Celebrating Notable Women from Texas History

March 8th commemorates women’s fight against patriarchy, and the fight aimed to achieve equal rights and opportunities for women and girls everywhere. International Women’s Day is observed globally and it also celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. 

In order to celebrate the women in our community let’s take a look at some of the women in Texas who have led the fight by example, providing an empowering and inspiring role for women all across the state.

Barbara Jordan

Barbara Charline Jordan is known for being a strong leader in the Civil Rights Movement. She was the first African American elected to the Texas state senate and the first Black Texan in Congress. She’s known all across the country for her marvelous opening statement at the House Judiciary Committee hearings during President Nixon’s impeachment process. A lawyer, educator, and skillful politician, Jordan has sure served as inspiration for little girls everywhere who dream of shaping our nation.

Ann Richards

To this day, Ann Richard is the last Democrat to serve as Governor of Texas. Richards was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, and a fervent feminist. A professional school teacher, she started off in politics by training fellow women candidates and managers on campaign techniques. She won her first election in 1976 as a Travis County commissioner. A few years later she was elected state treasurer, where she was credited with greatly modernizing the operations of the treasury.

Emma Tenayuca

Born in San Antonio, Emma Tenayuca was a prominent labor leader, union organizer, and educator. She is best known for leading the 1938 San Antonio pecan shellers strike. People who knew her called her “La Pasionaria”, an endearing nickname given to her for her efforts on behalf of the working poor of San Antonio. A dedicated and one-of-a-kind fighter for labor rights, she founded two international ladies’ garment workers unions and was involved in both the Worker’s Alliance of America and Woman’s League for Peace and Freedom.