African American people have long faced hardship and discrimination in America, however it is important to recognize that African Americans have made huge contributions to American society in general. African American women played important roles both in history and continue to do so at the current time. African American women have been the backbone of society since slavery when they were made to endure unbelievable conditions and atrocities. They were strong often using their faith to endure their hardships, but they persevered and continued to work hard for their own rights. African American women played important roles as active abolitionist and supporters of women’s rights. Women such as Rosa Parks during the Civil Rights Movement showed