We’re Celebrating Six Black Women Who Achieved Historic Firsts

These trailblazers — both past and present — broke barriers, redefined possibility, and transformed their industries. Their contributions may not always be widely known, but they absolutely deserve their flowers.

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1. Dr. Bobbi Peterson — The First Black Woman to Design an Electric Toothbrush

Howard University alumna and powerhouse dentist Dr. Bobbi Peterson made history as the first Black woman — and the first woman ever — to design an electronic, battery-operated toothbrush. Her creation, the Big Mouth toothbrush, was engineered to improve efficiency and accessibility in oral care, especially for families.

Beyond her historic invention, Dr. Peterson owns her own thriving dental practice, provides internships for aspiring dental professionals, and offers free orthodontic evaluations in her community. She also authored the children’s book Tanner’s Teeth, continuing her mission to inspire young Black children just as her father, a dentist himself, once inspired her.

Photo: Dr. Bobbi Peterson / Big Mouth Toothbrush

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2. Barbara Gardner Proctor — The First Black Woman to Own an Advertising Agency

In 1970, Chicago businesswoman Barbara Gardner Proctor became the first Black woman in the United States to own an advertising agency. Raised by her grandparents in a modest home without electricity or running water, Proctor rose from humble beginnings to carve out a historic career.

She earned a scholarship to Talladega College, later working for the Urban League, DownBeat magazine, and Vee-Jay Records — where she played a pivotal role in introducing The Beatles to the American market.

With an $80,000 loan from the Small Business Administration, she launched Proctor & Gardner Advertising, and within six years, it became the nation’s largest Black-owned ad agency. By the early 1980s, the firm had $12 million in billings and an impressive roster of clients. Proctor also served as president of the League of Black Women and was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

Photo: WTTW News

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3. Dr. Nadine Burke Harris — The First Black Surgeon General of California

In 2019, renowned pediatrician Dr. Nadine Burke Harris was appointed as California’s first-ever Surgeon General — making her the first Black woman to hold that position. A graduate of UC Berkeley, UC Davis School of Medicine, and Harvard University (MPH), she completed her pediatric residency at Stanford University before dedicating her career to addressing childhood trauma.

As Surgeon General, Dr. Burke Harris championed public health initiatives for underserved communities, focusing on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and advocating for systemic solutions to improve long-term health outcomes for vulnerable children.

Photo: Winokur Photography

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4. Mariya Russell — The First Black Woman to Earn a Michelin Star

Ohio-born chef Mariya Russell made culinary history by becoming the first Black woman to earn a Michelin star — a milestone achieved in the Michelin Guide’s 94-year history. Her journey began in culinary school, followed by roles as a line cook and later as a collaborator with chef Noah Sandoval.

Russell eventually took charge of the restaurant Kikko in Chicago, where she oversaw menu development, ingredient selection, and guest experience. Her meticulous approach, creativity, and leadership earned the restaurant a prestigious Michelin star, forever cementing her legacy in fine dining.

Photo: Kikko

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5. Pamela Uba — The First Black Woman Crowned Miss Ireland

Born in South Africa and raised in Ireland, Pamela Uba made international history in 2021 as the first Black woman to become Miss Ireland since the pageant began in 1947.

Her journey was far from easy — Uba spent 10 years living in direct provision and relied on her mother’s determination to help her pursue higher education. She earned a master’s degree in clinical chemistry from Trinity College Dublin and worked at Galway University Hospital.

A serendipitous moment — being mistaken for a contestant at a Miss Galway event — inspired her to enter beauty pageants. After years of perseverance, she won Miss Galway, served through the pandemic, returned to compete, and ultimately captured the Miss Ireland crown at age 26.

Photo: Pamela Uba / Instagram @pamela.ashley.uba

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6. Ava DuVernay — The First Black Woman to Win Sundance’s Best Dramatic Directing Award

Visionary filmmaker Ava DuVernay has long been a force behind the camera, reshaping Hollywood with her bold storytelling. She achieved a groundbreaking milestone when she became the first Black woman to win the Sundance Film Festival’s Best Director Award for her 2012 film Middle of Nowhere.

DuVernay later became the first Black woman nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director for a Motion Picture, further solidifying her influence on the industry. Her work — from Selma to When They See Us — continues to inspire the next generation of filmmakers through its emotional depth, social impact, and artistic excellence.