Amber Robinson

THIS EDITION Volume 21, No. 2 February 27, 2003

Front Page

Eyes of change

Women have come a long way in society, estab- lishing new paths for future generations of strong, independent women everywhere. In honor of February’s Black History Month and March’s Women’s Awareness Month, the News-Register acknowledges African-American women for their courageous dedication worldwide.
Since early prehistoric times, women have been thought to be lesser than men. However, despite this outdated and unconventional notion, African-American women have made great strides to restore equality for all mankind. Women have made continuous advancements in the political, social, economic, educational and medical industries, in addition to theater, music and many more.

When talking about ment, one of the most significant individuals often mentioned is Barbara Charline Jordan. Jordan graduated from Texas Southern University (Houston) in 1956 magna cum laude and went on to receive honorary doctorate degrees from 25 colleges and universities. She began her list of achievements by becoming the first African-American woman to serve as administrative assistant to a County Judge of Harris County. Also, in 1966 she became the first African-American woman elected to the Texas Senate (also the first African-American since 1883).

In 1972, she was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate. On June 10, 1972 she served as governor for a day (a Texas tradition), making her the first African-American woman governor in the history of the United States. Likewise, Jordan later became the first African-American Texan elected to the United States Congress. A woman of many firsts, Barbara Jordan is remembered for her outstanding rhetoric, and raising the standards for women everywhere regardless of race. After battling a chronic case of pneumonia, Jordan’s life was cut short on January 17, 1996, in Austin. She has continued to overcome major stumbling blocks for women even beyond her grave. On Jan. 20,1996 she became the first African-American woman to be buried at the Texas State Cemetery, a honor reserved for Texas heroes. Jordan not only made an enormous impact on the world, but on the faculty and students of North Lake. NLC’s government instructor, Dr. Lynn Brink, remembers a speech Jordan gave to the House Judiciary Committee Proceedings on the Impeachment of Richard Nixon.

“I remember in a famous speech during the Watergate scandal, Barbara Jordan said, ‘...I have faith in the Constitution...,’” said Brink. “I just love her voice...she’s paved the way for women in general.”

Another important woman in politics today is Condoleezza Rice. She is currently the United States National Security Advisor to President George W. Bush. Rice enrolled at the University of Denver when she was just 15 years old and graduated cum laude at the age of 19 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She also earned her master’s degree at the University of Notre Dame, as well as a doctorate from the University of Denver’s Graduate School of International Studies in political science.

“For young women who may not remember Barbara Jordan, Condoleezza Rice is a good role model,” said Brink. “Rice has been a symbol that you can move right up in government. She is a real Renaissance Woman. She is a concert pianist, and a figure skater in a very powerful position. I admire her for her accomplishments; she can do artistic works as well as scholarly things,”

she said. In terms of education and the liberal arts Dr. Maya Angelou is another example of a Renaissance Woman today. Born Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Mo., Angelou is an accomplished writer, poet, educator, best-selling author, actress, playwright, producer and director. As a talented writer, Angelou is best known as the author of 12 best-selling novels including “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” in addition to her many works of poetry such as “And Still I Rise” and “Phenomenal Woman.”

She was the first African-American woman producer in Hollywood. She produced the screenplay “Georgia, Georgia” and a five-part television miniseries “Three Way Choice."

Raped by her mother’s boyfriend (who was later killed) when she was eight years old, Angelou didn’t talk for years because she felt that her words caused a man to die. Despite her painful beginning, Angelou would later use this tragedy as the subject and motivation in her literary works. In January 1993, she became the second poet in the United States history to write and recite her own literary work at the presidential inauguration. On Feb. 26, 1995, Angelou became the first African-American to be the longest- running (two years) on the New York Times Paperback Nonfiction Best Seller List.

“I admire her voice...she is an inspiration to young women,” said NLC’s literature professor Dr. Phyllis Elmore. “She is one of the physicians for society...her poetry is food for the soul.”

Another influential woman, who is not often recognized, is Viola Liuzzo, a Caucasian house wife who lived in Detroit, Mich., during the 1960’s civil rights movement. She was a mother of five who was affected by the graphic images on television about the violence in the south. Liuzzo drove to Selma, Ala., to volunteer in the march from Selma to Montgomery. Determined to do anything she could to help, she drove marchers back to Montgomery. On the evening of March 25, 1965, while driving with an African-American male, four Klansmen pulled up beside the car and shot Liuzzo twice in the head. The car crashed into the embankment of Highway 80, and only her passenger survived.

The next significant woman, whose recognition is far overdue, is Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977). She grew up in Ruleville, Miss., was the daughter of sharecroppers and wanted to change her current state of poverty and inequality. At 43, Hamer could still not read (except for the Bible, which she memorized). In 1962, 43 percent of Mississippi’s population was African-American, but less than 1 percent was registered to vote. This sparked Hamer to volunteer to join 17 other African-Americans to register to vote.

“Students can learn a lot from these women [Liuzzo, Angelou and Hamer],” said Elmore. “Fannie Hamer was illiterate except for the Bible, but they are a source of inspiration-how they empowered themselves and did not wait for handouts.”

One specific way Elmore believes students can “empower themselves” is by “reading these women’s stories, studying their examples and imitating them.”

The Women’s Museum in Fair Park is a great place to start your journey into the world of women’s impacts and contributions. The museum is filled with eye openers and fascinating facts about women of all backgrounds.

“The museum chronicles the lives of American women in a way never seen before,” said Laura Daly, the museum’s director of development and marketing. “The state-of-the-art interactive exhibits explore the contributions of women throughout American history...and inspire millions of visitors.”

If you would like to expand your mind and explore important women of all ethnic backgrounds who have impacted the world, you can visit the Women’s Museum in Fair Park at 3800 Perry Ave. Call (214) 915-0861.