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ENTITY compiles list of women of color who are complete badasses

Women, especially women of color, continue to be underestimated and underrepresented. Throughout history, society has failed to appreciate and recognize the amazing accomplishments of so many women of color. But not anymore. These barrier-breaking badass women of color deserve our attention and acknowledgment for their many inspiring and groundbreaking achievements. Here are seven women of color who you should know about and aspire to be like.

1 Yara Shahidi

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @yarashahidi

You might know Yara Shahidi from her role as Zoe on ABC’s Blackish. She also stars as the lead in the TV show’s spinoff, Grownish.  At only 18 years old Yara has already made a name for herself, both inside and outside of the acting world. Yara uses her celebrity status to bring awareness to discrimination and social injustices.

She also encourages young people to educate themselves and get more involved in social issues and politics. With an African-American mother and Iranian-American father, she embraces her biracial background. Yara once said in a video “to be a black girl is to be one of the reasons the universe thrives.” Yara Shahidi is one badass woman of color!

2 Maxine Waters

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @repmaxinewaters

You better not waste Maxine Waters’ time. This California congresswoman won’t let anyone interrupt her. She is only one of 67 other women of color who has served in the United States Congress. Maxine speaks her mind, stands up for social justice and fights for what she believes in. She advocates for people who are often overlooked by the system, including women, children, people of color and the poor.  

Maxine played a major role in opposing Apartheid in South Africa. It was a bill she proposed that led California to divest in South Africa’s Apartheid government. She famously said, “riot is the voice of the unheard.” Well, Ms. Waters, we hear you now and we’re loving the message!

3 Winnie Harlow

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @winnieharlow

Winnie Harlow is a revolution! This Canadian supermodel is inspiring young girls around the world. She was born with vitiligo, a condition that causes different pigmentation throughout the skin. But she did not let it stand in the way of her dream to become a model.

Not only is Winnie raising awareness of vitiligo, but she’s breaking the stigma of the condition. As one of her Instagram post captions read: “I’m not a ‘Vitiligo Sufferer.’ I’m not a ‘Vitiligo model.’ I am Winnie. I am a model. And I happen to have Vitiligo.” She has walked the runway for top fashion designers and brands. Winnie your power to inspire women everywhere to accept and love themselves will always be in style!

4 Ava DuVernay

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @ava

Ava DuVernay is one badass boss.  Ava is one of only a handful of black female directors breaking barriers in Hollywood. She is responsible for directing critically acclaimed films, such as Selma and the documentary 13th. Her films tackle racial issues in America and she values diversity in her cast.

She is a huge inspiration for female artists, particularly female artists of color. She once said, “I think any black woman is a queen…based on who we are and what we’ve been through and how we survive and where we stand, we are on kind of sacred ground.” Well Ava, we certainly worship the ground you stand on and the ceilings you continue to break!

5 Malala Yousafzai

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @malalafund

Malala Yousafzai is a fighter, through and through. Born in Pakistan, where girls are discouraged from pursuing an education, Malala was shot in the head at the age of 15 by the Taliban for attending school. But not even this could stop her from fighting for equal education for girls and women.

Malala received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her contribution to women’s rights. In a speech at the United Nations she powerfully said “I raise up my voice – not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. ” If a bullet wasn’t able to silence this fierce woman, then nothing will.

6 America Ferrera

Photo via Instagram/ @americaferrera

I’m down to put this America first! Named after our nation, America Ferrera embodies the values that our country should stand for. The actress is an avid activist. She started an organization called Harness, whose mission is to get more people involved in activism to spark social change. She supports the empowerment of marginalized communities, like Latina women.

America also helped lead the 2017 Women’s March in Washington D.C., where she spoke. During her speech she said “our most vulnerable communities have been facing the issues that are all of a sudden front page news for decades and generations.” America the great, we salute you!

7 Michelle Obama

ENTITY complies list of women of color that are complete badasses

Photo via Instagram/ @kultur.d

Everyone loves Michelle Obama, I mean she’s Michelle Obama. Let’s hear it for the first African-American first lady! Michelle did not need to ride on her husband’s coattails to make an impact. She was one of the most active and influential first ladies in U.S. history. Her various campaigns ranged from fighting for equal education for girls around the world to health and nutrition. She always said that education was power: “every girl, no matter where she lives, deserves the opportunity to develop the promise inside of her.”  Michelle made it her mission to let little girls everywhere know that their opinions and ideas are valuable.

The mother of two became a “mother figure” to many of us across the country, and around the world. While no longer in the White House, she continues to be a positive influence. Michelle Obama you are a role model for women of color and people everywhere. Most badass first lady ever!

Edited by Chloe Lew
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