Just about every American can instantly name at least a few famous black men who have been at the forefront of seeking equality within U.S. culture.

Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Jesse Jackson, Congressman John Lewis and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall are common examples.

But now name a black woman who contributed on par with the African American men above.

Can you –- without Googling it?

Some people might be able to name Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman. However, it’s a fact that black women have not only struggled for equality in America for centuries alongside men, but they have endured an extra layer of discrimination. That includes historical obscurity.

For most of American history, women of all races have largely taken a second seat to men. Consider that no woman could vote until the passage of the 14th Amendment in 1920. When you add being black onto being a woman, it becomes obvious that they represent what has long been a marginalized segment of society.

For example, do you know who Ella Baker is? She played an enormous and consequential role in the Civil Rights movement, beginning in 1930. Among her first influential positions was serving as an editor for the Negro National News. She joined with fellow journalist George Schuyler to form the Young Negros Cooperative League. This organization played an important role in bolstering the African American community by creating collective networks that developed economic opportunities.

Ella Baker remained active for decades and was a major force in winning equality for blacks up until her death at age 83.

Or how about Fannie Lou Hammer? Her name may not be a household word, but Hammer was a powerful advocate of voting rights, a community organizer and a leader in the Civil Rights movement. Based in Mississippi, Hammer became active in 1962 and was a co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus. Her contribution cannot be overstated. Hammer was awarded an honorary Doctor of Law from Shaw University and many other recognitions.

Today, a black woman holds the second-highest office in the land. Vice President Kamala Harris will be the first to tell you that she was able to attain her position because she stood on the shoulders of giants. She also acknowledges that black women have much work ahead in elevating themselves to their rightful status as equal members of American society.