Audre Lorde (1934–1992) was a renowned American poet, essayist, and activist whose work explored themes of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. Born in New York City to Caribbean immigrant parents, Lorde identified as a Black lesbian, and much of…

Malala Yousafzai, born in 1997 in Pakistan, is an international advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights. Her activism began at a young age, writing a blog under a pseudonym for the BBC Urdu, detailing life under the Taliban’s oppressive…

Nelson Mandela, born in 1918 in South Africa, was a key figure in the global fight against apartheid, the system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. A member of the African National Congress (ANC), Mandela became a symbol of resistance…

Mahatma Gandhi, born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1869, was a pivotal figure in the history of India and a global icon for nonviolent resistance. His philosophy of Satyagraha, or nonviolent protest, became a cornerstone of India’s struggle for independence from…

Frida Kahlo, born on July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, Mexico, is celebrated as one of the most iconic and influential artists of the 20th century. Kahlo’s work is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, and her bold, surreal, and symbolic paintings…

Catharine MacKinnon is a pioneering American feminist legal scholar and activist, widely regarded for her work in the fields of law, gender, and sexual harassment. Born on October 7, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, MacKinnon’s groundbreaking work focused on the intersection…

Eleanor Roosevelt, born on October 11, 1884, in New York City, was one of the most influential First Ladies in U.S. history and a pioneering figure in social justice, human rights, and women’s empowerment. Raised in an aristocratic family, she…

Linda Black Elk, a Lakota ethnobotanist and educator, is a passionate advocate for preserving traditional Native American knowledge, especially regarding the use of plants for medicine, food, and spiritual practices. Born and raised on the Standing Rock Reservation in South…

Earl Barlow, a Cherokee artist and activist, dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating Native American culture through his work in the arts. Born into the Cherokee Nation, Barlow grew up with a deep appreciation for his heritage, which influenced…

Sacheen Littlefeather, an Apache and Yaqui activist and actress, became a trailblazing figure in both Native American activism and the entertainment industry. Born Marie Louise Cruz on November 14, 1946, in Salinas, California, she was raised with strong connections to…