Unladylike2020
Illuminating the stories of extraordinary American heroines from the early years of feminism, American Masters — Unladylike2020 presents 26 digital short films featuring courageous, little-known and diverse female trailblazers from the turn of the 20th century.

The First Black Woman to Run for Vice President of The U.S.
Charlotta Bass was the first Black woman to run for Vice President of the United States.
The First Black Woman to Run for Vice President of The U.S.

Zitkála-Šá: Trailblazing American Indian Composer and Writer
Zitkála-Šá co-composed and wrote the libretto for the first American Indian opera.
Zitkála-Šá: Trailblazing American Indian Composer and Writer

Jeannette Rankin: The First Woman Member of U.S. Congress
Jeannette Rankin made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress.
Jeannette Rankin: The First Woman Member of U.S. Congress

Jovita Idar: Mexican American Activist and Journalist
Jovita Idar was a Latina journalist who worked for an end to segregation and racism.
Jovita Idar: Mexican American Activist and Journalist

Martha Hughes Cannon: The First Woman State Senator
Martha Hughes Cannon was a historic state senator and public health pioneer.
Martha Hughes Cannon: The First Woman State Senator

She was a Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder of the NAACP
Mary Church Terrell was a suffragist, civil rights activist and co-founder of the NAACP.
She was a Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder of the NAACP

She was a Daredevil Performer & Advocate for the Blind
Sonora Webster Carver (1904-2003) was one of the most famous horse divers in the world.
She was a Daredevil Performer & Advocate for the Blind

She was the First Woman to Swim Across the English Channel
Gertrude Ederle made history in 1926 as the first woman to swim across the English Channel
She was the First Woman to Swim Across the English Channel

Queen Lili‘uokalani - The First and Last Queen of Hawai‘i
Queen Lili‘uokalani was the first sovereign queen, and the last monarch of Hawai'i.
Queen Lili‘uokalani - The First and Last Queen of Hawai‘i

Sissieretta Jones was a Trailblazing Black Opera Singer
Sissieretta Jones was the first Black woman to headline a concert at Carnegie Hall.
Sissieretta Jones was a Trailblazing Black Opera Singer

The First American Indian Doctor
Susan La Flesche Picotte became the first American Indian woman doctor.
The First American Indian Doctor

Annie Smith Peck: Record-Breaking Mountaineer
She was a record-breaking mountaineer, educator and suffragist.
Annie Smith Peck: Record-Breaking Mountaineer

Gladys Bentley: Gender-Bending Performer and Musician
Gladys Bentley was a musical sensation and gender identity pioneer.
Gladys Bentley: Gender-Bending Performer and Musician

The First American-Born Chinese Woman Doctor
Margaret Chung became the first American-born Chinese woman doctor in 1916.
The First American-Born Chinese Woman Doctor

She was a leader of the American labor movement
Rose Schneiderman was a pioneering labor organizer and suffragist.
She was a leader of the American labor movement

She was the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S.
Tye Leung Schulze was the first Chinese American woman to vote in a U.S. election.
She was the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S.

This Astronomer Discovered Over 300 Stars During Her Career
Williamina Fleming went from doing domestic work to becoming a trailblazing astronomer.
This Astronomer Discovered Over 300 Stars During Her Career

She was an American Cinema Pioneer
Lois Weber was an early film pioneer and one of the first directors to own a film studio.
She was an American Cinema Pioneer

The First Woman to Lead Arctic Expeditions
Louise Arner Boyd was the first American woman to lead arctic expeditions.
The First Woman to Lead Arctic Expeditions

Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing African American Sculptor
Meta Warrick Fuller celebrated African American cultural identity through her artwork.
Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing African American Sculptor

Anna May Wong: The first Asian American Movie Star
Anna May Wong spent her acting career resisting racism and typecasting in Hollywood.
Anna May Wong: The first Asian American Movie Star

Ynés Mexía: Mexican-American Botanist and Adventurer
Ynés Mexía became one of the most accomplished plant collectors of her time.
Ynés Mexía: Mexican-American Botanist and Adventurer

Lillian Gilbreth: Pioneering Inventor
Lillian Gilbreth was the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Lillian Gilbreth: Pioneering Inventor

Maggie Lena Walker: Civil Rights Activist and Entrepreneur
Maggie Lena Walker was the first African-American woman bank founder and president.
Maggie Lena Walker: Civil Rights Activist and Entrepreneur

Grace Abbott: Social Work Pioneer
Grace Abbott spent her life fighting for the rights of women, children and immigrants.