Army veteran Shoshana Johnson reflects on survival, service and the legacy of Black women in the military.
Women’s History Month
Throughout the month of March, MSR has celebrated Women’s History Month by profiling some of the Black women leaders in the Twin Cities metro area. The final group of WHM leaders featured in this edition come from all walks of life, are accomplished in their respective fields, and have had an impact on our communities. Some of the names you may recognize, while others are less well-known. However, all are worthy of recognition and our tribute.
Dr. Marcheta Evans leads St. Kate’s with purpose, presence and power
St. Catherine University President Dr. Marcheta Evans leads with a focus on equity, student success and innovation.
The rise of women-owned businesses and a new definition of success
Black women entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities are redefining business by centering community, wellness and purpose.
Trailblazing athlete Lusia Harris spotlighted in Difference Makers book series
The Lusia Harris NBA draft milestone is highlighted in a Difference Makers book about the pioneering basketball star’s historic career.
The unsung heroes of World War II: The Six Triple Eight
The Six Triple Eight Battalion legacy highlights the historic achievements of the all-Black women who restored military mail delivery during World War II.
Nellie Stone Johnson’s vision lives on through unions, professors and scholarships
The Nellie Stone Johnson legacy continues in Minnesota through labor activism, education advocacy and scholarships supporting future leaders.
Panel explores feminist journalism from Ms. Magazine to Teen Vogue
Feminist journalism was the focus of a Women’s History Month discussion featuring journalist Elaine Welteroth and writer Dr. Janell Hobson.
Women of color shape our past and future
Women’s History Month highlights the enduring impact of women of color leadership across history, from Harriet Tubman and Shirley Chisholm to leaders shaping the present.
“Unbought and Unbossed:” Shirley Chisholm’s legacy of courage and change
Shirley Chisholm’s legacy includes becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress and launching a historic presidential campaign in 1972.
Debbie Montgomery: A lifelong legacy of connecting her community
Debbie Montgomery’s legacy reflects decades of service, from civil rights activism and law enforcement to becoming the first Black woman elected to the St. Paul City Council.
Pioneering neurosurgeon overcame racial and gender barriers
Dr. Alexa Irene Canady made history as the first African American woman neurosurgeon in the U.S., specializing in pediatric neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and leaving an indelible mark on her patients and the medical field.
Dr. Josie R. Johnson: A legacy of activism and education
Dr. Josie R. Johnson has dedicated her life to education, civil rights, and social justice, earning numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the movement, including a University of Minnesota award and a Minnesota Secretary of State’s award.
Sisters of the Pen: A Look at the Women Who Broke Barriers
Carole Simpson, Dorothy Pearl Butler Gilliam, Belva Davis, and Melba Tolliver are all pioneers in the field of journalism, having broken barriers and made significant contributions to the industry.
Honoring Minnesota’s women history makers at 1MN History Makers event
Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, will be a featured panelist at 1MN History Makers: Women’s History Month, sharing her experiences in leadership, media, and community empowerment.
Women of the Harlem Renaissance were pioneers of art, literature and activism
Women such as Marita Bonner, Zora Neale Hurston, Gwendolyn B. Bennett, Jessie Redmon Fauset, Nella Larsen, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, and Augusta Savage played a vital role in defining the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance, which was a rebirth of Black artistic expression that reshaped American literature, music and art.
The proud legacy of Minnesota’s first Black woman lawyer
Lena Olive Smith was the first Black woman to be licensed to practice law in Minnesota, and she advocated for fair housing and broke down barriers for the Black community in media, education, and society.
Mentors making history: Dr. Angeline Dukes on youth mentorship, representation and Black in Neuro
Dr. Angeline Dukes is a neuroscientist, professor, and advocate dedicated to fostering representation, mentorship, and empowerment for young minds, particularly Black students, through her nonprofit organization Black in Neuro.
Factor Reset: Women’s Empowerment Tea Party to celebrate community leaders
Factor Reset: We Got the Cheat Code! is an empowering tea party hosted by Bete\’ Noire Consulting and SwaggerMom Entertainment, honoring women who have made meaningful contributions to their communities, with a delicious meal, recognition of local “SHeroes”, mini-workshops, and intergenerational networking.
Urban agriculture and the fight for food justice
Black women have long been at the forefront of agriculture, using food as a tool to promote health, wealth, and social change, and are now leading the way in urban farming movements to reclaim land, food, and power for their community.
Sister Spokesman uplifts women of color in media
At the latest Sister Spokesman event, a panel of Black women journalists discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by Black women in the media, highlighting the importance of Black-owned media and the need for more spaces where Black women can lead and tell their own stories.
