Inspiring African-American Women of the Civil Rights Movement:: 18Th, 19Th, and 20Th Centuries

By La Shawn B. Kelley

The Civil Rights Movement is a milestone in American history that can help us think more clearly about today's movement for social and political change, which can sometimes be influenced or misguided by the media. We all must seize the opportunity to shape our own post-civil rights era and redefine what civil rights means to us today and in the future.
Inspiring African-American Women of the Civil Rights Movement 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries is just one glimpse into the lives of twenty very brave and courageous African-American women, who fought to protect the civil rights of African-Americans and ultimately changed the course of history. As you read this book, I will:
? Give a more in-depth understanding about the true meaning of the freedom and equality in America.
? Provide an awareness of the struggles of the civil rights movement to the racial injustices of the Jim Crow laws.
? Bring attention to important relationships that developed along the way of each womans journey based on the civil rights cause.
? Depict a timeline of events of each crusaders journey.
Above all:
? Highlight the incredible accomplishments of African-American women, who have contributed to our nations greatness even in the face of certain danger and personal tragedy in the name of freedom and equality.
Be inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and embrace all that African-American history has to offer because it truly is an important part of American history. The Civil Rights Movement challenged racism in America and because of civil rights crusaders like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, the country is a more just and humane society for us all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503541719

La Shawn B. Kelley

La Shawn Kelley is currently employed by the federal government as the Chief, Human Capital Management Office for a component of the Department of Defense. Having worked in both the private and public sectors for over twenty years, and having graduated from a Historically Black College, she intimately understands the challenges and barriers young adults, especially minority young adults, will face in this very competitive job market. As a mentor with over twenty plus years of experience, she has spoken to students and conducted workshops at several colleges and universities across the nation on the art of being successful in the corporate workforce. Ms. Kelley holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC) and a Master of Arts degree from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). She was an active member of the Black Executive Exchange Program (BEEP) for nearly ten years. BEEP targets Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority Serving Institutions and provides opportunities for senior professionals to give back to the community by sharing their experiences about the demands and expectations of the corporate work force. Ms. Kelley has navigated through her professional career with a positive attitude and views herself as a “glass is half-full” kind of person. She firmly believes that people with a positive attitude will see and find opportunities that others simply will not. One of her favorite quotes is by Cadet Maxim: “Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” Ms. Kelley is a native of Florence, SC where she graduated from West Florence High School. She currently lives in northern Virginia with her family. Ms. Kelley is a motivational speaker who believes in the power of having a positive attitude and outlook on life. While writing is her passion, Ms. Kelley also enjoys reading a variety of books, traveling around the world to as many secluded islands as possible, and cooking a variety of specialty recipes for her husband and biggest fan, Andre. Ms. Kelley is in the process of finalizing a series of children’s books, working on completing her first cookbook, and trying her hand at either a novel or screenplay. This is her second published book. Ms. Kelley values and welcomes your feedback. Please email your comments to [e-mail].

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Copyright © 2015 by La Shawn B. Kelley.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015901838

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/24/2015

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Contents

Acknowledgements

Preface

Purpose

Maya Angelou

Ella Baker

Daisy Bates

Mary McLeod Bethune

Shirley Chisholm

Anna Julia Cooper

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher

Fannie Lou Hamer

Frances E. W. Harper

Dorothy Height

Nellie Stone Johnson

Coretta Scott King

Clara Luper

Juanita Jackson Mitchell

Rosa Parks

Mary Ann Shadd

Mary Church Terrell

Sojourner Truth

Harriet Tubman

Ida B. Wells

Glossary of Terms

Bibliography

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Inspiring African-American Women of the Civil Rights Movement – 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries is dedicated to all the fearless civil rights crusaders of the past who unselfishly gave of themselves and fought relentlessly for racial and social equality. You stood up when you were told to sit down, you found your voice when others remained silent, and you passed on the torch to keep the flame for justice burning.

To all the civil rights crusaders of the present who understand the civil rights struggles of those before us and accept the responsibility to continue focusing on today’s movement for racial and social change. You recognize that civil rights and political rights provide the foundation for human rights, which are moral principles that apply to all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

To all the children in the world who have a thirst for reading and a desire to learn about American history, which includes African-American history, a part of history that has formed the face of the America we know today. If just one story influences a life in some small way, then my mission will have been accomplished.

To all the teachers of the world, for whom I have so much appreciation and admiration. I hope this books offers another reference or resource to use in your teachings of African-American history, a part of learning that must be shared, explored, and kept alive.

