Those Women We Honor
- Now and Always
Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune was a visionary educator, fearless civil rights leader, and powerful advocate for Black excellence whose life transformed countless futures. Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents, she rose from poverty through determination and faith, founding a small school for Black girls in Daytona, Florida that grew into what is now Bethune-Cookman University. As a trusted advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and founder of the National Council of Negro Women, she championed education, voting rights, and economic opportunity for African Americans—especially women and youth. Bethune believed deeply that “knowledge is the prime need of the hour,” and she dedicated her life to turning that belief into action.
Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison was a literary giant whose words reshaped American storytelling and illuminated the depth, pain, beauty, and resilience of Black life. Born in 1931, she became the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, earning global recognition for masterworks such as Beloved, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye. Through her lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Morrison gave voice to histories too often silenced and centered Black experiences with dignity and complexity. As an editor, professor, and cultural critic, she also nurtured other writers and challenged the nation to confront its past.
Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson was a trailblazing American contralto whose voice and courage reshaped both music and history. Born in 1897, she rose from humble beginnings in Philadelphia to become one of the most celebrated classical singers of the 20th century, captivating audiences across Europe and the United States with her rich, powerful voice. In 1939, after being denied the opportunity to sing at Constitution Hall because of her race, she delivered a historic open-air concert at the Lincoln Memorial that drew 75,000 people and millions of radio listeners, becoming a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights. In 1955, she broke another barrier as the first African American to perform at the Metropolitan Opera, opening doors for generations of artists to come.
Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee was a luminous actress, poet, and fearless civil rights activist whose life blended artistic brilliance with unwavering commitment to justice. Born in 1922, she built a groundbreaking career on stage and screen, starring in works such as A Raisin in the Sun and earning numerous awards, including an Academy Award nomination later in life. Alongside her husband, Ossie Davis, she stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement—marching, speaking out, and using her voice to uplift the cause of equality.
