Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin was a pioneering African American journalist, publisher, and activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She dedicated her life to advancing racial equality, women's rights, and education. Ruffin founded the first African American women's newspaper, the *Women's Era*, and was involved in numerous organizations advocating for Black communities. She worked tirelessly to promote African American culture, history, and civil rights, playing a vital role in shaping early Black advocacy and empowering women to participate actively in social change.