There are many unseen groups in Lucy Beckham High School and in the world. An important and easily underappreciated group that is often talked about is African American Women. African American Women throughout history have made numerous contributions to our everyday lives. More have had their stories told, but others have been less heard. Ethel L. Payne was an African American born in Chicago, Ill. in 1911. Payne was a Journalist and civil rights crusader often called ‘“The First Lady of the Black Press”. Payne worked for the Chicago Defender and wrote numerous stories for 27 years, she later became chief of the newspaper’s Washington bureau and wrote many topics on civil rights issues until she passed. Payne has numerous awards and made her epitaph stating, “I fought all my life to bring about change, to correct the injustices and the inequities in the system”.
Another African American woman who made major contributions was Wilma Rudolph. Rudolph was born in Bethlehem, Tenn. on June 23, 1940. Rudolph became a famous track star and was the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in the Olympics in 1960. She was dubbed the “fastest woman alive”. Unfortunately, at 54, she passed away due to brain cancer. She will never be forgotten for her amazing skills and determination. Last but not least, Ethel Waters was an incredible African Woman who transcended black genres and stereotypes in music, film, and television. Waters was born in Chester, Pen. and was discovered in a singing contest in 1917 and toured by the name of “Sweet Mama Stringbean”. Waters sang in a more softer and lyrical manner increasing her popularity due to the many ranges and genres she could sing in. Waters had 50 hit songs such as, “Stormy Weather” and performed with many jazz artists, including Duke Ellington, and acted in many plays, getting called by critics the finest actresses of any race. Waters reimagined the stereotypical character “Aunt Jemina” and was nominated for the best supporting actress oscar and was the first black actress to be nominated for an emmy award. Waters passed at the age of 80 in Cali. in 1977, but her legacy with never be forgotten. In Water’s own words, she says, “We are all gifted, That is our inheritance”.
