Society & Culture
January Dates: Powerful Black Women
These January dates commemorate Black women’s accomplishments, milestones, and pivotal moments, encompassing birthdays, historical firsts, and significant facts. Black History is a daily celebration! Emphasizing Black women’s continuous impact and contributions in shaping our history daily. These are just a few of the notable black history dates in January.
January 1:
Shirley Chisholm – This date commemorates the legacy of the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black candidate for a major party’s nomination for President of the United States. A trailblazer in politics!
January 3, 1987:
Aretha Franklin – This date honors the day the Queen of Soul became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her voice and music touched hearts worldwide!
January 11, 1971:
Mary J. Blige – This date marks the birthday of Mary J. Blige, known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. Her music resonates with the rhythm of life!
January 12, 1965:
Lorraine Hansberry – This date commemorates the life of the playwright and author best known for “A Raisin in the Sun.” Her words continue to inspire and enlighten!
January 13:
Shonda Rhimes – This date celebrates the birthday of Shonda Rhimes, a powerhouse in television production who brought us captivating stories on the screen!
January 15:
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday – Honors the iconic civil rights leader. His dream of equality continues to inspire generations!
January 15:
Regina King – the birthday of Regina King, a talented actress and director, adding her brilliance to the entertainment world!
January 17, 1964:
Michelle Obama, Birthday – Celebrating the birthday of the inspiring former First Lady of the United States, known for her advocacy in education and health.
January 19, 2003:
Natalia Bryant, Birthday – Daughter of Kobe Bryant and Vanessa Bryant, a talented young individual.
January 20:
Kamala Harris – Marking the historic day when Kamala Harris assumed office as the first African American woman to become Vice President of the United States, breaking barriers and making history.
January 25:
Etta James Birthday – Etta was born on January 25, 1938, and—died on January 20, 2012,
January 25, 1981:
Alicia Keys Birthday – Celebrating the birthday of Alicia Keys, a renowned pianist and powerhouse vocalist whose music has resonated globally.
January 26:
Angela Davis Birthday – Commemorating the birthday of Angela Davis, a distinguished political activist, scholar, and author known for her dedication to social justice and civil rights.
January 29:
Oprah Winfrey Birthday – a media mogul, philanthropist, and influential television personality who has made an indelible mark on the media industry.
January 30:
Coretta Scott King – This date serves as a remembrance of the legacy of Coretta Scott King, commemorating the day of her passing, and acknowledging her significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement alongside her husband, Martin Luther King Jr.
These special individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting impact on culture, entertainment, and civil rights.
To purchase our full 12-month expanded list of important dates to remember – send us a message here.
Dr Alexa Canady – First Black Woman Neurosurgeon
“The greatest challenge I faced in becoming a neurosurgeon was believing it was possible,”
Isabel Wilkerson Tribute
Isabel Wilkerson stands as a trailblazer, becoming the first black woman to be honored with the Feature Writing Pulitzer Prize in journalism.
This prestigious award recognizes her outstanding contributions to print journalism, literary achievement, and musical composition, solidifying her place in history.
As a renowned author, Isabel Wilkerson penned the powerful and insightful book “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents“ in 2020. This literary masterpiece was even adapted into the compelling film “Origin” in 2023, a drama directed by the talented Ava DuVernay.
Wilkerson’s profound impact extends beyond her awards and recognitions. Her acclaimed work, including the influential “The Warmth of Other Suns,” delves into the remarkable stories of Black Americans during the Great Migration, providing readers with a deep understanding of history and an appreciation for the resilience of communities.
In addition to her Pulitzer Prize, author Isabel Wilkerson has also been honored with the National Humanities Medal.
Let us wholeheartedly celebrate Isabel Wilkerson for her exceptional storytelling, which not only shares crucial narratives but also breathes life into history.
Banned Books by Black Female Authors
Books written by Black women that were banned have important stories about resilience, identity, and standing up for justice. Some examples include:
Poster of Banned books by Black Women Authors available here.
- “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
- Banned in schools and libraries in the United States at various times.
- “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
- Faced challenges and bans in multiple schools and libraries in the United States.
- “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
- Banned in several schools and libraries in the United States.
- “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
- Has encountered bans and challenges in schools and libraries in the United States.
- “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison
- Faced challenges and bans in schools and libraries in the United States.
- “Kindred” by Octavia E. Butler
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- Faced challenges in school curriculums in the United States.
It’s crucial to recognize that book bans are often subject to change, and efforts to ban books may vary across different regions and institutions. The information provided reflects instances where these books have encountered challenges or bans at various points in time.
These authors faced challenges, but their books inspire us to think about important issues. Banning these books limits the diversity of voices and perspectives available to readers, hindering open discussions on crucial societal issues.
New Release: Coretta Scott King
New Release! Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King! https://amzn.to/3U5i26RA picture book, an autobiography that celebrates the life of the extraordinary civil and human rights activist Coretta Scott King!———–Coretta Scott King worked for civil rights and equality alongside her husband, Martin Luther King Jr. Even after his death, she kept fighting for these causes and worked globally for peace, justice, and human rights. An inspiring story indeed!
81st Annual Golden Globes
81st Annual Golden Globes celebrating our #powerfulblackwomen
The Golden Globes annually celebrates excellence in film and television.
Here are the phenomenal black women nominated for or honored at this year’s ceremony!
★ Presenter:
- Angela Bassett (absolutely stunning!)
★ Winners:
- Da’vine Joy Randolph
- Ayo Edebiri
★ Nominated:
- Wanda Sykes
- Quinta Brunson
- Fantasia Barrino
They all look so fabulous! #GoldenGlobes2024
Source: Golden Globes
Happy Birthday to Blue Ivy
Happy Birthday To Blue Ivy
Happy 12th Birthday to Blue Ivy Carter
(born January 7, 2012)
She is the first-born daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z
– Two days after her birth, Time dubbed Blue Ivy “the most famous baby in the world.”
That same day, her vocals were featured on the song “Glory”, by her father Jay-Z, which earned her a Guinness World Record for being the youngest person to have a charted song on any Billboard chart.
Congratulations to Halle Bailey!
#haleybailey
