1884 Judy W. Reed was the first Black woman to file and receive a US patent. Her invention is called a “Dough Kneader and Roller.” No other information exists about her in historical records.
1933 Ruth Ella Moore became the first Black American woman to earn a PhD in natural science. She studied bacteriology and taught at Howard University.
1943 Euphemia Lofton Haynes was the first Black American woman to earn a PhD in mathematics.
1973 Shirley Ann Jackson is the first Black American woman to earn a PhD from MIT and the second Black American woman to earn a doctorate in physics in the United States.
1986 Patricia Bath invented the laserphaco probe for cataract treatment in 1986. She is the first Black American to complete a residency in ophthalmology at New York University and the first Black American female doctor to receive a medical patent. Her device enabled surgeons to restore sight to many people who were blind for as long as thirty years.
1992 Mae Carol Jemison is an engineer, physician, children’s author, and NASA astronaut. She became the first Black American woman to travel into space in 1992 when she served as a mission specialist on the space shuttle Endeavor. Since retiring from NASA, she has written several children’s books and made an appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation among other television appearances.
2019 Dr. Venita Simpson became the first Black woman to complete a Neurosurgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine since the program began in 1956. She’s also a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy.
Find more about Badass Trailblazers in STEM on page 158.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”
—Oprah Winfrey, American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer and philanthropist
Dear Badass Black Girl,
Despite my time partying as a teenager, I’ve always played by the rules. While I spent hours reading Victor Hugo and writing short stories—and brought home the good grades my parents expected—my friends Lola and Estelle snuck into nightclubs and smoked cigarettes on forbidden road trips. They smoked pot together and wore black lace under their school uniforms. I was too boring—a girl who kissed and told. I even sinned and told. We left a store once with Twix bars that hadn’t been paid for. I was the one to hike back into the supermarket in the pouring rain, plunk my buck down on the counter, and tell the cashier, “I don’t think I paid for this.” I had an innocent look about me too. Wide-eyed and sweet.
Now, as a badass Black woman running her own company, these values hold up the foundation of my business: my clients trust me because I am dedicated and honest. It’s important to remember that it’s never too late to change if you’ve resorted to cheating in the past. You can make things right for yourself by shifting directions and doing things honestly.
Reconnect with the child in you. Think for a moment about what you liked to do as a child: What games did you like to play? Which activities gave you pleasure? This exercise may seem futile, but it will help you figure out your deepest likes and dislikes. Close your eyes and imagine some scenes from your everyday life, back when you were in elementary school. What gave you the most pleasure? What did you find the most fun? Did you enjoy group activities or prefer to work alone?
These memories are valuable because they help you become aware of your talents and the activities that appeal to you most today. What makes us vibrate as a child is not so far from what captivates us in our teenage years or adulthood. The strengths and talents that underlie these activities are the same, but are simply used in different environments. Next, identify that one element that most likely brings you joy during your current activities.
Kenbe,
MJ
“Everything is worth it. The hard work, the times when you’re tired, the times where you’re a bit sad, in the end, it’s all worth it because it really makes me happy. There’s nothing better than loving what you do.”
—Aaliyah, American singer, actress, and model
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“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: the potential for greatness lives within each of us.”
—Wilma Rudolph, African American sprinter
What three things are you most proud of in your life right now? | If you only had to do one thing in the time you have left to live, what would that thing be? | What is your mission in life or the contribution you have to make to the world? | What is “no big deal” to you that others struggle with? | What do you do well without thinking? | For what tasks or activities do you receive the most compliments and positive signs of recognition? | We all have activities that come naturally to us—those things we excel in with little effort or prior knowledge. What comes naturally to you? | There are too many problems in the world to count, but among all the problems in the world, one thing bothers you the most. What one problem in the world do you want to solve? | What do you receive praise for that satisfies you the most? | What would you do if money wasn’t an issue? | Do you find people often compliment you on skills that seem easy? | Are there any activities you’ve performed at school that make you lose track of time? | What do you think you can do well but haven’t tried yet? Why haven’t you gone for them? | What activities do you finish and think, “I can’t wait to do that again”? | What have you done well without needing instructions? | What have other people told you you’re great at? | Think back over your life by starting with your earliest memories. On what have you been complimented? Noticed or rewarded for? What feedback have you received that rang true with you? | Examine your possessions and what you’ve collected: books, equipment, memorabilia, treasures, tools, knick-knacks, furniture, etc. Are there any thematic elements to your most prized possessions? What does this reveal about you? For example, if you collect comic books and art supplies, you might be a great graphic novelist! | What was the happiest day of your life? Why? What happened that day that affirmed something foundational about yourself? | Your worst day? Why? What was trampled on? | What activity (school-related or extracurricular) brings you the most satisfaction? | What bores you or makes you feel tired, wooden, and forced into doing it? | What do you realize or understand more than most people? | If you could change one thing about the world and what we experience by being here, what would that be? | Blogs, ads, YouTube, newsletters, webinars, radio, infomercials, conferences—all of these are good for learning new skills and about the world around you. But how much do you know about what you think? Pay attention to your thoughts. Buy a small notebook, carry it with you, and take notes on yourself: what attracts you, engages you, fires up your heart? | What does passion mean to you? | What are you good at, and who will pay you to do it? | Where is the overlap between what you’re currently doing and what you want to do? | What are you interested in learning more about? | What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind for badass girls in the future? | What is your unique purpose in the world? | What do you want to achieve that brings you joy? | What do other people tell you you’re passionate about? Good at? | What do you daydream about? | What would you do if you didn’t have to work?