There exist many individuals who have made some sort of impact on the lives of others, but when it comes to African-American women, their contributions to humanity go largely unseen. There are numerous individuals who have set an example not only to black women, but to people of all ages, genders, races. These figureheads of Black society were able to overcome their individual challenges, while demonstrating to the world that the true prize comes when you ignore mediocrity and strive for excellence.

The leadership of Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Ida B. Wells Barnett, are only some of the more popular subjects that are taught while in grade school, but like most, our education on these important personalities halts just when we begin to understand the influence that their actions had on the world we live in today.

So, just who exactly were these women? And what were their contributions our society? After all, Harriet Tubman was more than a "Railroad" conductor, Sojourner Truth was not just a public speaker, and Ida B. Wells Barnett was much more than a writer. These women are celebrated figures in both African American and Women's history, that not only became admired leaders to their peers, but also risked their personal lives in order to fight for what they believed in.

For example, Harriet Tubman is most famous for her position as a conductor of the Underground Railroad. She risked her own safety every time she led a runaway slave down the path to freedom, since she herself was a fugitive. Even though her position as a railroad operator landed her a forty thousand dollar ransom on her head, she wasn't about to let intimidation lead her into abandoning her calling. Despite her precarious position she followed the path that she felt was just and true, and as a result Tubman has become one of the revered most black women of all time. How many people can say that they would risk their lives for people they don't even know? Nevertheless, her courage and bravery among such obvious animosity allowed for the escape of over 300 slaves beginning with her sister.

While that is what she's most famous for, it is sometimes forgotten that Tubman was also an important public speaker for anti-slavery groups, a staunch advocate for women's rights, and a huge contributor in the area of public service. The list can go on an on about her achievements but it is obvious that this woman was much more than meets the eye.

Another figure well-known for her

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