During Women’s History Month, we take time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and influence of women who have shaped our communities, our nation, and the world. From powerful words written on a page to transformative leadership that uplifts generations, women have long used their voices, talents, and determination to inspire change. Literature, education, advocacy, and philanthropy are just a few of the ways women have left lasting legacies. By reflecting on the lives and contributions of influential women, from renowned authors and educators to inspiring local leaders in Jacksonville, we honor their impact and recognize how their stories continue to empower and inspire future generations.

“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.” 

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his depth and continuing needs, is good for him,” 

You may have heard one of these quotes before. They are from the notable Author, Poet, and Educator, Maya Angelou. Or you may know her from her infamous memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. She made literary history as the first non-fiction bestseller by a Black woman.  

She was born Margurite Annie Johnson, but her brother gave her the nickname “Maya” after learning about the Maya Indians. He couldn’t pronounce her name so Maya stuck. And she adopted “Angelou” after her first husband’s last name. Her life started out difficult and she stopped talking for several years after a traumatic event. But one of her teachers, Mrs. Bertha Flowers, helped pull her out of depression by forcing her to read several books from a library. Maya Angelou eventually wrote about her experience with Mrs. Flowers in her book, “I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings.” 

She wrote several books, including children’s books: “Life doesn’t frighten Me,” “My Painted House,” and My Friendly Chicken and Me,” just to name a few. 

Maya Angelou came a long way from her early childhood struggles. Books were the start of her career and continued to be a big part of her life. 

A local icon that we all may know is Mrs. Johnetta Betsch Cole. She is an author, anthropologist, and an educator. She was the first African American woman to become president of Spelman College. She was also the president of the National Association of Art Museum Directors Her great grandfather was Jacksonville’s first black millionaire, Abraham Lincoln Lewis. She has received numerous awards, including the BET Honors Awards in 2015, as well as many honorary degrees.  

Brenda Jackson- An established author of more than 150 books is the first black woman to achieve both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller status in romance. She published her first book in 1995 called Tonight and Forever. She was recognized in 2013 by then-Mayor Alvin Brown, with the Jacksonville Trailblazer award. She established and created several scholarships, including the Josephine Threatt Scholarship Foundation at FMU in honor of her grandmother to help students achieve their collegiate goals. 

Another name you may recognize is Delores Barr Weaver. She is a philanthropist and former co-owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, along with her husband, Wayne Weaver. She made a historic monetary gift of $50 million in 2012, establishing the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, to support at-risk girls. To date, she has donated more than $209 million to hundreds of nonprofits. The Policy Center, See the Girl, is a not-for-profit organization that helps girls who are involved in the juvenile justice system. They provide services such as therapy, care management, advocacy, and even internships.  

Women continue to be a staple in our lives. Whether it’s literary or helping our youth after dealing with a rough patch, there are several contributions that woman have added to society, and more specifically, here in Jacksonville. March is not the only time to recognize what women have done or are doing in the world. Continue to learn about women pioneers throughout the year. 

By: Texsena Scott