Black Women's History Month - Page 3

Passing the Torch: Wilma Rudolph and Allyson Felix

These two women are breaking more than just glass ceilings, they’re breaking world records. Wilma Rudolph has been called “the fastest woman in the world,” and Allyson Felix is a sprinter who’s on track to be the fastest person in the world. Rudolph competed in the Olympic games, winning a bronze medal in 1956, and then in 1960 she took home three gold medals and broke three world records. It was the Olympic games of 1960 that earned her the title of “fastest woman in the world.” Also an activist for civil rights, Rudolph wouldn’t attend her celebratory homecoming parade

Passing the Torch: Lucy Diggs Slowe and Venus Williams

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Two of the tennis’ greats: Lucy Diggs Slowe and Venus Williams. More than just exceptional athletes, these two women were philanthropists as well. Born in 1885, Lucy Diggs Slowe was orphaned at the age of six and then moved to Baltimore to live with her Aunt. She went on to become the first African American to win a national title in any sport, winning the first women’s title at the American Tennis Association’s national tournament in Baltimore in 1917. An advocate for women throughout her entire life, Slowe became the first-ever Dean of Women at her alma mater, Howard University,

Passing the Torch: C. Vivian Stringer and Dawn Staley

If they haven’t already, these two women are going down in basketball history as legends: C. Vivian Stringer and Dawn Staley. Vivian Stringer doesn’t need an introduction. One of the most recognizable names in all of college basketball, Stringer has built a legacy that is unparalleled by any other coach in the NCAA.  Vivian Stringer has been the head coach for the Rutgers’ Women’s basketball team since 1995. With 49 seasons under her belt, Stringer is responsible for transforming three programs into national title contenders and has led teams to 28 NCAA Tournaments. She is the first coach in all

NASA’s Mary W. Jackson honored with renaming of agency’s headquarters

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Acting administrator of NASA, Steve Jurczyk, recently honored Hampton University alumna Mary W. Jackson in the highest way. In an official ceremony, Jurczyk named NASA’s D.C. headquarters building after her. Featured in the movie “Hidden Figures,” Mary Jackson was the first African American female NASA engineer and was instrumental to American success in the 1960’s Space Race. “Mary Jackson is featured prominently in our very own Legacy Park as an iconic figure who was not only part of the Hampton University Family, but made a lasting impact on the entire world,” said Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey. Jurczyk

Passing the Torch: Theresa Green Reed and Kizzmekia Corbett

These two women are shattering the glass ceiling for female scientists everywhere. Not only was Theresa Green Reed a physician but she was also the first Black female epidemiologist in the nation. Kizzmekia Corbett is also making history in epidemiology, serving as the head of the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. An American physician and epidemiologist, Theresa Green Reed was a woman of many firsts in her field. Born in 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland, Reed grew up to graduate from Meharry Medical College in 1949. She went on to work at the Homer

Passing the Torch: Billie Holiday and Beyonce Knowles-Carter

Arguably the greatest jazz vocalist of all time, Billie Holiday left behind a legacy that has been unparalleled by anyone else. Following in her footsteps is the legendary Beyonce Knowles-Carter. Born in 1915 in Baltimore, Maryland, Holiday was raised by her mother, and the two lived in extreme poverty. When she was only in the fifth grade, she found a job working at a brothel, not as a prostitute, although she would later be arrested for such.  Looking for a job as a dancer, Holiday ended up auditioning for a singer position instead, wowing the owner with her talent. She

Passing the Torch: Rosa Parks and Alicia Garza

Two women who have become the faces of two great movements: Rosa Parks and Alicia Garza. One made history by refusing to give up her seat in the name of equal rights and another is making history by leading a historical movement upholding the value of Black lives. In 1913 Rosa Parks was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. Growing up she was an activist for the Civil Rights Movement, her most notable contribution being the day she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. There has been speculation about Parks’ motivation that day. Some have

Passing the Torch: Ann Cole Lowe and Kimora Lee Simmons

These two remarkable women have made their mark on the fashion world. Despite the challenges they both faced, Ann Cole Lowe and Kimora Lee Simmons have proven that adversity isn’t always a disadvantage. The first African American to become a high-end fashion designer, Ann Cole Lowe designed the wedding dress of Jacqueline Kennedy. Born in 1898 in the small town of Clayton, Alabama, Lowe was taught how to sew by her seamstress great-grandmother and her mother, Janey Lowe. After enrolling at St. Taylor Design school, Lowe and her son moved to New York City in 1917. Graduating in 1919, she

Passing the Torch: Maya Angelou and Amanda Gorman

Two women of notable acclaim who have both made a remarkable impact on the literary world are Maya Angelou and her rightful successor, Amanda Gorman. A poet, dancer, scholar and activist,Maya Angelou is a world-renowned author known for her groundbreaking style of writing. Born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, as Marguerite Annie Johnson, later to be known as Maya Angelou, she raised by her grandmother in Arkansas. After going back into the care of her mother, seven-year-old Angelou was sexually assaulted by her mother’s boyfriend. The violent criminal was killed after being released from prison, sending Angelou into a

Passing the Torch: Coretta Scott King and Michelle Obama

Despite their marriages to very prominent men, make no mistake: these women can stand their own ground. Shame on anyone who sees them merely as shadows of their husbands. Coretta Scott King and Michelle Obama are two incredible women who are leaders in their own right.  Coretta Scott King was born in the Spring of 1927 in the town of Marion, Alabama. Raised in a musically-inclined household, she excelled in music, leading her school choir, but she was also an excellent student. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Antioch College, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the New England

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