To my family who brings me so much happiness and joy. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to spread my wings and live life with passion. To Andre, my beloved husband who keeps me grounded and who is my unwavering rock. To my daughter Nadja and son Brandin for making me feel like I can conquer the world. To my stepdaughter Malika and grandson Malik, you both are very special to me, and I am happy to pass this knowledge to our next generation. To my beautiful, dear mother, Sallie L. Ham, who has constantly given me the inspiration and motivation to finish this journey even when the finish line seemed so very far away.

To my editor Jane Collura, for whom I have so much gratitude and appreciation. She has been in my corner from the time I decided to write my first book and, three books later, she is still lending her editorial expertise and support. To my editor Anita Galle, the consummate editing professional whom I feel very fortunate to have on my team coming down the finish line. Thank you both for taking this journey with me and I know without a doubt that this book is better because of your contributions.

Preface

I am a born writer. Some of my fondest memories were spent writing a variety of short stories and numerous articles on professional development. Then I ventured into writing self-help books like Preparing for Success in Corporate America – College Guide and Corporate Navigation – Charting your Success. In fact, I really thought my next book would be along the same lines, perhaps a book on corporate attire or unwritten rules in the workplace. Then I had an ah ha moment that changed everything.

I remember waking up one morning in February 2013 after listening to a clip on television about Black History month. This particular clip highlighted Rosa Parks, one of the most influential African-American women of the Civil Rights Movement. While I knew of the important role Parks played during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most well-known political and social protests against racial segregation on public transportation, it dawned on me that I only knew one small part of the story…one small part of history. So I went to the library and checked out every book on Rosa Parks, including researching the internet, and I was totally fascinated by her life’s journey both before and after the Montgomery Bus Boycott. After learning about the complete story of Rosa Parks, whose contributions to civil rights did not end after refusing to give up her seat on the bus, the desire to write this book was born. I was on a relentless quest to tell the remarkable stories of fearless African-American women who challenged the social and legal systems, from slavery to segregation.

While writing this book, I realized that I didn’t know as much as I thought I knew, and that as a child growing up in the public school system, I couldn’t recall African-American history really being a significant part of the curriculum. Yes, I learned a little about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and maybe a little about Harriet Tubman, but the discussions were brief, fleeting, and infrequent. Looking back I think about how my life may have been different if there had been an emphasis on African-American history during my grade school years. Who knows, maybe my professional career choice would have been different; maybe I would have been a better student in class; or maybe my contributions toward community service would have been much greater. Of course I take responsibility for all those things as an adult, but your life – and who you ultimately become – really takes shape in those very early years, as you will see in this book.

The Civil Rights Movement is a milestone in American history that can help us think more clearly about today’s movement for social and political change, which can sometimes be influenced or misguided by the media. We all must seize the opportunity to shape our own post-civil rights era and redefine what civil rights means to us today and in the future.

Inspiring African-American Women of the Civil Rights Movement – 18th, 19th, and 20th Centuries is by no means all-inclusive and is written with young readers in mind. It is just one glimpse into the lives of twenty very brave, courageous, and most influential African-American women of the Civil Rights Movement, who fought to protect the civil rights of African-Americans and ultimately changed the course of history. As you read this book, I hope to offer a more in-depth understanding about the true meaning of freedom and equality in America; to provide an awareness of the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and the racial injustices of the Jim Crow laws; and to bring attention to important relationships that developed along the way of each woman’s journey based on a common cause. Above all, highlight the incredible accomplishments of African-American women, who have contributed to our nation’s greatness even in the face of certain danger and personal tragedy – in the name of freedom and equality.

Be inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and embrace all that African-American history has to offer because it truly is an important part of American history. The Civil Rights Movement challenged racism in America and, because of civil rights crusaders like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, the country is a more just and humane society for us all.

Purpose

by La Shawn B. Kelley

Purpose is patient

It tap dances softly on the whispers of the wind

Seeking a place to land so that its destiny may be revealed.

Its seeds of possibilities are planted with courage

To nourish the roots and cultivate the harvest

Giving purpose the opportunity to prosper and thrive.

Purpose offers a life beyond our experience or imagination

It makes the ordinary moments in life extraordinary

Revealing the power within and the reason for our very existence.

It allows us to expand our minds by connecting with our inner being

Enabling us to step out on faith and believe in the power of purpose.

Everything in life has a purpose, time, and season.

If you find your purpose in one life time

You are abundantly rich and will experience the true beauty and meaning of life

Because life without purpose is to only endure and survive.

