Most, if not all of us, know at least the names of important African-American historical figures such as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Shirley Chisholm, to name a few. Yet, we can’t deny that contributions by some lesser-known women were equally as important in shaping the foundation of African-American history into what it is today. Their courage, their strength, and their endurance paved the way for others, serving as beacons of inspiration for women of all races. Here are three that I’m sure you will agree deserve a place in our personal mental books of knowledge.

Cathay Williams has the very distinct honor of having been the first and only known female Buffalo Soldier! During this country’s history when women weren’t even allowed to serve as soldiers, she defied the rules, posing as a man so she could enlist and become financially independent. As William Cathay, she became a full-fledged member of the Thirty-Eighth United States Infantry, Company A, with only her cousin and a friend knowing her true identity. Eventually growing tired of military life, she faked an illness in 1868 which prompted an examination by the post surgeon. With her secret out, she was discharged on October 14, 1868.

Harriet Jacobs was born a slave in 1813 in North Carolina. No more than the tender age of twelve, she became the unwilling victim of her master’s sexual advances as was the case on many plantations. However, out of desperation to escape his grips and thwart his plan to make her his concubine, she instead let herself become pregnant by a white unmarried lawyer with whom she fell in love. Their union bore two children.

It was her role as a mother that opened her eyes to the importance of sparing her children the mark of slavery. So, in an attempt to escape, she endured what must have been a miserable life of isolation in a tiny crawl space fashioned by her uncle above the storage room of her grandmother’s house. With very little air, limited light, and not much room to move, she did what she had to do to gain freedom for herself so she would be able to see her children free as well.

Eventually, she did achieve freedom and so did her children. After moving to Alexandria, Virginia, she went on to organize a medical care facility for the victims of the Civil War and established the Jacobs Free School, an agency which provided black teachers to refugees. Today, we can read her autobiography, “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” or catch the onstage performances in the play written about her.

Old Elizabeth was an early African Methodist Episcopal preacher and writer. Born into a family of slaves, she was sold away from her family at age eleven. When she returned to visit her mother, she was severely beaten by the master. It was at this point she received her spiritual calling to become an evangelist. While in her 30’s, her fourth owner freed her, allowing her to get ready for her preaching work. In spite of harsh opposition and staunch discouragement, particularly by those who believed that the Bible prohibits women from being preachers, she carried on for many years with the mission that God had laid on her heart. Later in her life, she founded an orphanage for black children, sidestepping any opposition by staffing it with white teachers. Her autobiography was published in 1863 and republished after her death by Quakers.

In summary, it’s not a persons fame or infamy that makes them important to the world. It’s simply how their legacy relates to us all-how what they did opened the doors for others. Cathay Williams, Harriet Jacobs, and Old Elizabeth were three women who let their lives be a testimony to all. We should all try to live by that.