SOC315 Women in History

Display in the Traurig Library

By Faith Christian-Ferri, ’27, Communication and Media Studies, Honors Program

This year, Post University kicked off Women’s History month with a presentation by the SOC315 Sex and Gender class on March 4th. The event saw an excellent turnout, thanks to the efforts of Program Chair of Human Services and SOC315 professor Crystal Voule and our Assistant Director of Events, Marya DiPerna—as well as the promise of cookies from Sweet Maria’s.  

Students Emily Cubille, Janazha Davis, Elisa DiLegge, Hali Lawrence, Nolan Picco, Steven Rogers, and Isaiah Rush addressed the 2024 theme for Women’s History Month, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Their presentations highlighted six great women who have made history by challenging inequality. 

Roberta Cowell 

Of course, no exploration of women’s history can be complete without the inclusion of the trans women who trailblazed both feminism and LGBTQIA+ rights. Roberta Cowell was a transwoman who came before Christine Jorgensen and April Ashley. She was born Robert Marshall Cowell in 1918 and started her career as a racing driver before serving in World War II as a fighter pilot in the British Royal Air Force. After surviving horrific conditions as a prisoner of war, Cowell returned to England and became the first trans woman to medically transition in 1951. She changed her name to Roberta and became famous for a time, even selling her story in a now-rare autobiography: Roberta Cowell’s Story by Herself. However, like many other gay and trans heroes, Cowell died alone and seemingly forgotten. Her story serves as a reminder to honor the LGBTQIA+ people who came before. 

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter 

This 21st century icon needs no introduction, but a look at the woman behind the legend shows that Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is more than a singer. The Houston native has come a long way from singing to customers at her mother’s hair salon. Named by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, Queen Bey made her television debut on Star Search in 1992 with the group Girl’s Tyme when she was only 12 years old. Girl’s Tyme evolved into Destiny’s Child, and by the time the group disbanded in 2006, Beyoncé had cemented her own stardom. Since then, Beyoncé has been constantly breaking barriers as a proud feminist, activist, LGBTQIA+ ally, and an unapologetically Black woman. 

Taraji P. Henson 

Truly a self-made woman, Hollywood actress Taraji P. Henson moved to Los Angeles in 1997 with only $700—and a young son to care for. The Howard University alumni made her television debut as a guest star in the American sitcom Smart Guy and made appearances on other popular shows before getting her big break: a starring role in the 2001 film Baby Boy. Since then, Henson has been unstoppable, receiving critical acclaim and several prestigious awards for her acting and singing. She recently delivered a breathtaking performance as Shug Avery in The Color Purple musical adaptation, but sparked controversy when she openly criticized the unfair treatment of Black actors on the set of the film and in Hollywood overall. This is just one of many important conversations Henson has started in her career. She is also a mental health advocate and the founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, named after her late father who battled PTSD from serving in the Vietnam War. In an industry where women—especially Black women—have historically been silenced, Henson proudly uses her voice to shed light on issues that aren’t discussed enough.