Black Women's History Month - Page 4

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

Passing the Torch: Madam C.J. Walker and Oprah Winfrey

Although these profound women are known for many firsts, most notable the first African American women to reach millionaire and billionaire status, the essence of their legacy lies in their ability to inspire and to incite change. Rising out of the ashes of poverty, Madam C.J. Walker went on to become the first Black female millionaire. This was not her only accomplishment, however. Madam Walker used her wealth as a way to advocate for African Americans and to help put a stop to lynchings. Born on a Louisiana plantation in 1867, Sarah Breedlove was the name given to her by

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority premieres its documentary TWENTY PEARLS

//

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has released its documentary film, TWENTY PEARLS, which chronicles the organization’s story. Narrated by Phylicia Rashād, TWENTY PEARLS journeys through the sorority’s 113-year-history. In 1908, only 40 years after the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, nine Black college women enrolled at Howard University, where they organized a sisterhood. Today, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has grown to more than 300,000 members internationally, greatly impacting American history. Through narration, interviews and archival assets, TWENTY PEARLS shows how Alpha Kappa Alpha played a role in the Harlem Renaissance, World War II, NASA, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights and

Passing the Torch: Shirley Chisholm and Kamala Harris

Former Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Shirley Chisholm was the first woman to ever run for President of the United States in 1972 and the first African American woman in Congress. Following in her footsteps is Vice President Kamala Harris Born in 1924 in Brooklyn, NY, Chisholm was the oldest of four, born to immigrant parents, Charles St. Hill and Ruby Seale St. Hill. Graduating from Brooklyn College cum laude, she was encouraged to pursue a career in politics, but considered herself at a disadvantage, or having a “double handicap,” being both Black and female. Chisholm went on

1 2 3 4