In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly ignored — rather than championed — it’s essential to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black female agricultural and food trailblazers. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovative solutions, these pioneers have shattered barriers, challenged stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations.

In this article, we’re paying homage to five extraordinary Black female authors, inventors, and scientists whose resilience, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on the community and beyond. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and honor their legacy in the agricultural and food spaces.

1. Marie Maynard Daly

After earning a Ph.D. from Columbia University and making history as the first African American woman to do so in chemistry, Daly pursued teaching and research. Her work at Columbia focused on the body’s chemical processes in food digestion. Daly investigated cholesterol, sugars, and other nutrients’ impacts on heart health, uncovering the link between high cholesterol and arterial blockages. Daly’s research advanced our understanding of diet’s effects on heart and circulatory health.

Additionally, she taught biochemistry at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons before establishing a scholarship at Queens College in 1988. The goal was to honor her father and support minority students pursuing science studies, per Columbia University.

For folks looking to take Daly’s lead and improve their heart health, consider adding Activia’s Probiotic Drinks to your diet. Each offering has calcium and potassium that help lower blood pressure, per Penn State Extension. In addition, research shows that micronutrients can help manage hypertension, reducing the risk of various heart issues.

2. Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell

Born and raised in East Oakland, Dr. Johnson-Trammell is giving back to her community in a big way. As head of the Oakland Unified School District, Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell aids in educating students on the “importance of sustainable practices.”

“There is an urgent need to invest in environmental education to teach students the importance of sustainable practices, invest in sustainable infrastructure for schools, and green spaces and gardens,” Dr. Johnson-Trammell told the San Francisco Business Times. “In OUSD, we have leveraged a range of public and private partnerships to engage in this critical work, but long-term investments are critical to address the magnitude of the current issues we are experiencing and will continue to face.”

In search of an affordable way to pay it forward in your local community? Donating perishable items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, yogurt, meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs, are all great options.

3. Malinda Russell

Born in Tennessee, circa 1820, Malinda Russell hailed from a lineage of emancipated slaves. Russell operated a boarding house and pastry shop, and was a cook for prominent households. She leveraged her learnings to release a cookbook published in 1866, “A Domestic Cookbook: Containing a Careful Selection of Useful Receipts.” Russell’s goal was to use the funds from the cookbook sales to return to Tennessee, from Paw Paw, Mich.

The 39-page self-published work features 250 recipes, including classic soul food dishes to baked goods, per IFT. Not to mention, the cookbook shares tips for preparing household items. Interested in recreating one of Russell’s signature cakes? Many folks praise Russell’s lemon cake recipe, which boasts a tart yet moist taste. Swap out the butter or milk for Activia yogurt to create an ultra-fluffy and moist dessert.

4. Karen Washington

Karen Washington is a farmer, activist, physical therapist, and a New York Botanical Garden board member.

In her role at Farm School, Washington educates young New Yorkers on gardening and community organizing. Washington is a co-founder of Black Urban Growers. In addition, she partners with Black farmers to grow fresh, nutritious food for underserved communities.

“As a physical therapist, I saw firsthand the relationship to food- and diet-related diseases and the impact it was having on marginalized communities of color,” Washington told PBS. “I realized that growing food in my community garden was one way to address the lack of healthy food access in my community. After 37 years in a health system that was based on treatment and not on prevention, it was time for me to follow my passion: farming.”

5. Fannie Lou Hamer

In 1969, Fannie Lou Hamer established the Freedom Farm Cooperative, a groundbreaking initiative to empower impoverished sharecroppers. Hamer purchased prime farmland, providing these individuals with economic self-sufficiency and community empowerment opportunities. From community gardens to various income-generating companies, the Freedom Farm Cooperative prided itself on supporting those evicted for exercising their voting rights or losing their jobs, per Bread. 

In addition, the Freedom Farm Cooperative also aided families who could not afford the cost of protein via The Pig Project. The process consisted of families receiving “a piglet to raise and breed as a source of income and would then donate offspring to other families in need.”

The contributions of Black female agriculture and food trailblazers are undeniable. While we’ve only highlighted a few women, there are many women who have used their passion to inspire future generations. We hope the trend continues.