Photo by Los Angeles Times "I am standing here today by the grace of God as testament to the love and support that I've received from my family." Ketanji Brown Jackson recently made history when President Biden nominated her for Supreme Court of the United States to fill the vacancy left by the death of Antonin …
From Slave to Chef
Born a slave in Murray County, Tennessee in 1857, I was a hard-working boy during the Civil War. At 16, I worked at a Nashville restaurant. Years later, I became a chef and published my recipes. 36 Words Rufus Estes was a former slave who worked as a chef aboard luxury railway cars operated …
Pike’s Purchase
Passenger Angus Pike stood on the deck of the Unicorn, his blue eyes scanning the horizon. All around him the sea stretched out endlessly. It lapped against the capricious vessel as it headed to Liverpool. Below, in his cabin, cowering, was the young slave woman who was to be his wife’s maid and his lover. …
She Broke the Mold
Did I flummox everyone when I, an African-American woman spurned the usual courses tailored for women at Oberlin and took a program of Greek, Latin and higher Mathematics designed for gentlemen? Why shouldn’t I, a child of God, aspire to higher goals? 42 Words Mary Jane Patterson, born into slavery, became the first African American …
Solange’s Story
My name is Solange. I'm a slave living and working on a sugar plantation in Jamaica owned by an unmarried Englishman who moved to the island a year ago with his widowed sister. I was dark so I worked in the field. Only the fair-skinned slaves worked in the great house. I remember the first …
Celia
Celia confessed that she was possessed when she struck her Master. 11 Words This is a true story. Scene from the play, Celia, A Slave This was written for the Weekend Writing Prompt by Sammi Cox. For instructions, click Here.
Freedom
Photo by Alicia Jamtaas “I warn you, Girl, if you run away from me, I’ll come after you and when I find you, I’ll shoot you.” For years, fear of that threat prevented her from running away but not this time. This time she was going to be free of him and his unwanted attentions. …
Taking Root
Recognized as Time Magazine’s Hero of the Planet, Wangari Maathai, Kenyan environmentalist and political activist was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. She earned her bachelor’s and master degrees and completed her doctorate in the United States. When it came to the environment, she has been a gargantuan force in the …
Empowering Others
Maggie Lena Walker, daughter of a former slave and the first female bank owner, was instrumental in the epoch of economic empowerment of African Americans in America. 27 Words If you're interested in learning more about this remarkable business woman, click here. Source: National Historic …
Jane’s Story
He says he loves me. He treats me well. I can't tell anybody that he's been teaching me how to read and write. Every night, he comes to my cabin and teaches me how to read from the Bible. He tells me, "God loves you just as much as He loves me. Your color doesn't matter …
Notes to Women 