This Black History Month, we don’t just look back. We reclaim the stories that have shaped us, moving away from the narratives imposed on us and embracing the ones we’ve forged through struggle, triumph, and progress. Our superheroes are not just symbols of the past; they are living legacies of resistance, creativity, and empowerment.
They remind us that the story of Black excellence is not about suffering alone—it is about reclaiming joy, rewriting history, and celebrating the power of Black voices, in all their diversity. As we honour these remarkable changemakers, we celebrate their influence today and how their stories continue to inspire.
Eight of us have come together to share the Black figures who have profoundly shaped our lives. These are the people who challenge systems, break boundaries, and leave a mark that echoes across time. Through their courage, and their relentless drive for justice, they have paved the way for us to reclaim our place in history. Below, we honour their lives and their legacies, heroes who remind us to keep pushing forward.
Marsha P. Johnson: The Vanguard of LGBTQ+ Rights
Marsha P. Johnson was a trailblazing Black transgender activist, drag queen, and central figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. If you consider what she faced growing up in the 50s and 60s as a person of colour, then add transgender identity and a loud voice for the marginalised into the mix, you begin to grasp the revolutionary figure she was. Best known for her role in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, Marsha was a fearless advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth and transgender people, particularly those of colour.
Alongside Sylvia Rivera, she co-founded STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries) to support transgender individuals facing homelessness and poverty. Her activism, joy, and resilience in the face of adversity made her an enduring icon, inspiring generations in the fight for equality and justice. Personally, her extravagant floral headpieces remind me of my own family heritage from the South Pacific—where flowers in hair are symbols of joy, culture, and pride.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti: The Lioness of Lisabi
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a pioneering Nigerian activist and educator, known for her unwavering commitment to women’s rights, anti-colonialism, and social justice. Born in 1900 in Abeokuta, she became one of the first Nigerian women to study abroad. Her exposure to foreign education ignited her progressive ideas, and upon returning to Nigeria, she dedicated her life to activism, especially focused on empowering women and challenging the British colonial system.
In the 1940s, she founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union (AWU), one of Africa’s largest women’s movements. Under her leadership, the AWU fought against oppressive colonial taxation targeting Nigerian women. Through organised protests and negotiations, Funmilayo led the movement to a historic victory, forcing the abdication of a local king who collaborated with the British. Her activism wasn’t limited to Nigeria; she became a global voice for women’s rights and anti-imperialism. Her legacy extends through her family, most notably her son, Fela Kuti, whose activism through music mirrored her revolutionary spirit. Funmilayo remains a fearless advocate for women’s rights and African liberation, a changemaker whose impact endures.
Issa Rae: A New Voice in Hollywood
Issa Rae, actress, writer, and producer, has expanded the narrative of Black women in TV beyond the tired stereotypes. Through her hit show Insecure, Issa Rae introduced Issa Dee—a character who is awkward, introspective, and deeply relatable—shattering the outdated tropes that had long boxed in Black women on screen. Her work humanises Black women’s stories, making space for complexities that mainstream media had often ignored.
Thanks to Issa Rae and other trailblazing creators, we now see more diverse and authentic portrayals of Black women, including the full spectrum of our experiences—funny, flawed, and everything in between. Issa’s work feels personal; it mirrors the journey of many Black women who are tired of seeing themselves represented as one-dimensional. She has opened the door to stories that feel real, and through her creativity, she is shaping a new cultural narrative for us all.
Daryl Davis: Blues Music Extraordinaire
Daryl Davis is not only a talented blues musician but also a man whose unique approach to dismantling hatred has led to direct, life-altering change. Over the years, Davis has personally convinced between 40 and 60 members of the Ku Klux Klan to give up their robes, and his indirect influence has caused over 200 to leave the Klan altogether. Through courageous and often tense conversations, Davis discovered that many Klan members held deep misconceptions about Black people, rooted in indoctrination from their youth. His approach was simple yet profound: reach out, sit down, and listen.
