Memphis has long been home to remarkable women whose courage, innovation, and leadership have left a lasting mark on history. From advocating for civil rights to pioneering new industries, these women paved the way for progress in their communities and beyond. This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating some of the women in Memphis who have made an impact and their enduring legacies.
Champions of Equality
- Ida B. Wells – A teacher-turned-journalist, Wells was a fearless anti-lynching activist and suffragist who used her powerful voice to fight for justice and racial equality.
- Mary Church Terrell – As a founding member and later president of the National Association of Colored Women, Terrell was a prominent suffragist and civil rights advocate. She also played a key role in establishing the NAACP.
- Equality Trailblazers Mural – This striking public art installation in Memphis honors the many local women who fought for suffrage, civil rights, and gender equality.
Entrepreneurs and Pioneers
- The Lee Sisters – This inspiring trio made history as the founders of Tennessee’s first African-American-owned tour company, paving the way for future Black entrepreneurs.
- Elma Neal Roane – A fearless advocate for women in sports, Roane led the charge for gender equality in athletics, ensuring women had equal opportunities in competition.
- Lucie Campbell – A gifted teacher and musician, Campbell composed hymns that resonated deeply within the African American community and worked to advance education.
- Annie Cook – During the devastating Yellow Fever epidemic, Cook courageously transformed her home into a hospital, caring for the sick when many fled the city.
- Lena Angevine Warner – A nurse during the Yellow Fever crisis, Warner fought for improved sanitation and public health measures in Memphis.
The Power of Women’s Voices
- WHER–All-Girl Radio – As the first all-female-staffed radio station in the U.S., WHER gave women a new platform to make their voices heard. Marion Keisker, a pioneering broadcaster, was the station’s first voice on air.
- Estelle Axton – A co-founder of STAX Records, Axton played a key role in shaping Memphis’ iconic soul music scene.
You can follow the Memphis Women’s Legacy Trail through downtown, Central Avenue, Elmwood Cemetery, and other notable spots to learn more about these women and even more local pioneers.
