Know your ‘Black History’: Mary Ellen Pleasant
We’ve all heard of Madame CJ Walker, who is famously thought to be the first Black female millionaire, but have you ever heard of Mary Ellen Pleasant? Her story is quite extraordinary and illustrates how a savvy Black cook, who was deemed “invisible” by whites, used financial tips she picked up while eavesdropping on wealthy White businessmen she served, lead her to become a multimillionaire.
Black History: Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit”
Many may not realize, but legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday was a big part of the Civil Rights Movement. In fact, her 1939 song about lynching, “Strange Fruit,” made her a target of the FBI.
Making Your Own ‘Black History’
Wisdom is extremely valuable in making your own history because wisdom comes from God. It is written: “Forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For the length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”
‘Father of Black History’
Even though “Black” history is “American” history, and should be celebrated year-round, the entire month of February is designated as the official month for people across the country to celebrate the accomplishments of a race of people who have been disenfranchised for generations.
Living Legend: Audrey Gilbreath
Audrey Gilbreath is owner of the largest and oldest African-American-owned integrated marketing agency in Houston. She founded Gilbreath Communications more than 29 years ago, and the company has steadily expanded its business and raised its profile — earning recognition over the years as one of Houston’s Fastest-Growing Small Businesses.
NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson dead at 101
Katherine Johnson, one of a group of black women mathematicians at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) who was celebrated in the 2016 movie “Hidden Figures,” died Feb. 24. She was 101 years old.
Black History: Huey P. Newton and The Black Panthers
In the month of what would have been his 78th birthday, we recognize the life and work of Huey Percy Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
Living Legends: The Obamas
Barack and Michelle Obama are definitely among the most admired couples in the world in terms of #RelationshipGoals, and when it comes to Black America, they are a model we all try to follow for health, wealth, happiness, success and loyalty.
Black History: Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks — the traditional, yet controversial hairstyle has been around for centuries. Despite the issues we’ve come across in European society, it’s important to understand the reasons and the impact the style has on one’s culture and spirituality.
Black History: Understanding ‘Rootwork,’ our ancestral rituals of resistance
“Rootwork, Hoodoo, Conjure, Juju” … these terms are often followed by horror stories that exemplify their negative connotations. The question is why are these terms describing an ancestral form of alchemy as “evil” when these rituals of resistance were brought to America by enslaved Africans?
