By V.S. Santoni Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown, an eminent figure in American history, left an indelible mark on both the medical field and the civil rights movement. Born on January 7, 1919, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Brown faced numerous challenges as an African American woman pursuing a career in medicine during a time of profound racial segregation and gender discrimination. Despite the obstacles, Dr. Brown exhibited extraordinary resilience and determination. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bennett College in North Carolina before pursuing a medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1948, Dr. Brown became the first…
Author: V.S. Santoni
By V.S. Santoni Sabrina Shulman, chief political officer at Vote Run Lead, and Erin Vilardi, the organization’s CEO and founder, illuminate the profound impact of Vote Run Lead in shaping the political landscape by empowering women to assume leadership roles across the United States. Vote Run Lead stands as a transformative force dedicated to fostering equitable representation in America’s statehouses. According to Vilardi and Shulman, the organization’s mission is “to unleash the political power of women as voters, candidates, and leaders to create an equitable democracy.” Reflecting on the organization’s impact, Shulman and Vilardi highlighted the story of Allie Phillips,…
By V.S. Santoni Lorraine Hansberry, a luminary of the American literary and theatrical landscape, captivated audiences with her groundbreaking works that explored themes of race, class, and social justice. Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Hansberry emerged as a prominent voice of the Civil Rights Movement, challenging societal norms and advocating for equality through her art. Hansberry’s seminal work, “A Raisin in the Sun,” catapulted her to literary prominence and cemented her legacy as a pioneering playwright. Inspired by her family’s own experiences with racial discrimination and housing segregation, the play poignantly depicts the aspirations and struggles of…
By V.S. Santoni Dr. Georgia Patton Washington, born on April 15, 1864, emerged from a background of adversity to become a pioneering figure in medicine and missionary work. Raised amidst poverty in Tennessee, she endured the loss of her twin sister and father before carving her path against formidable odds. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Patton’s quest for education led her to Nashville, where she defied societal constraints and pursued higher learning. Despite financial barriers and familial obstacles, her indomitable spirit propelled her towards her dreams. Her resilience manifested as she juggled hardships while striving to become a…
By V.S. Santoni Mae Jemison is not just an astronaut; she’s a symbol of resilience, determination, and the unyielding spirit of exploration. As the first African American woman to travel to space, Jemison shattered stereotypes and blazed a trail for future generations of Black women in the sciences. Her legacy is not only one of groundbreaking achievements but also of empowerment and inspiration for Black women around the world. Born on October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, Jemison was raised in Chicago and developed a passion for science and space exploration from a young age. Despite facing racial and gender…
By V.S. Santoni James Baldwin, born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York City, was more than just a poet; he was a visionary whose words echoed the profound struggles and triumphs of the Black community, particularly the Black gay community. His life journey was a testament to resilience, courage, and unyielding determination in the face of bigotry and oppression. Baldwin’s early years were marked by the harsh realities of racism and discrimination in America. Growing up in Harlem during the height of racial segregation, he experienced firsthand the injustices that plagued his community. Despite facing immense societal pressure,…
By V.S. Santoni NASHVILLE, TN — In an exclusive interview with Charlotte Wutherington, Assistant Director of Communication at MDHA, insights were shared into the agency’s strategic vision for addressing Nashville’s housing challenges. MDHA’s mission, as highlighted by Wutherington, centers on providing affordable housing opportunities, recognizing the ongoing demand. The transformative Cayce Project, guided by MDHA’s commitment, boasts six new developments housing 507 units, with notable partnerships contributing to the success of these initiatives. “It’s going to take many partners coming together to help meet the need for housing” said Wutherington. MDHA’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Program, emphasized by Wutherington,…
By V.S. Santoni In the charming town of Brookhaven, Georgia, Unique Southern Foods LLC, under the visionary leadership of Founder and CEO Sandy Poag, is captivating the culinary world with their health-conscious approach to Southern cuisine. The crown jewel of their offerings, Grandma Betty’s Premium Yellow Grits, has not only gained international recognition but has also secured a spot on Amazon’s “Top 5 Brand List in the Yellow Grits category Worldwide.” Grandma Betty’s Premium Yellow Grits transcends the boundaries of traditional breakfast fare. These golden grits, developed as a healthier alternative, are gluten-free, sugar-free, sodium-free, dairy-free, and plant-based, appealing to…
By V.S. Santoni The clash between Florida Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and California Democrat Rep. Barbara Lee over access to a House subcommittee hearing on Cuba has ignited controversy and raised questions about political discourse. Salazar’s decision to exclude Lee, based on her views on Cuba, escalated into a verbal dispute that drew criticism and accusations of behavior reminiscent of the Cuban regime. The incident unfolded during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing focused on the Biden administration’s policies regarding private business in Cuba. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat and the subcommittee’s ranking member, requested Salazar to permit…
By V.S. Santoni ATLANTA, GA — The family of Johnny Hollman, a church deacon who tragically lost his life after a confrontation with an Atlanta police officer following a minor car crash, has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit on Thursday. The lawsuit, lodged in U.S. District Court, alleges that former officer Kiran Kimbrough employed excessive force in trying to compel the 62-year-old Hollman to sign a citation acknowledging fault for the crash, thereby violating his constitutional rights. Kimbrough has since been fired for not calling a supervisor to the scene prior to the attempted arrest of Hollman. …