Tag Archives: Did you know?

Mar 31 2012
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“Women in Her-Story”: Michelle Obama

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Michelle Obama, official White House portrait.

Michelle Obama, official White House portrait. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(January 17, 1964)

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is the wife of the 44th and current President of the United States, Barack Obama, and is the first African-American First Lady of the United States.  As the First Lady, she has become a fashion icon and role model for women, and a promoter of poverty awareness, nutrition and healthy eating.

Michelle Robinson was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois.  Michelle grew up in Chicago’s South Shore community area. She was raised in what she describes as a “conventional” home, with “the mother at home, the father works, and you have dinner around the table”. She skipped the second grade and by sixth grade had joined a gifted class at her Elementary School.  In her high school years, she was on the honor roll for all four years, took advanced placement classes, was a member of the National Honor Society and served as student council treasurer.  She  graduated in 1981 as the salutatorian of her class.  Read more...

Mar 29 2012
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“Women in Her-Story”: Oprah Winfrey

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(January 29, 1954 – )

Oprah Winfrey is an American media owner, talk show host, actress, producer and humanitarian. She is best known for her self-titled talk show.  It became the highest-rated program of its kind in history and was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2011. 

Childhood Oprah

Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to a young single mother.  After Oprah’s birth, her mother traveled north and Winfrey spent her first six years living in countryside poverty with her grandmother, Hattie Mae Lee. 

At age six, Winfrey moved to an inner-city neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, back with her mother, Vernita Lee – a contrast to the time spent with her grandmother.  With a new sibling, things were rough.  Eventually Vernita sent Winfrey to live with Vernon Winfrey, the man believed to be her biological father, in Nashville, Tennessee.   Read more...

Mar 28 2012
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“Women in Her-Story”: Beyonce Knowles

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(September 4, 1981 – )

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress; and many would say she is definitely on her way to becoming an icon (some might say she already is).

She became a household name in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time.

Beyonce was born in Houston, Texas to Matthew and Tina Knowles; respectively her manager and stylist for most of her career.  Her talent was discovered at a very young age as she was involved in dance and other activities that gave exposure to opportunities to demonstrate her true singing talent. 

Beyonce between dad, Matthew and mom, Tina  Read more...

Mar 27 2012
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“Women inHer-Story”: Etta James

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Etta James

Cover of Etta James

(January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012)

Etta James, who was born Jamesetta Hawkins, was an American singer. Her style spanned a variety of music genres including blues, rhythm and blues, rock and roll, soul, gospel and jazz.

Jamesetta Hawkins was born on January 25, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, to a 14 years young Dorothy Hawkins .  As a result, James lived with a series of caregivers. 

James received her first professional vocal training at the age of five from James Earle Hines, musical director of the Echoes of Eden choir, at the St. Paul Baptist Church in Los Angeles. She became a popular singing attraction at the church.  Read more...

Mar 26 2012
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“Women in Her-Story”: Whitney Elizabeth Houston

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Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston (Image via RottenTomatoes.com)

(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012)

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was an American Icon.  Houston was also one of the world’s best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide. She released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification. Houston is the only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits.

Whitney Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey August 9, 1963.  At 11, Whitney began to follow in her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, footsteps and started performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, where she also learned to play the piano.   Read more...