Black HERstory Month: 5 Caribbean Women Who Paved the Way
Photo courtesy of @s_bukley shutterstock.com
written by Cassy
Black history includes many women of West Indian heritage. The civil rights movement has opened doors for members of the BIPOC community. We curated a list of five women who have made historical strides for women everywhere. While many argue there’s much more work to do, the life work of each of these figures has guaranteed us a brighter future today. Check them out!
1. Cicely Tyson
Known as a trailblazer, Tyson will be remembered for her impactful roles which often told the in-depth stories and struggles of African Americans. At the start of her career, there were limited roles available to Black women and yet Tyson refused to take on just the surface level, stereotypical maid roles. Instead she was intentional. She’s been featured in iconic movies such as “Roots,” “The Help” and various Tyler Perry movies. Tyson brought the harsh reality of Black America to the big screen. She was also known for her community involvement. After the assassination of MLK she proudly co-founded the Dance Theater of Harlem. Tyson was of Nevisian descent (St. Kitts & Nevis) and regularly received invitations from former Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas to attend the island’s annual Grand New Year’s Gala.
[Additional Read: World Mourns Passing of Two Female Caribbean Icons]
Chisolm was the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress representing New York’s 12th district and the first woman to run for the democratic party’s presidential nominee. Chisolm was of Guyanese and Bajan descent and was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. During the 1960s, being a woman and a person of color didn’t fit in with the Boy’s Club of U.S. politics. However, by appealing to women voters and because of her immense work in education; Chisolm was able to win the U.S. congressional seat in 1964. Her efforts paved the way for women in politics and representation. Chisolm is regarded as a political pioneer similar to the likes of Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Vice President Harris.
Grenadian activist and mother of Malcom X, Louisa Little is a critical and mysterious figure in Black history. Many speculate her teachings and experience as an activist greatly influenced Malcolm X. She ingrained within him a sense of self-reliance and Black pride. In the face of mass hate from fellow Americans the Little family was often a target of the KKK. Despite such attacks and the questionable death of her husband, Earl Little, she persevered devoting every ounce of her being to raising her children with a sense of pride and strength.
Jones was a Trinidadian journalist and activist. She was a staunch feminist, Black nationalist and communist. Jones joined the Young Communist League (YCL) in 1936 after observing their work on the Scottsboro Nine case. Her literary works include “We Seek Full Equality for Women” which demanded emancipation for women. She was also a columnist at the “Daily Worker” and wrote a progressive piece called “Half the World,” which highlighted the female population as 50 percent of the world, which should in turn receive half of the world’s resources. Jones was arrested multiple times and was exiled to United Kingdom due to her communist affiliaton. Jones didn’t stop there. She founded Britains first black newspaper the “West Indian Gazette.”
5. Calypso Rose
Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis also known as Calypso Rose, is regarded as the mother of Calypso. A household name amongst West Indians she has composed over 1000 songs and recorded over 20 albums. In 2019, Rose broke ground becoming the first calypsonian and eldest performer at the popular Coachella festival. But Rose is more than just an artist, her music frequently addresses social issues like domestic violence, sexism and racism. In 2012, at New York’s Chutney Pride parade she came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She has been married to her partner for 17 years and counting. UNICEF has also appointed Rose as a Goodwill Ambassador for former child soldiers. The living legend currently resides in Queens, NY.