One powerful quote that stands out to me from Daryl is, “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?” It captures the essence of his mission—challenging the very basis of racial hatred by fostering understanding and empathy. Davis even collects the robes of former Klan members as proof that these once deeply racist individuals have changed their minds and are working to undo their own prejudices. His work demonstrates the radical impact of communication, showing that even the most ingrained hatred can be dismantled with persistence and patience.
Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton: Formula One Trailblazer
Sir Lewis Hamilton’s career as the first and only Black Formula One driver has redefined what it means to break barriers in a sport historically dominated by white drivers. Since his debut, Hamilton has shattered records, becoming the most successful driver in the sport’s history. With seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, he is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most championships in F1 history, a remarkable achievement in a field that long excluded people who looked like him.
Beyond his prowess on the track, Hamilton has used his platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsport. In 2020, he founded the Hamilton Commission in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering to tackle the barriers faced by Black people in the British motorsport industry. The Commission’s 2021 report offered recommendations to make engineering and motorsport more inclusive, and Hamilton further solidified his commitment by launching the Mission 44 foundation to create pathways for young Black individuals to pursue careers in motorsport.
Even with his immense success, Hamilton remains frustrated by the slow pace of change, recently expressing, “We just did a team photo and I still look and I’m like, ‘Damn, we still have so much work to do.’” His drive to push for both sporting excellence and systemic change makes him a powerful force in motorsport and beyond.
Yaa Asantewaa: The Warrior Queen
Yaa Asantewaa was the Queen Mother of the Ashanti Empire (modern-day Ghana), most famous for leading the Ashanti rebellion against British colonial forces in the early 20th century, known as the War of the Golden Stool. The British wanted the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of the Ashanti people. But Yaa Asantewaa, defiant and proud, rose to defend it, rallying the Ashanti people with a speech that still echoes today: “If you, the men of Asante, will not go forward, then we will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight the white men. We will fight till the last of us falls on the battlefield.”
Her fierce resistance made her a symbol of defiance and courage. Though the British eventually defeated the Ashanti forces, her leadership and bravery remain legendary. Ghana’s independence from British rule in 1957 is, in part, a testament to her unrelenting spirit. Her story, one my mother shared with me as a child, has always stayed with me—a reminder of the strength of women and the power of resistance. Yaa Asantewaa’s legacy lives on, inspiring me and countless others.
Shonda Rhimes: Award-Winning Entertainer
Shonda Rhimes is an award-winning television creator, producer, and author, as well as the CEO of Shondaland, the powerhouse media company behind some of the most successful shows on television. Rhimes is the creative genius behind long-running hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and more recently, she created Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Her shows have captivated global audiences, mixing thrilling storylines with a depth of emotional nuance that keeps viewers hooked.
What I admire most about Rhimes is her ability to tell Black stories with authenticity and richness. She brings to life narratives that touch on discrimination in the workplace, healthcare inequities, interracial relationships, and the maternal health crisis for Black women. Her work doesn’t shy away from difficult truths but presents them in ways that resonate deeply with audiences, allowing viewers to see themselves in the stories she tells. For me, Shonda’s work goes beyond entertainment—it’s about representation and visibility, making sure that Black lives and experiences are seen and understood on a mainstream level.
Through her storytelling, Shonda Rhimes has created a cultural shift, breaking down barriers in an industry that often marginalises Black voices. Her work has not only entertained but empowered, proving that representation on screen can have a profound impact on how we see ourselves and the world.
Reclaiming the Narrative: A Call to Celebrate
Our superheroes are more than historical figures—they are the embodiment of what it means to reclaim the narrative. As we celebrate Black History Month 2024, we stand on their shoulders, carrying their legacies forward by continuing to tell our own stories—on our own terms. These are the voices that show us it’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving, celebrating joy, and forging a future where our communities are uplifted and empowered.
Their impact is a reminder: we are not bound by the narratives given to us. We define who we are. And through their lives, we find the strength to keep pushing for a world where our voices are central to the stories that shape us.
A collaborative article, brought to you by: Ayo Ogunde, David Brooks, Karla Ogbummuo, Gerad Gyedu, Blessing Emmanuel, Almasi Samuels, Yemisi Ayodele and Nathan Kwarteng Amaning