Heroes of Black [Women Making] History Month
February 24. 2026
Georgia Fort
Emmy award-winning, independent American journalist Georgia Fort was arrested last month in St. Paul while covering a heated protest at a church where an ICE agent serves as pastor. Both Fort and former CNN anchor Don Lemon were charged with “conspiracy and interfering with the right to worship”– all while exercising their First Amendment rights and providing the public with its Constitutionally protected right to a free press.
The irony was not lost that, while covering the topic of injustice, the two sole Black journalists were targeted and unjustly arrested. The blatant racism of this deliberate scheme caused widespread outrage. Yet despite federal interference and verbal attacks from Trump, Fort remains stalwart in her dedication to the public’s right to know what is happening on the ground in Minnesota.
In an interview with CNN, Fort sounded the alarm to the American people: “Journalism is on trial... it sends a chilling message.” When asked if she was intimidated by the effect government attacks are having on journalism and the validity of the Constitution’s protections under the current administration, Fort said with fervor that she’s going to continue telling the stories of her community.
We applaud Georgia Fort’s integrity and commitment to telling the truth to the American people.
Nekima Levy Armstrong
American lawyer and Minneapolis‑area civil rights activist Nekima Levy Armstrong has been a fierce advocate for justice throughout her life and career. She served as president of the Minneapolis NAACP chapter and has led community activism on racial and social justice issues.
This year, she helped organize and participate in a protest at Cities Church in St. Paul after she and others raised concerns that one of the church’s pastors also serves in a leadership role with ICE.
Nekima’s advocacy for racial and immigrant justice, community safety, and grassroots organizing in Minnesota continues to make her a powerful voice for many.
Nana Gyamfi
Nana Gyamfi is the activist of our dreams. Not only is she a social justice organizer at the local and international level, but she is a lawyer with a JD from UCLA; a professor of Pan African Studies at CSU LA; president of the National Conference of Black Lawyers; executive director for Black Alliance for Just Immigration; a radio personality; and the founder of two Black-led, Black-focused organizations: Justice Warriors 4 Black Lives and Human Rights Advocacy. Our minds are blown.
How does she manage to do it? Her resiliency comes from a deep sense of justice for Black liberation across the country and around the world. She inspires, educates, teaches, and leads grassroots action – Nana is a true hero to spotlight this Black [Women Making] History Month.
Letitia James
New York Attorney General Letitia James is a lifelong defender of vulnerable communities, including workers, immigrants, tenants, and children. Earlier this month, she announced she would be forming a team of legal observers to monitor and document ICE raids in New York, including whether their enforcement “remains within bounds of the law.”
James is the first woman of color to hold New York statewide office and the first woman elected Attorney General.
In May last year, she won a court order stopping the Trump administration from dismantling three federal agencies that support public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide.
Khelani
Earlier this month, musical artist Kehlani made history — winning Grammys for Best R&B Performance AND Best R&B Song (“Folded”). But she didn’t just celebrate; she used that moment, in front of the whole world, to say what needed to be said. Rocking an “ICE OUT” pin on her gown from the red carpet to the stage, she closed her acceptance speech with words that shook the room: “I hope everybody’s inspired to join together as a community of artists and speak out against what’s going on… F**k ICE.”
This is what it looks like to win AND stand for something. Oakland raised her right 🖤
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