American Women Quarters

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was a legendary writer, poet, performer, social activist, and teacher. Her published works include more than 30 bestselling titles, including her groundbreaking autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and she was the recipient of more than 30 honorary degrees.

Dr. Sally Ride

Dr. Sally Ride was the first American woman to travel to space. She was also a physicist and an educator. She created the Sally Ride Science Organization to inspire youth in exploring the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Wilma Mankiller

Wilma Mankiller was the first female elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and an activist for Native American and women’s rights. She founded the Community Development Department where she led the creating of community water systems and rehabilitation of houses.

Nina Otero-Warren

Nina Otero-Warren was a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement of 1914. She worked with women’s groups and fought for the need to use the Spanish language for Hispanic women. This support helped her in becoming the first Hispanic woman to run for Congress.

Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong was the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood and first Asian American lead actor in a U.S. television show. She was an international film star, television star, fashion icon, and champion for greater representation of Asian Americans in film.

Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman was the first woman of African American and Native-American descent to hold a pilot's license. She became a pioneering figure in aviation, performing in airshows and advocating for the advancement of African Americans and women in aviation. Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring aviators and those fighting for social justice.

Edith Kanaka'ole

Edith Kanakaʻole was a Hawaiian cultural practitioner, composer, and teacher known for her contributions to the preservation and revitalization of the Hawaiian language, hula, and chant. Kanakaʻole's legacy continues through the work of her descendants, who continue to perpetuate and share the traditions and teachings she valued.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She served as the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during the presidency of her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was an influential advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and human rights, and used her platform to speak out against racial and social injustice.

Jovita Idar

Jovita Idar was a Mexican-American journalist, teacher, and activist who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of Mexican-Americans and other marginalized communities in Texas. She co-founded and edited the feminist newspaper "La Crónica," which provided a platform for issues affecting Mexican Americans, including discrimination, poverty, and education. Her legacy continues to inspire social justice activists today.

Maria Tallchief

Maria Tallchief (1925-2013) was a renowned American ballerina of Osage ancestry. She was born in Fairfax, Oklahoma, and trained at the School of American Ballet in New York City. She danced with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the New York City Ballet, where she became the company's first prima ballerina in 1947. Throughout her career, Tallchief broke down barriers for Native American dancers and paved the way for other dancers of color. She received numerous honors and awards, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Dr. Pauli Murray

Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray (1910–1985) was a trailblazing American civil rights activist, lawyer, and Episcopal priest. Murray was a multifaceted figure who fought against racial and gender discrimination. She co-authored a legal brief for the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of public schools. Murray also played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights, coining the term "Jane Crow" to highlight the intersection of race and gender discrimination. Her activism, scholarship, and religious contributions have left an indelible mark on the struggle for justice and equality in the United States.

Patsy Takemoto Mink

Patsy Takemoto Mink was a trailblazing American politician and social activist, best known as the first woman of color and the first Asian American woman elected to the United States Congress. Born in 1927 in Hawaii, Mink overcame discrimination and gender barriers to become a prominent figure in American politics. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for a total of 12 terms, advocating for civil rights, women's rights, education, and social justice. Mink was a co-author of the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, which prohibits sex discrimination in education institutions receiving federal funding. Throughout her career, she remained a staunch advocate for equality and social progress until her passing in 2002, leaving behind a lasting legacy of pioneering achievements in American politics.

Celia Cruz

Celia Cruz, known as the "Queen of Salsa," was a Cuban-American singer renowned for her powerful voice and vibrant stage presence. Born on October 21, 1925, in Havana, Cuba, she began her career singing in local talent shows and later joined the prominent band Sonora Matancera in 1950. Her energetic performances and unique style helped popularize salsa music worldwide. After moving to the United States in 1960 following the Cuban Revolution, she continued to succeed, collaborating with top artists and winning numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards. Cruz's signature phrase, "¡Azúcar!" (Sugar!), became synonymous with her joyful spirit and enduring legacy in Latin music. She passed away on July 16, 2003, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

“When opportunity presents itself, grab it. Hold on tight, and don’t let go.” Celia Cruz

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was an American surgeon, women's rights advocate, and Civil War hero. Born on November 26, 1832, in Oswego, New York, she became one of the first female physicians in the United States after graduating from Syracuse Medical College in 1855. During the Civil War, she served as a surgeon, often facing opposition due to her gender, and was eventually captured by Confederate forces, spending four months as a prisoner of war. Walker is renowned for her dedication to gender equality, often defying conventional norms by wearing men's clothing and advocating for women's dress reform. In 1865, she was awarded the Medal of Honor, becoming the only woman to receive the honor to date. Her post-war years were dedicated to activism, including campaigning for women's suffrage. Dr. Walker died on February 21, 1919, and is remembered as a medicine and women's rights trailblazer.

“To truly make a difference, we must have the courage to stand up for what we believe in, even if it means going against the tide.” Dr. Mary Edwards Walker

Zitkala-Ša

Zitkala-Ša was a writer, composer, educator, and political activist for Native American rights. Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a Native American writer, editor, musician, teacher, and political activist. Born on February 22, 1876, on the Yankton Indian Reservation in South Dakota, she was of Yankton Dakota Sioux heritage. As a child, she was sent to a Quaker missionary school, where she experienced the challenges of cultural assimilation, which she later vividly described in her writings. Zitkala-Ša became an outspoken advocate for Native American rights, using her talents to highlight the injustices faced by her people. Her works, including essays, short stories, and an opera, combine Native American oral traditions with literary forms. She co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926, serving as its secretary-treasurer, and worked tirelessly to preserve Native American culture and secure civil rights. Zitkala-Ša passed away on January 26, 1938, leaving a legacy of activism and cultural preservation.