Leesburg in Loudoun County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Women Breaking Barriers Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 10, 2026
1. Women Breaking Barriers Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Marker
Michelle, Cathy, and Oprah paved the way for African American women in public service, communications, and media today.
Michelle Obama
As first lady, Michelle Obama worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and military families.
Cathy Hughes
Cathy, the first African American woman to head a publicly traded media company, also serves as Chairperson of Urban One, Inc.
Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is the first African American woman to own her own production company. She was nominated for an Academy Award in her first movie, The Color Purple, and was the successful host of a syndicated television talk show that reached over 15 million people a day.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • Industry & Commerce • Women.
Location. 39° 6.516′ N, 77° 33.345′ W. Marker is in Leesburg, Virginia, in Loudoun County. It is on East Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 407 E Market St, Leesburg VA 20175, United States of America.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Women Breaking Barriers Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow (here, next to this marker); Local Loudoun County Heroes (here, next to this marker); Male Athletes Dominating Sports (a few steps from this marker); Female Athletes Dominating Sports (a few steps from this marker); Historically Black Colleges and Universities (a few steps from this marker); Entrepreneurs Excelling Inside & Outside of Sports (a few steps from this marker); African American Inventions (a few steps from this marker); Match the Sport with the Athlete
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 10, 2026
2. Women Breaking Barriers Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow Marker
Also see . . . The Color Purple Trailer on YouTube. (Submitted on January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
