daughter Zoey Johnson on the sitcom Black-ish and its spin-off series Grown-ish (2018–present). Time included her on "The 30 Most Influential Teens of 2016" list.
Yara Shahidi.
"A few times I've been around that track
So it's not just gonna happen like that
'Cause I ain't no hollaback girl
I ain't no hollaback girl."
"Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani.
"Staring at the blank page before you open up the dirty window, let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find.
"Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips..."
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield.
This American journalist and social-political activist emerged as a leader of second-wave feminism in the United States in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She's best known for exposing the unethical and health risks of Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion.
Gloria Steinem.