Freedom is a concept in which people have equal responsibilities, equal obligations, and equal rights. America has not been the land of the free for black people. From Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman, to Rosa Parks and Coretta Scott King, black women have played significant roles in the struggle for equality.

I daydream that one day we will judge people by their character, and not the color of their skins. Until then, it is far better that significant Americans be classified by race and gender, than to be forgotten.

These three significant Americans were each educators. They were also black women who worked through various systems that were in place during their different times. The first was relatively unsuccessful compared to the other two. Somebody had to set the stage for the other two.

Charlotte Ray (1850 - 1911) was a teacher at Howard University. While teaching there, she earned a law degree. With her admission to the bar in Washington D.C. in 1872, Charlotte became the first black woman in America to become a lawyer. Her practice was not successful due to public prejudice against both blacks, and women in professional businesses. She returned to New York, taught public school, and became Mrs. Fraim. Little is known about her after this. Her accomplishment, though, was very significant. Her legacy has inspired many black women to pursue education and law degrees.

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875 - 1955) was an extraordinary educator. This great American founded Bethune-Cookman College. She worked for FDR's campaign in 1932, and sought his support for federal legislation to outlaw lynching. She became a New Deal official working for educational opportunities for black youths. She was active in black civil rights organizations. So very highly regarded was Mary, that her home in Washington D.C. is preserved as a National Historical Site, and the first statue of a great black American commissioned in Washington D.C. is of her.

Barbara Jordan (1936 - 1996) wanted to go to Harvard to earn her law degree. She was 'discouraged' to do so, and obtained it at Boston University in 1959 instead. She became politically active serving Lyndon Johnson's campaign in 1960. He took notice of this great American, and served as her mentor. She was unsuccessful in her first two bids for Texas legislative seats, but became a Texas State Senator on her third attempt. In 1972, she and Andrew Young became the first black people elected to the United States Congress

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