Black history makers march to gender-specific spotlight
Following a month-long spotlight hailing Black achievers during the shortest month of the year, March — one of the longest — is the designated period to hail superlative women.
Women’s History Month promise a plethora of platitudes, bouquets and focus on women often overlooked or denied throughout the rest of the year. Among them, former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the feisty female from Brooklyn whose indelible imprint on American politics will never be overstated.
Although much has been recorded about the Caribbean offspring who boldly stated in her book cover she was “unbought and unbossed” ran for the highest political office in America, much more is still untold.
Netflix plans to continue a conversation about the trailblazing daughter of Caribbean parents on March 22 by airing “Shirley” a biopic portrayed by Actress Regina King.
The showcase will expand the legacy heaped high on the woman who dared to compete in an arena dominated by white males.
She was the first Black woman to represent this challenging state and throughout her tenure proved herself a winner.
That she emboldened women saying “if they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair:” a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus; the first Black woman elected to Congress, the first of her race and gender to seek a major party endorsement, the lifelong story about a daughter of parents from Guyana and Barbados is a must see.
Also a must for archivist and collectors are gold and silver commemorative coins bearing the likeness of Harriet Tubman. Minted in denominations of $50 – $100 the treasures will only be available in 2024. Part proceeds will benefit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Harriet Gunman Home Inc.
Rita Marley will receive the philanthropy award in Florida on March 22 when the 41st annual International Reggae & World Music Award honors music achievers of 2023.
The legendary bride who is currently enjoying blockbuster success as the subject of the “One Love” biopic which spotlights her romance with reggae icon Bob Marley will be recognized for philanthropic work she has initiated in Ethiopia and Ghana, Africa, and Jamaica.
Her eldest daughter Sharon who recently released the single “Steppah” is expected to perform.
Attorney Benjamin Crump will also receive special honors. He will accept the Freedom Fighter’s Award.
Woman is …Smarter…
Folksinger/calypsonian Harry Belafonte vocalized lyrics echoing those three affirming words. In an infectious calypso he repeated reasons for his contention and perhaps that is why his family recently announced a special celebration on the first day of Women’s History Month. The date coincides with what would have been the actorvist’s 97th birthday.
On the March 1 anniversary date — one day after the end of Black History Month — Riverside Church will host a tribute/memorial/fete to the history maker who died last April.
Appropriately regaled on the Lincoln Center plaza by crowds who spontaneously reprised his “Day-O” signature song one day after his passing — the Harlem/Hollywood/handsome/Jamaican charmed more than a few women and should be acknowledged an perpetuity in every calendar month for his contribution to enhancing American history.
Catch you On the Inside!
