March 10, 2024 is Your Day
March is a time of remembrance, recognition, and restoration. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we uplift the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women who have shaped history with their courage, wisdom, and resilience. "At Moyo Institute, Inc., we are particularly honored to stand in solidarity with Black women, whose contributions—often overlooked or uncredited—have been instrumental in building communities, advancing justice, and redefining possibilities," said Gwendolyn Mitchell, Founder.
Black Women Who Have Shaped History
Throughout history, Black women have been at the forefront of change, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. Here are just a few of the many women whose legacies continue to inspire:
Harriet Tubman (1822–1913) – Known as the “Moses” of her people, Tubman escaped slavery and led over 70 others to freedom through the Underground Railroad. She also served as a scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Ida B. Wells (1862–1931) – A fearless journalist, activist, and co-founder of the NAACP, Wells documented and fought against the horrors of lynching in America, advocating for racial and gender justice.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (1831–1895) – The first Black woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree, Crumpler dedicated her life to providing healthcare to formerly enslaved people after the Civil War.
Ella Baker (1903–1986) – A key leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Baker worked alongside the NAACP, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to empower grassroots activism.
Dorothy Height (1912–2010) – A lifelong advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, Height played a critical role in desegregation efforts and served as president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years.
Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977) – A leader in the fight for voting rights, Hamer co-founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and used her powerful voice to challenge racial injustice.
Maya Angelou (1928–2014) – A literary giant, poet, and civil rights activist, Angelou used the power of words to inspire generations. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, broke barriers in literature, and her iconic poem Still I Rise remains a testament to Black women’s resilience and strength.
Toni Morrison (1931–2019) – A Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Morrison gave voice to Black experiences through literature, with works such as Beloved and The Bluest Eye that continue to shape the cultural landscape.
Katherine Johnson (1918–2020) – A pioneering mathematician whose calculations were crucial to NASA’s space missions, including the first American orbital flight by John Glenn.
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson (b. 1946) – A trailblazing physicist whose work in telecommunications led to innovations such as caller ID and fiber optics, paving the way for modern communication technology.
These women—and countless others—have left an indelible mark on history, proving time and again that Black women’s leadership, intelligence, and resilience are unstoppable forces of progress.
The Power of Rest as a Revolutionary Act
Rest is not a luxury. It is a necessity for healing, creativity, and liberation. As Tricia Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, reminds us, “Rest is a form of resistance because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy.” In honoring this truth, Black women deserve time to reflect, restore, and replenish their spirits—without guilt, without obligation, without apology.
How You Can Celebrate
Rest Intentionally: Take time on March 10th to unplug, slow down, and nurture yourself in ways that feel fulfilling—whether that’s sleeping in, meditating, journaling, or simply being still.
Honor the Women Before Us: Reflect on the legacies of Black women who have paved the way. Read their stories, listen to their wisdom, and share their impact with others.
Support Rest for Others: Encourage Black women in your life to take time for themselves. Offer support by lightening their load, affirming their right to rest, and creating space for them to prioritize their well-being.
Join Our Community: At Moyo Institute, we create spaces that center healing, joy, and transformation. Our upcoming free online workshop, “Love Letters to Our Bodies,” on May 16 and 17 offers a beautiful opportunity for African American women journeying with cancer to engage in self-reflection and restoration.
A Love Letter to Black Women
To the Black women who have carried the world on their shoulders, who have given endlessly, who have fought tirelessly—you deserve ease. You deserve joy. You deserve rest.
May this month remind you of your power.
May this day remind you of your worth.
May you always know that rest is not something you must earn—it is something you are inherently worthy of.
At Moyo Institute, we celebrate you. Rest well, and rise stronger.
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