The nearly 300 biographical sketches in this dictionary focus on women who have made meaningful, although often unheralded, contributions to American history and culture. Although the collection concentrates on historical achievements, several women reflect contemporary accomplishments or historical firsts. The biographies span the time from Colonial poet Lucy Terry, born in 1730, to Olympic runner, Gail Devers, born in 1966. The women represented have made significant contributions to social reform, politics, arts and entertainment, religion, business, education, and the professions. Arranged alphabetically, the entries provide the reader with the necessary information to understand the African American woman and her place in history. An appendix lists the women by career category. (Contains 37 references.) (SLD)