Maya Angelou

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Maya Angelou

Civil Rights Activist/Poet/Author

1928 – 2014

Image153062.PNG

Maya Angelou. Photograph courtesy of http://selfadvocacywithdunn.wikispaces.com/

and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.5.

Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet, writer, actress, educator, and civil rights activist, is one of the most famous and influential women of our history. Born Marguerite Annie Johnson, she was creatively and artistically gifted on many levels and is often referred to as a global renaissance woman. She is best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which is a depiction of her life up to age 17.

QUICK FACTS

Name: Maya Angelou

Occupation: Civil Rights Activist/Author/Poet

Birth Date: April 4, 1928

Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri

Parents: Bailey & Vivian Johnson

Death Date: May 28, 2014

Place of Death: Winston-Salem, NC

Did You Know? Maya Angelou is best known for her celebrated and admired poetry collection. She is the author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Angelou was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 4, 1928 to Bailey and Vivian (Baxter) Johnson. Her father was a doorman and naval dietician, and her mother was a boarding house manager and registered nurse. She had a brother named Bailey who was only one year older. Growing up, Angelou experienced the hatred and cruelty of racial discrimination, but she gave praise to her grandmother and other family members for instilling deep rooted, faith-bound values that forever shaped her life and career.

Maya Angelou was a well-regarded and respected spokesperson for African-Americans and women, and her works have been considered a defense for Black culture. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and many books of poetry. In addition to her bestselling autobiographies, Angelou was also a three-time Grammy Award winner for her autobiographical spoken-word recordings.

Early Childhood

Angelou’s parents divorced when she was only three years old, and she and her brother were sent to live with their paternal grandmother in the little town of Stamps, Arkansas. There, she developed her love of reading and culture. Angelou felt safe in Stamps and the black church, which was the foundation for black families and their children. In the church, black children were encouraged to express themselves through words and songs, and Angelou began reciting poems and selected writings in front of people at age seven. Her life in Stamps was disrupted when, without warning, Angelou’s father came to Stamps and took her and Bailey back to St. Louis to live with their mother. Unfortunately, nearly one year after reuniting with her mother, at the age of eight, Angelou was abused by her mother’s boyfriend. Although her abuser was found guilty and killed by an unknown assailant, the ordeal was very traumatic for Angelou. She completely shut down and refused to utter a word for the next six years. After the assault, she and her brother returned to Stamps to live with their grandmother.

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Maya Angelou with son, Clyde Guy Johnson. Photograph courtesy of http://narrativewiki.wikispaces.com and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.5.

Moving back to Stamps was a blessing for Angelou and was a place where she could heal from her traumatic experience. While in Stamps, she mastered the art of memorization and the retention of large amounts of information from reading books such as the Bible and William Shakespeare. Angelou‘s love for written words allowed her to explore a world of endless possibilities, and through her love of words she reclaimed her voice and love for life.

In 1942, at the age of 14, Angelou and her bother returned to live with their mother, who was now living in Oakland, California. As a teenager, Angelou attended George Washington High School, and her love for the arts won her a scholarship to study dance and drama at the California Labor School. She dropped out of school, and at the age of sixteen, she became San Francisco’s first African-American female cable car conductor. Angelou later returned to high school, but became pregnant as a result of a brief relationship during her senior year. Shortly after graduation, she gave birth to a baby boy named Clyde (Guy) Johnson. As a young single mother she worked as a waitress and cook to make ends meet. However, Angelou never gave up on her love and passion for poetry and the arts.

Young Adulthood

In the early 1950s, Angelou married Anastasios Angelopulos, a Greek electrician and sailor who dreamed of becoming a professional musician. At that time, Angelou took a blend of her childhood nickname, Maya and shortened her married name, Angelou, thus the name Maya Angelou. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted a few years, and she and her husband divorced in 1954.

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Maya Angelou as an actress. Photograph courtesy of http://english-12-wiki.wikispaces.com and licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.5.

In the mid-1950s, Angelou finally got her chance to perform by landing a role in the European touring production of Porgy and Bess. In 1957, she sang in the off-Broadway show Calypso Heat Wave and released her first album Miss Calypso. In 1958, Angelou moved to New York, where she became a member of the Harlem Writers Guild. She later began performing at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem appearing in the historic production of Jean Genet’s The Blacks. Angelou had the opportunity to work with other up and coming actors and actresses like James Earl Jones, Lou Gossett Jr., and Cicely Tyson. Also, in support of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), she wrote and acted in a musical, Cabaret for Freedom.

In 1960, Angelou moved to Cairo, Egypt and worked as an editor for an English language newspaper, The Arab Observer. A few years later she moved to Accra, Ghana to be closer to her son who