Thursday Thirteen

March is celebrated as Women's History Month in many countries, including the United States. It's a time to honor the contributions, achievements, and influence of women throughout history and in our present day. The celebration also aligns with International Women's Day on March 8, which is a global occasion to advocate for gender equality and women's rights.

Here’s a list of 13 remarkable women from Virginia, spanning history and various fields of achievement:

1. Pocahontas (c. 1596–1617) - A Native American figure known for her association with the Jamestown colony and her role in fostering peace between English settlers and her people.

2. Martha Washington (1731–1802) - The first First Lady of the United States, she set the precedent for the role and was a key supporter of her husband, George Washington.

3. Dolley Madison (1768–1849) - Known for her social grace and bravery, she saved important artifacts during the War of 1812, including a portrait of George Washington.

4. Elizabeth Keckley (1818–1907) - Born enslaved in Virginia, she became a successful seamstress and confidante to Mary Todd Lincoln, later publishing her memoirs.

5. Maggie Lena Walker (1864–1934) - The first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president, she was a leader in civil rights and economic empowerment.

6. Ella Graham Agnew (1871–1958) - An educator and social worker, she was the first woman appointed to a federal position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

7. Ellen Glasgow (1873–1945) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist from Richmond, known for her works depicting life in the South.

8. Anne Spencer (1882–1975) - A poet and civil rights activist from Lynchburg, her work was part of the Harlem Renaissance.

9. Sarah Lee Fain (1888–1962) - One of the first two women elected to the Virginia General Assembly, advocating for education and women's rights.

10. Pearl Bailey (1918–1990) - A celebrated singer and actress from Newport News, known for her Broadway performances and humanitarian work.

11. Christine Darden (born 1942) - A mathematician and aerospace engineer from Hampton, she was a key figure at NASA and contributed to supersonic flight research.

12. Katie Couric (born 1957) - A journalist and television personality from Arlington, she became the first solo female anchor of a major evening news program in the U.S.

13. Patsy Cline (1932–1963) - A legendary country music singer from Winchester, known for hits like "Crazy" and "Walkin' After Midnight."

And two extras, just because 13 isn't enough:

Barbara Johns (1935–1991) - At just 16 years old, she led a student strike in Farmville, Virginia, which became part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case.

Lila Meade Valentine (1865–1921) - A suffragist and education reformer from Richmond, she played a significant role in advocating for women's voting rights.

Virginia has a rich history of influential women who have shaped the state and the nation.

_________________

Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while, and this is my 897th time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday. Or so sayth the Blogger counter, anyway.