On this day in 1987, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame

On this day in 1987, Aretha Franklin became the first woman inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame. Referred to as the “Queen of Soul”, she received 18 Grammy Awards throughout her career, including the Best Female R&B Performance Grammy every year from 1968 to 1975. Franklin was also a strong advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, and used music as a way to advance both social movements.

Also on this day, 03 January:

In 1933, Minnie D. Craig became the first woman to have led a legislative body in the USA when she was elected Speaker of the the North Dakota House of Representatives. She first joined the House in 1923, just three years after women won the right to vote, and was known to be a meticulous legislator. She also encouraged other women to become politically active.

Read more about women’s achievements through history here