Every February, Black History Month is celebrated. As we remind ourselves, there are countless Black genius trailblazers whose contributions we may not fully know, or whose impact we sometimes take for granted. Yet, it is never too late to acknowledge these women and honor the ways they have shaped culture, education, and humanity. Whether in February, or any other day.
Girl Now Woman Later recognizes and appreciates two remarkable women from different time and space and who stood as examples of determination, resilience, vision, and leadership. Through education, innovation, and advocacy, these women expanded opportunities for girls and women worldwide. The champions featured below remind us that one’s circumstances are not a barrier, but a power within. Please join us in celebrating and adding these two to our Black History Month repertoire and recognition: Septima Poinsette Clark and Farida Sonia Tiemtoré.
Born on May 3, 1898, in Charleston, South Carolina, Septima Poinsette Clark was an educator and civil rights activist who believed that education was the foundation of freedom. At a time when Black Americans, particularly women, were systematically denied access to education and civic participation, Clark dedicated her life to teaching literacy as a tool for female empowerment.
Through Clark’s work with Citizenship Schools, she helped thousands of Black adults, especially women, learn how to read, write, and understand their rights. Clark enabled them to register to vote and participate fully in society. Despite facing discrimination, job loss, and political retaliation, Clark remained unwavering in her mission.
Septima Clark’s legacy reminds us that education is not only about learning. It is also about dignity, voice, and liberation. Her contributions continue to inspire generations of girls to see knowledge as power and themselves as agents of change.
THEN: Septima Poinsette Clark
Farida Sonia Tiemtoré is a dynamic Burkinabè activist. Tiemtoré is also the founder of Les Héroïnes du Faso, a movement dedicated to uplifting and educating young women and girls across Burkina Faso. Through her digital platform and community programs, Farida highlights female role models, advocates for reproductive health education, and leads initiatives that help girls understand their rights and protect themselves against gender-based violence.
NOW: Farida Sonia Tiemtoré
Through outreach seminars, leadership campaigns, and sexual and reproductive health programs, Tiemtoré’s organization ensures that girls have access to accurate information, supportive networks, and safe spaces to grow and lead. Her work reflects courage, innovation, and a deep commitment to transforming the lives of girls and young women. Even in the face of widespread challenges such as child marriage, violence, and limited access to education.
Farida Tiemtoré’s leadership demonstrates that empowerment begins with knowledge and that young women everywhere deserve the opportunity to dream, learn, and lead.
At Girl Now Woman Later, we carry forward this legacy by equipping girls with education, confidence, and the tools to lead healthy, stable, positive, well-balanced, and empowered lives. As we celebrate these Champions of Change, we recommit ourselves to building a future where every girl has the knowledge, dignity, and support she deserves not only during Black History Month, but every day of the year.
#ChampionsOfChange #BlackHistoryMonth #SeptimaClark #FaridaSoniaTiemtoré #BlackWomenLeaders #EducationIsPower #AfricanWomen #GirlNowWomanLater