Passing the Torch

Since Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619, women have been involved inthe African American experience. They have been, and still are, instrumental in shaping America and in the journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom. Despite the fact they were at the bottom of the social ladder, deprived of all rights, vulnerable to sexual and physical abuse by White males, and disliked and scorned by many White women, African American womenheld their families and communities together (Davis, 1982). They have distinguished themselves by their perseverance, ability to adapt and overcome hardships, and abilities to meet the challenges that face them every day. African American women have faced triple barriers-race, gender, and class. These barriers have given them the courage to succeed in their chosen professions-education, law, business, medicine, entertainment. Mary McLeod Bethune stated,