New York has long been the state of dreamers–a place where people from around the world come to build new lives. Among these are extraordinary migrant women whose resilience, artistry, activism, and intellect left indelible marks on history. This Women's History Month, we celebrate six remarkable women who chose to call this state home, each forging her own path and reshaping the cultural, political, and social landscape of New York.
Clara Lemlich, Cornell University Archives
Clara Lemlich (1886-1982)
A Ukrainian Jewish immigrant, Clara Lemlich arrived in New York as a teenager in the early 1900s and quickly became a fearless labor activist. Working in the city’s garment factories, she witnessed exploitative conditions firsthand and led the famous “Uprising of 20,000” in 1909—a strike that helped secure better wages and conditions for female garment workers. Her fiery speeches and unyielding dedication to workers' rights cemented her place in history as a driving force behind labor reforms that reshaped New York’s industrial landscape. Towards the end of her life, Clara even helped organize the staff at her nursing home, urging them to fight against unfair business practices.
Join us on Sunday, April 6th at 9:30AM for a special children’s storytime and craft program focused on Clara’s work and bravery! We will be reading Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel. Click here to learn more.
Luisa Moreno, National Museum of American History
Luisa Moreno (1907-1992)
Born in Guatemala, Luisa Moreno was a labor organizer and civil rights activist who dedicated her life to advocating for Latin American workers in the United States. Working as a seamstress in Harlem during the Great Depression, Moreno experienced the unfair treatment of Spanish-speaking workers first hand. In the 1930s and 1940s, Moreno rallied garment workers and helped to form the first national Latino civil rights assembly, El Congreso de Pueblos de Habla Española (Spanish-speaking People's Congress). Her powerful voice and organizational skills unified diverse communities, emphasizing the right of immigrant workers to fair wages and dignity in the workplace. Though she was later forced to leave the United States due to political pressures, her legacy of activism remains deeply woven into New York’s labor history.
Elizabeth Blackwell, National Library of Medicine
Elizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910)
The daughter of Quaker anti-slavery activists, Elizabeth Blackwell advocated for equal rights from a young age. When she arrived in New York from England in the 1840s, no woman in America had ever received a medical degree. Blackwell changed that in 1849, becoming the first female doctor in the country. Facing ridicule and discrimination, she went on to establish the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children, providing care for those traditionally underserved and training opportunities for women aspiring to become doctors. Her unwavering determination helped break barriers in medicine, opening doors for generations of women in the medical field.
Pura Belpré
Pura Belpré (1899-1982)
A Puerto Rican librarian, author, and storyteller, Pura Belpré was the first Latina librarian in the New York Public Library system. Arriving from the island in the 1920s, she recognized the need for Spanish children’s books in a city with such a prominent Latin American community. Through her enchanting storytelling and tireless outreach, Belpré brought Puerto Rican folklore to life and fostered literacy among Spanish-speaking communities through her storytelling and puppet shows. Belpré’s dedication to cultural representation in literature continues to inspire librarians and educators. Today, the Pura Belpré Award is granted to authors and illustrators of Latin descent who “best portray, affirm, and celebrate the Latino cultural experience” for children and teens.
Miriam Makeba, Polar Music Prize
Miriam Makeba (1932-2008)
South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba, known affectionately as "Mama Africa," found refuge in New York in the 1960s after her outspoken opposition to apartheid led to her forced exile from her home country. Using her platform to speak out against racial injustice, her music blended traditional African rhythms and political resistance. While living in New York, Makeba became deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. Collaborating with other artists and activists, including Nina Simone and Harry Belafonte, Miriam championed equality and cultural pride through her work. Her time in the city added a new dimension to its already rich artistic and activist legacy.
Ernestine Rose
Ernestine Rose (1810-1892)
Born and raised in Poland, Ernestine Rose, often called the “first Jewish feminist”, was a 19th-century trailblazer of both the women’s rights and abolitionist movements. She made New York her home in 1837, bringing her advocacy for suffrage, religious freedom, and abolition with her. Rose co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association and inspired crowds with her passionate calls for justice. Though often overshadowed in mainstream history, her contributions laid the groundwork for later, more prominent feminist movements. Rose was posthumously inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1998, the Ernestine Rose Society was founded with the mission to revive Ernestine Rose’s legacy as an indelible figure of the women’s rights and abolitionist movements.
