“What do you want to be when you grow up?” At a very young age, we’ve been asked this question, and it doesn’t change as we grow older.
Growing up, the only person I had to look up to was my mom because there weren’t many women being praised in the media that looked like me. There was no one I could point to on the t.v who resembled me. From the darkness of my skin to the kinkiness of my hair, there was no one. Young Lincy would answer that question in the best way she knew how. “A cook, nurse, or singer.” Those were my options. Looking back now, I want to hug little me and tell her that she can and will do anything she sets her mind to, no matter how deep her shade runs. Your main role will not only be the sidekick best friend, or the black girl in the back of a movie or tv series just because. She will be front and center, achieving any dream she has. I would tell her that there are women now, in 2018, that look like you and are claiming their throne. You ARE represented in every field, and here are 10 women that are doing just that.
Women of Hidden Figures (STEM)
Hidden Figures is a movie that surrounds three black women who worked for NASA, but their contribution wasn’t recognized until the movie came out in 2016. Mary Jackson (left-83) was the mathematician and calculated flights that led astronaut, John Glenn to space; Dorothy Vaughan (middle-98) was the NASA supervisor; Katherine Johnson (right-99) the NASA engineer. Together, these women, despite all circumstances, worked together to help John Glenn orbit the Earth. Interesting enough, Katherine Johnson is still alive till this day. Inspiring more young women.
Maxine Waters
Maxine Waters (79) currently serves as the U.S. Representative for California’s 43rd congressional district. She proves time and time again that there is a seat in Congress for women like me. She’s forever “reclaiming her time” and being outspoken on issues that are near and dear to her heart.
Oprah Winfrey
Not only is Oprah Winfrey (64) known for making a name for herself because of her popular talk show, she’s also an actress, philanthropist, publisher, and producer. She continues to inspire those around her with her words and generosity. Maybe we’ll see her running for President soon? #Oprah2020
Michelle Obama
Not only did Michelle Obama (54) attend and graduate Harvard Law, she’s also a writer. While being the first African American First Lady, she introduced “MyPlate” to replace the food pyramid and incorporate healthy food options in cafeterias around the US. She wasn’t just the wife of the President of the United States, Michelle Obama made a name for herself.
Viola Davis
Viola Davis (52) is known for her roles in How to Get Away with Murder and Fences; however, she’s also the first black woman to not only be nominated for three Academy Awards, but she also won one of the nominations. She continues to expand her acting roles and empowers women in her stories regarding her insecurities like her hair and skin and speaking in the Women’s March.
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes (48) is the mother of all amazing shows. Some of your favorites, this woman wrote and produced shows like Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away with Murder, and Scandal. When she’s not creating some of our favorites, she’s writing for a different reason, books.
Jackie Aina
Jackie Aina (31) made a name for herself in the YouTube community as well as outside the community as a beauty guru. She’s been on YouTube since 2009, and she’s still leaving her footprint throughout the social media platform. Aina makes it her mission to expand inclusively within the diversity of makeup lines. She’s currently working on a project with Too Faced to expand their foundation line to include not only deeper shades but lighter shades as well.
Jenne Claiborne
Jenne Claiborne (31) is whipping not only in the kitchen (vegan style) but also in her lifestyle blog, Sweet Potato Soul. She’s a chef as well as a food blogger. Her work has been featured in media outlets including the Today show, Shape, The Huffington Post, and InStyle. Claiborne’s blogging away about something she loves, food and creating dishes.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles (20) is an American artistic gymnast. Biles had the opportunity to compete in the 2016 Olympics where she was the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medalist, and balance beam bronze medalist. This girl is on fire!
Skai Jackson
Skai Jackson (15) is known for her role as Zuri Ross in the Disney show Jessie, and she’s also starting in another Disney show, Bunk’d. This child actress is showing young black girls like my sister and young girls in general that age is nothing. If you have a dream, you can achieve it with grace, class and lots of hard work.
Hopefully, the up-and-coming generation and even my generation can look at these strong women for inspiration as well as drive. Their ages vary, but their heart remains the same.
Image: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 , 9, 10, thumbnail, gif