BHM: WONDROUS WOMEN

Celebrating Black History Month with Black Women you ought to know x

(Top left: Shirley Chisholm, Top right: Nikki Giovanni, Botton left: Lucy Stanton, Botton right: Eartha Kitt)

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924 in Brooklyn, NY by the way of Caribbean roots. An African-American politician, educator, author with one of the brightest minds to grace the Untied States government. In fact in 1968 Ms.Chisholm became the first black woman elected to the United States Congress! In addition to becoming the first black candidate for a major party's nomination for the President of the Untied States in 1972. Shirley Chisholm was the first woman to run for the Democratic Party nomination and to appear in a Untied States presidential debate. Later, Ms. Chisholm was awarded the Presidential Metal of Freedom in 2015 - flashing that beautiful smile.

Thank you, we love you Shirley Chisholm.

Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni can be described as my personal hero with her way of thought and being the original short blondie. Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, TN in 1943. The one and only is an awarding winning poet as well as an activist, and educator. Nikki Giovanni became known during The Civil Rights and Black Power movements, events which inspired her early poetry pieces. In recent decades Giovanni's works surrounds human issues/rights and hip hop's deep meanings. Ms. Giovanni doesn't appear to be running out of steam, in her own words"I like to cook, travel and dream. I’m a writer. I’m happy" and still teaching to this day - she's currently a professor at Virginia Tech.

Thank you, we love you Nikki Giovanni.

Lucy Stanton

Lucy Staton (Day-Sessions) was born FREE on October 16, 1831. With parents whom were advocates for African American education she attended the Cleveland Free School, formed by Stanton's stepfather. In 1846, Staton enrolled in Oberlin College where she studied Literacy and became the first black woman to receive a four-year college degree. Lucy Stanton's career in education was a true success, in 1866 Stanton was called to teach newly freed slaves in Georgia and Mississippi. Ms. Stanton is indeed one of the bravest and an ultimate pioneer.

Thank you, we love you Lucy Stanton.

Eartha Kitt

The extraordinaire Eartha Kitt was an musician, actress, and activist, dancer and comedian. Born Eartha Mae Keith in 1927, on a cotton plantation in North Carolina. In her high school years Kitt attended what is now known as the Metropolitan Hight School of Performing in New York City. Beginning in 1942, she began performing on broadway, followed by music and television. At the height of her career Eartha spoke true facts regarding the Vietnam War to the then first lady Claudia Johnson stating "There are so many things burning the people of this country, particularly mothers. They feel they are going to raise sons – and I know what it's like, and you have children of your own, Mrs. Johnson – we raise children and send them to war." An activist with no limits for any crowd Kitt went over-seas to work and to live an enjoyable/relaxing life. Returning to the States in 1978 to perform on broadway yet again and to be close to her daughter and grandchild. For the record - Ms. Kitt was the best Catwoman. Periodt.

Thank you, we love you Eartha Kitt.

Cathy Cox

A mother of three (one being yours truly), soul-survivor, warrior-woman, and the best person I will ever know. We all have a Cathy in our lives, a woman who we can depend on, look up to and adore. These women come in many forms; mother, aunt, grandmother, godmother, friend, mentor, whatever the case may be these women show up for us. Growing up with such a fun loving strong mother made me into the person I am today. There are millions of black women out there getting up every dawn to be providers, caregivers, and superheroes all the days of the week. They may say 'you have too much attitude' or 'you need to keep your cool' but NO! You are allowed to be your true self with or without filters. You are protected, appreciated, and loved ENDLESSLY . I see you, Mama. Lord knows - I know it ain't easy. I thank you, I love you Cathy Cox.

This month we celebrate, Queens x