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.
Video has Closed Captions
Charlotta Bass was the first Black woman to run for Vice President of the United States. (12m 32s)
Zitkála-Šá: Trailblazing American Indian Composer and Writer
Video has Closed Captions
Zitkála-Šá co-composed and wrote the libretto for the first American Indian opera. (11m 39s)
Jeannette Rankin: The First Woman Member of U.S. Congress
Video has Closed Captions
Jeannette Rankin made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress. (12m 38s)
Jovita Idar: Mexican American Activist and Journalist
Video has Closed Captions
Jovita Idar was a Latina journalist who worked for an end to segregation and racism. (11m 8s)
Martha Hughes Cannon: The First Woman State Senator
Video has Closed Captions
Martha Hughes Cannon was a historic state senator and public health pioneer. (12m 23s)
She was a Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder of the NAACP
Video has Closed Captions
Mary Church Terrell was a suffragist, civil rights activist and co-founder of the NAACP. (11m 53s)
She was a Daredevil Performer & Advocate for the Blind
Video has Closed Captions
Sonora Webster Carver (1904-2003) was one of the most famous horse divers in the world. (10m 2s)
She was the First Woman to Swim Across the English Channel
Video has Closed Captions
Gertrude Ederle made history in 1926 as the first woman to swim across the English Channel (11m 54s)
Queen Lili‘uokalani - The First and Last Queen of Hawai‘i
Video has Closed Captions
Queen Lili‘uokalani was the first sovereign queen, and the last monarch of Hawai'i. (12m 14s)
Sissieretta Jones was a Trailblazing Black Opera Singer
Video has Closed Captions
Sissieretta Jones was the first Black woman to headline a concert at Carnegie Hall. (11m 5s)
The First American Indian Doctor
Video has Closed Captions
Susan La Flesche Picotte became the first American Indian woman doctor. (11m 37s)
Annie Smith Peck: Record-Breaking Mountaineer
Video has Closed Captions
She was a record-breaking mountaineer, educator and suffragist. (10m 40s)
Gladys Bentley: Gender-Bending Performer and Musician
Video has Closed Captions
Gladys Bentley was a musical sensation and gender identity pioneer. (11m 51s)
The First American-Born Chinese Woman Doctor
Video has Closed Captions
Margaret Chung became the first American-born Chinese woman doctor in 1916. (10m 18s)
She was a leader of the American labor movement
Video has Closed Captions
Rose Schneiderman was a pioneering labor organizer and suffragist. (10m 59s)
She was the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S.
Video has Closed Captions
Tye Leung Schulze was the first Chinese American woman to vote in a U.S. election. (10m 18s)
This Astronomer Discovered Over 300 Stars During Her Career
Video has Closed Captions
Williamina Fleming went from doing domestic work to becoming a trailblazing astronomer. (9m 34s)
She was an American Cinema Pioneer
Video has Closed Captions
Lois Weber was an early film pioneer and one of the first directors to own a film studio. (12m 12s)
The First Woman to Lead Arctic Expeditions
Video has Closed Captions
Louise Arner Boyd was the first American woman to lead arctic expeditions. (10m)
Meta Warrick Fuller: Trailblazing African American Sculptor
Video has Closed Captions
Meta Warrick Fuller celebrated African American cultural identity through her artwork. (11m 25s)
Anna May Wong: The first Asian American Movie Star
Video has Closed Captions
Anna May Wong spent her acting career resisting racism and typecasting in Hollywood. (11m 25s)
Ynés Mexía: Mexican-American Botanist and Adventurer
Video has Closed Captions
Ynés Mexía became one of the most accomplished plant collectors of her time. (9m 17s)
Lillian Gilbreth: Pioneering Inventor
Video has Closed Captions
Lillian Gilbreth was the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering. (10m 20s)
Maggie Lena Walker: Civil Rights Activist and Entrepreneur
Video has Closed Captions
Maggie Lena Walker was the first African-American woman bank founder and president. (9m 40s)
Grace Abbott: Social Work Pioneer
Video has Closed Captions
Grace Abbott spent her life fighting for the rights of women, children and immigrants. (9m 4s)
Video has Closed Captions
Bessie Coleman was the first African American woman aviator. (9m 3s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship