MARCH 2024 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

MARCH 2024

WOMEN‘S HISTORY MONTH

ISSUE # 2

GLENWOOD DID YOU KNOW...

Great American Women: faith, courage, determination, visionary, influential, strategic, collaborative, empowering, resilient, integrity, transformational, ‘Moses of her people,’ Truth-Teller, Author, Abolitionist, Suffragist, Trailblazer, Business Woman, Project Manager, Pastor, Musician, Doctor, Producer, Bishop, Administrator, Director, Counselor, Mayor, Community Engager, Inventor, Artist, Journalist, Pioneer, Torch Carrier Naval Officer, JROTC Cadet Girls Esports Trendsetters PHENOMENAL WOMEN

WOMEN’S RIGHTS PIONEERS Sojourner Truth, Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton

“If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. The men better let them.”

- Sojourner Truth- ‘Ain’t I A Woman’

WATCH: CBS NYC Women's Suffrage Monument

Click on green to read more Click Sojourner Truth Click Susan B. Anthony Click - Elizabeth Cady Stanton

*At the February 6, 2024 village meeting, I shared that several surrounding cities and villages recognized and scheduled events celebrating Black History Month. I expressed disappointment that Glenwood, a village that is over 70% African American, did not have any events scheduled to recognize the contributions of residents to the town and society, therefore; I created this newsletter to highlight as many as possible in this and future issues.

Deborah Birmingham, M.Ed., M.A.

Women gained the right to vote in 1920 with the passage of the 19th Amendment. On Election Day in 1920, millions of American women exercised this right for the first time. But for almost 100 years, women (and men) had been fighting for women’s suffrage: They had made speeches, signed petitions, marched in parades and argued over and over again that women, like men, deserved all of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. The leaders of this campaign—women like Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone and Ida B. Wells—did not always agree with one another, but each was committed to the enfranchisement of all American women.

Women's History Month is an annual observance to highlight the contributions of women to events in history

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women's History Week.[9] The proclamation stated, "From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, 'Women’s History is Women’s Right.' It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision. I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2–8, 1980. I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality –Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul.

Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people. This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that 'Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.'"

President Ronald Regan continued the tradition until 1987 when Congress designated the entire month of March as Women's History Month with the passage of Public Law 100-9. Since then, every president has issued annual proclamations designating the month.

Women's History Month reception in the East Room of the White House on 18 March 2013 Wikepedia- Women’s History Month

Juanita Freeman

Juanita was a gentle warrior affectionately called ‘The Real Mayor of Glenwood.

Juanita believed in holding elected official and residents responsible for the village‘s success. For nearly 50 years Juanita was involved in the beautification committee donating seasonal flowers and holiday lights for Main St. Juanita served as an election poll judge, election advisor, and member of the Brookwood Point Homeowners Association. Juanita was a culinary chef and enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family and community. Juanita encouraged residents to never give up, speak out, and have the courage to take action in the change they wanted to see in the community and life.

Juanita Freeman

Poem

LIVE EVERY MOMENT LAUGH EVERY DAY LOVE BEYOND WORDS

M y

L i f e

w i t h

N o r m a

by Harry Wilkins

During Women’s history month you need to know about my

Norma taught in the Chicago public school system and adult

outstanding wife of 55+ years. She passed away in the

education for many years. She was a principal at Lewis

spring of 2011, But I think about her every day. She will

elementary school for many years, and at age 65 had the

always be in my heart. We also have six wonderful young

energy and motivation to go back to law school to become an

men and 14 grandchildren.

attorney and passed the bar on the first round. Wow! Presently, all of our sons are working in their professions of

Norma and I met in the summer of 1953. She was a beautiful lifeguard at Clear Lake in Milton Junction, Wisconsin, and I was a very interested visitor. It was love at first sight. We got to know each other. We dated for two years and we got married. Her outgoing, infectious smile was unbelievable. Her down to earth demeanor, and her glowing personality was second to none. She was also one of the best whisk players I ever met. She was a schoolteacher. It is something about a schoolteacher that

choice.

Tony is a banker. Barry is a Real Estate Broker Harry is a Trauma Surgeon/CEO. Dan is a Business Owner. Robert Is in the Entertainment Business. Marc flies freight and is a Captain for UPS. All 14 of our grandchildren are now college graduates. We are so blessed.

Yours truly is a retired Mechanical Engineer for 38 years and loving it. It’s hard work, but someone has to do it.

attracts my attention.

We both love traveling, so we traveled quite a bit. Around the world and back. I still travel, but not as much. We have achieved many things that we set out to do. Our wish was to have all healthy children and that wish came true.

We were blessed again. Our main focus was to make sure our boys were always in a safe and positive environment, and

that

happened,

they

received

thank

God.

a

They

quality

education.

are

making

all

That

positive

contributions to society. They are also taxpayers.

01

Mayor Jeanne F.

Maggio

Glenwood’s First Woman Mayor 2000-2009

There never will be complete equality until women themselves help to make laws and elect law makers.”

-Susan B. Anthony

"I had reasons to love liberty as well as any man, for I was once deprived of it for life" Harriet Tubman

-"I know nothing of man's rights, or woman's rights; human rights are all that I recognize"

-Sarah Moore Grimke

"The best protection a woman can have...is courage" -Elizabeth Cady Stanton

"If Congress refuses to listen to and grant what women ask, there is but one course left to pursue. What is there left for women to do but to become the mothers of the future government?

-

Victoria Claflin Woodhull

BEVERLY MANSON HOLTON MUSICIAN & EDUCATOR

Growing up in a family of eight children is memorable to say the least. There was never a dull moment. We lived in the Englewood community of Chicago. My parents were short on money but long on love. They taught us to love God, love learning and love music. My father insisted that we all play a musical instrument and he sacrificed a great deal to give us music lessons. We had a choice between the violin, the cello and the piano. He found music teachers close to home for the violin and piano. He was a cellist so he taught that instrument himself. He promised that if anyone showed promise, he would pay for lessons at the American Conservatory of Music on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. He worked two jobs to keep that promise to me.

My sisters and brothers took lessons but soon became bored and dropped out, even though two of them excelled and showed great potential. I will always be grateful to my father for making such a large sacrifice to send me to the conservatory. Music has been an enormous part of my life. I started playing the organ and piano for churches at the age of fifteen and have continued to do so.

All of the children in my family went on to live very productive lives and we have our parents to thank.

However, I was the only one who was set on attending college and an older sister helped me financially in that respect. I wanted to be a teacher more than anything. After attending a local community college, I enrolled in Roosevelt University where I received a bachelor of arts in education followed by a master of arts in early childhood education from Governor’s State University. I started my teaching career with the Chicago Public Schools but accepted a position with Brookwood School District 167 in Glenwood, Illinois. I retired from teaching after thirty-eight years. I truly loved the vocation.

I vividly remember attending Sunday School when I was just four years old. My parents belonged to a church that was too far for all of us to attend. My mother found a little church around the corner we could walk to and we attended regularly.

I loved church but never had any idea I would one day be the founding “first lady” of a beautiful church in a south suburb of Chicago. The late Rev. Carl K. Manson and I organized the Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood, Illinois and it has truly been a blessing to me over the years. I cannot thank God enough for giving me such an awesome assignment. Between teaching, the music ministry at Calvary and raising my wonderful daughters, Marsha and Monica, I have been very busy.

I have so much to thank my wonderful parents for. They were old -school democrats who taught us the importance of voting.

I brought this concept to my kindergarteners. At election time, they loved participating in our own classroom straw vote” between the elephant and the donkey.

We made a big project of it and we couldn’t wait to see which animal would win. I tried to instill in them the democratic process and the importance of knowing that we are a democracy and we must use our right to voice our choice.

They are adults now and hopefully they will always remember those social studies lessons.

There are so many things I could say about my life. As in all our lives there have been trials and triumphs and sunshine and rain. But I look back over phenomenal blessings and I cannot complain. God has blessed me with a wonderful, loving and caring husband of thirty years, Herman Holton, my soul-mate. We walk together in God’s love and the love of family as well as so many friends, knowing not what tomorrow holds but knowing who holds tomorrow. We believe there are many wonderful and positive moments to embrace as we continue this journey.

PASTOR NELLIE BRIGGS Pastor Nellie Briggs is a 33 Year Resident of Glenwood. Illinois.

Dedicated Wife, Mother, and Grandmother Founder of Lifebuilders OMM. Servant of God who ministers all over the country.

Evangelist who ministers at Nursing Homes and other Institutions.

Socialpreneur.

Established and directs Housing, Youth Development, Anti Violence, and Healthcare programs in the Chicago Southland.

Received 4.5 Million Dollars in funding to assist Homeowners in Housing Preservation through the Illinois Housing Development Authority

Secured funding from the U.S. Census Bureau to provide 2020 Census Count Outreach

Worked with the Medical Industry and NIH to receive a 25 Million Dollar grant in Stroke Prevention

Secured funding to provide community-based initiatives that empower underserved residents.

Owner of Because We Care Casket Company.

President

of

the

Glenwood

Estates

Homeowners

Association.

President of the Glenwood Estate CDC.

Board member of many organizations Dedicated to Community Care and Keeping Community

the Heart of

MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY

FAITH COURAGE LET THE WORLD SEE

DETERMINATION

Mamie Elizabeth Till-Mobley[a] (born Mamie Elizabeth Carthan; November 23, 1921 – January 6, 2003) was an American educator and activist. She was the mother of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old teenager murdered in Mississippi on August 28, 1955, after accusations that he had whistled at a Caucasian grocery store cashier named Carolyn Bryant. For Emmett's funeral in Chicago, Mamie Till insisted that the casket containing his body be left open, because, in her words, "I wanted the world to see what they did to my baby."[2] “ It’s not that I dwell on the past. But

present and the way we will become

Watch Mamie Till Mobley’s Last Speech

what we are destined to become. It is

“We cannot afford the luxury of self pity. Our

only because I have finally

top priority now is to get on the building

the past shapes the way we are in the

understood the past, accepted it, embraced it, that I can fully live in the

process.

My personal peace

has come

through helping boys and girls reach beyond the ordinary and strive for the extraordinary.

moment. And hardly a moment goes

We must teach our children to weather the

by when I don’t think about Emmett,

hurricanes of life , pick up pieces, and rebuild.

and the lessons a son can teach a

We must impress upon children that even

mother.” - Mamie Till-Mobley

Watch Mamie Till Mobley ‘s Mission

when troubles rise to seven-point one on life’s Richter scale, they must be anchored so deeply that, though they sway, though they sway, they will not topple.”

- Mamie Till-Mobley

Mamie Till Mobley was a fellow educator, church member , and dear friend. She would join my family for dinner and share words of wisdom.

As an educator, shared her life of faith, courage, and determination with students. Women’s History Month often gave my students an opportunity to ask questions about her life and present amazing assignments.

Here are a couple.

Dear Mamie Till-Mobley, I wrote you this letter to tell you how your work helps to promote the world of peace and non-violence. And how I see you as a trailblazer. Your work showing the world what the lies of Carolyn Bryant did to your son.

RACISM Racism wasn’t just a thing It made me see, that one wasn’t everything One murder that shocked the world The one that made me more concerned

How you decided to do an open casket to show how you

But when all hope was lost, someone came along

got back Bobo. In the 1955s, the Civil Rights Movement

To show the violence, something they had been waiting for

began because of the open casket you showed the world. You wanted justice for Emmett Till and to be

too long

honest, you deserve all justice for him. You went to

All they asked for was the promise that was given

court and fought for your son.

To find out they had lied, it wouldn’t be forgiven

You wanted the two men that murdered you son to

Mamie Till-Mobley couldn’t believe her eyes

go to jail but because of the color of their skin, they

When she saw her son lying dead, she thought it was a lie

didn’t go to jail and the judge let them roam around

The suffering and grief she had

free. Because of that, many people and especially

Made her even more mad

African Americans heard the case of Till and saw the open casket. Many African Americans saw that racism

Spreading the message about the hate

was a big thing because of the color of their skin; they

She didn’t want to wait

wanted justice for them and Emmett Till.

It may have taken years to get their ways

I see you as a trailblazer because you left a trail of the

But now they can have better days

Civil Rights Movement which started Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King , Jr. and Rosa Parks leaving an impact on

By: J.V.

the world.

You also protested for peace and non-violence . You also wanted racism to end. While you were protesting, you wanted everybody to love each other and not hate each other like Dr. King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Sincerely, J.H.E.

Watch ABC Ch 7 Congress Passes Emmett Till Bill

Growing up, I loved to draw. It was what I did whenever I had free time. A solitary pastime activity that found me creating my own comic book characters in stories that I made up, fashion sketches or drawings of animals.

In 4th grade I recall drawing a deer during some free time in class. The teacher saw it and gave me high praise as she showed the class. She didn't stop there.

She told me to take it next door to the other 4th grade class and have that teacher and students see it as well! What a day that was! Teacher recognition was everything, and my 15 minutes of fame that day fueled the fire in me.

I took nearly every art class offered in high school, and went on to earn a B.S. in Art Education at Northern Illinois University, with a concentration in drawing and painting. Another degree would follow from Governors State University (M.S. in Education), plus numerous hours toward an MFA in drawing and painting at the same university.

Upon graduating from NIU I spent the next 30+ years teaching art in the south suburbs of Chicago, Kindergarten through High School. Then with retirement came the fulfillment of a dream deferred...creating my own art! I've always loved working with the human figure, so I started by taking life drawing sessions at the Tall Grass Arts Association in Park Forest, IL. becoming a Guild Artist at Union Street Gallery in Chicago Heights, IL and taking pastel sessions with renown pastelist Marikay Peter Witlock. This was the beginning of my love for the medium of pastels. I love how rich the colors are, how forgiving they are when things go wrong, and how I found my technique when using them in my favorite finger blending method of application. I also studied portrait/figurative painting under famed Chicago artist, Clayton Beck III at this time, and I began to exhibit in many art shows in and out of state.

My focus more recently has been on portrait and figurative drawings of children from African countries such as Mali and Kenya. God has blessed me to be affiliated with two American humanitarian organizations who give aid to these countries. The Zakat Foundation of America, and Matanya's Hope, both based in Illinois. They do such wonderful work in their quest to bring aid to the people of these countries. They also take photos of the families and children who receive their aid, and it's from these pictures that I've been inspired to create paintings such as Blue Boy, The New Toy and The Water Girl. My current body of work and this art direction are sources of real happiness for me. I'm truly enjoying this art journey.

In May of this year I was invited by Zakat to join them on a trip to Africa! We went to the west African country of Ghana. Several cities were visited and I met and took photos of lots of people for future pastel paintings. This was the trip of a lifetime, and you should stay tuned for inspired art that will come out of this trip.

My studio space is in Union Street Gallery, 1527 Otto Blvd. ,a 100 year old former Elks Hall, in Chicago Heights, IL. I have memberships in The Portrait Society of America, Chicago Pastel Painters and the South Side Community Art Center.

SELECTED INVITATIONAL & JURIED EXHBITIONS 2024 I Am, because You Are. Solo exhibit. LaGrange Art League Gallery. LaGrange, IL 2024 Black Creativity 2024. Museum of Science & Industry. Chicago, IL

2023 * 1st Place Award. Reflections in Pastel. Arkansas Portrait Society. North Little Rock, AR 2023 Illinois Members Show. Portrait Society of America 2023 Figures & Faces. Online Exhibition. Laguna Beach, CA

2023 Solo Exhibition. Nordstrom. Oak Brook, IL 2023 Virtuosity in Unity. Union Street Gallery. Chicago Heights, IL 2023 * People's Choice Award. Park Forest Art Fair, Park Forest, IL

READ MORE - CLICK Jea n Lewis - About the Artist

Jean Lewis

Fine Art

Media Contact: Felicia Apprey 773-671-3240 felicia@appreypr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Black Foodies Debut Signature Chicago on WGN TV January 20th 6 AM _______________________________________________________________________ Husband and Wife Duo Takes Chicago on Diverse Culinary Adventures to Discover the Best Chicago Restaurants CHICAGO, December 26, 2023 — Chicago's very own social media influencers and food vloggers, The Black Foodies, will debut a new half-hour television series, Signature Chicago, on WGN-TV Channel 9 Chicago, January 20th at 6 AM CST. This charismatic husband and wife duo is dedicated to showcasing diverse culinary scenes in Chicagoland and will highlight the signature dish of restaurants around the region.

As viewers travel with The Black Foodies around Chicagoland, they will get a glimpse into the kitchen of some of their favorite restaurants, including the opportunity to observe The Black Foodies help prepare each restaurant’s signature dish. Signature Chicago will be a fun and informative way to start Saturday mornings in Chicagoland. The series features food, food preparation, and chefs from diverse culinary scenes, from fine dining to neighborhood joints, all the while helping small businesses thrive.

Married 31 years with five children, Dino and Miss Coretta, aka The Black Foodies, started their vlogger journey eight years ago as a go-to resource where individuals could easily access and acquaint themselves with black-owned restaurants throughout the area. Subsequently, The Black Foodies began highlighting culinary talent within more diverse communities. This platform allowed them to educate their fan base about the city of Chicago and what it offers culinarily. Their fans yearned for more foodie adventures, so they started a Taste and Tour of the City of Chicago. The tours include stopping at several The Black Foodiesapproved restaurants throughout Chicagoland - via a luxury coach bus - with stops at historical landmarks and photo opportunities. The Black Foodies have facilitated five tours thus far, with an extensive waitlist for 2024, starting in the Spring.

The Black Foodies are excited to debut Signature Chicago on WGN Channel 9 Chicago, on January 20th at 6 AM CST. The show will provide the opportunity to continue to share some of Chicago’s best and most diverse restaurants’ signature dishes in the best city in America - Chicago.

Connect with The Black Foodies: FB: The Black Foodies IG: https://www.instagram.com/theblackfoodies/ X : The Black Foodies YouTube: The Black Foodies TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdtmPXh6

Bold Journey Magazine Interview - Feb. 2024

How did you find your purpose?

I started getting an inkling of my purpose at a young age. I always had a love for reading, writing and creativity.

I remember always looking forward to reading my grandma’s daily print of the Chicago Sun-Times and discussing the latest headlines with her. My grandma, along with my parents, were the biggest influences when it came to me knowing the importance of being informed about what’s happening in my community and listening and learning from others’ stories.

In my opinion, a few moments played a pivotal role in realizing that my purpose is to write, produce and highlight the stories of everyday people.

The first moment came in 6th grade when I decided to start a newsletter, which eventually became a full blown magazine, for the youth in my church. I was a one-person team, creating and writing the monthly magazine—from finding the person for our monthly cover, writing all the content included in the magazine and printing the magazines, I was immersed in it every step of the way. Shoutout to my parents and little sister for staying up with me the night before we’d take them into church, acting as last minute editors and helping me organize the magazines for distribution at service the next day.

Another moment came in 7th grade. On the day of our local election, my mom, one of my biggest supporters when it comes to my writing and creativity, actually let me skip school so I could cover and report on what was happening. It felt so cool to interview residents in our town about why they were coming out to vote that day and the issues that mattered to them at time.

One other moment came when I was a sophomore in college. I had a mentor who I first met during my junior or senior year of high school who worked at NBC5. When I came home for fall break, she offered to let me come down to the station and take a tour.

What I remember most about that tour is walking into the control room during the noon show. I remember there was yelling (as producers do at times) but also the intent and focus that those in the control room had when it came to making sure their show went well. Seeing that feeling of what I call ‘organized chaos’ was eye opening for me. When I learned producers were in charge of what stories got on air and that the role would allow me to give a voice to the diverse voices often left out of conversations, I was set on being a producer.

The next part of the interview is where we’d love to learn more about you, your story and what you are focused on professionally – whether it’s a business, nonprofit, artistic career etc. Please tell our readers about what you do, what you feel is most exciting or special about it, as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc. If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc.

Read More

A l l i s o n

P u l l i a m

Co Director at Declaration For American Democracy (DFAD)

Brookwood School District 167 Butler University I am a former presidential appointee who had the assignment to support the heartland of America – our entrepreneurs and business owners. My work put me in front of some of the most industrious, enterprising, and ambitious Americans who were providing jobs and opportunities for people who needed to see the possibilities and make connections between commerce and community. It was my privilege to train bootstrappers and legacy business people on the resources available to them and how to use those resources to grow.

As a communicator, I honed my ability to instruct one-on-one or in small groups. I also practiced taking complex constructs and translating them to simple terms to communicate them to a variety of constituencies.

I am a lifelong community organizer and activist who knows that relationship between commerce and community is good business sense.

If you need a workshop facilitator, speaker or a consultant, contact me. I have the history and resources to help you grow, whether it is to show you how to create your own outreach programs with the community or craft a strategy for sustainable community outreach and employee in-service.

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Click to Contact Nickolas Ware

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Read More on Nickolas Ware

Dr. Gladys B. West Global Positioning System (GPS) Pioneer Watch Did You Use the GPS on Your Phone Today?

You can thank Dr. West

Dr. Gladys B. West, the African-American mathematician whose mapping of the world enabled Global Positioning System (GPS), was chosen by the newly launched National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) as its inaugural “Forgotten Women Innovator.”

Born in rural Dinwiddie County, Gladys Mae Brown West graduated first in her high school class, earning a scholarship to Virginia State College (later Virginia State University), where she earned a bachelor’s in mathematics in 1952.

After teaching in public schools, she completed a master’s degree from VSU in 1955, and the following year began working at the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren. She was the second African-American woman hired at the base, among only four African-American employees in total.

Admired by her colleagues for her skill in calculating complex mathematical equations, she excelled in computer programming. Dr. West emerged as an integral part of the team that developed the modern GPS, tirelessly collecting data from orbiting satellites and developing mathematical algorithms for supercomputers to process precise surface elevations.

She later became project manager for the radar altimetry data processing project of Seasat, the first satellite designed for remote sensing of the Earth’s oceans, for which she received a commendation. Dr. West published numerous papers and made presentations on her work at national and international conferences before retiring in 1998.

Throughout her career, Dr. West continued her education and in 2000 received a Ph.D. in public administration and policy affairs from Virginia Tech. She was a 2019 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History honoree by the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.

Dr. Lance Collins, executive director of Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, was among those who honored the 93-year-old Sutherland native at the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City on her birthday, Oct. 27.

“I only recently discovered Dr. West and her breathtaking accuracy in measuring the world,” Dr. Collins noted, expressing pride for the Virginia Tech alum in an NCWI press release.

“How many other Gladys Wests are out there? I salute her amazing accomplishments and the NCWI for shining a light on her and the thousands of other women and minority innovators we have buried.”

Keynote speaker Deborah Roberts, ABC News senior national affairs correspondent and co-host of “20/20,” emphasized the importance of recognizing forgotten women innovators.

“What an honor and privilege to shine a light on those hidden and extraordinary figures like Dr. Gladys B. West who helped change the world. We are grateful for your genius and example,” Ms. Roberts said.

NCWI was formed in Alexandria in late 2022 to unearth the buried stories of women innovators who have or are changing the world.

Click - For more information, visit

Marie Van Brittan Brown American Nurse & Inventor

Albert L. Brown Electronic Technician & Inventor

Marie Van Brittan Brown was the inventor of the first home security system. She is also credited with the invention of the first closed circuit television. Brown was born in Queens, New York, on October 22, 1922, and resided there until her death on February 2, 1999, at age seventy-six. Her father was born in Massachusetts and her mother was from Pennsylvania.

The patent for the invention was filed in 1966, and it later influenced modern home security systems that are still used today. Brown’s invention was inspired by the security risk that her home faced in the neighborhood where she lived. Marie Brown worked as a nurse and her husband, Albert Brown, worked as an electronics technician. Their work hours were not the standard nine-to-five, and the crime rate in their Queens, New York City neighborhood was very high. Even when the police were contacted in the event of an emergency, the response time tended to be slow.

As a result, Brown looked for ways to increase her level of personal security. She needed to create a system that would allow her to know who was at her home and contact relevant authorities as quickly as possible.

Brown’s security system was the basis for the two-way communication and surveillance features of modern security.

Her original invention was comprised of peepholes, a camera, monitors, and a two-way microphone. The final element was an alarm button that could be pressed to contact the police immediately.

Three peepholes were placed on the front door at different height levels. The top one was for tall persons, the bottom one was for children, and the middle one was for anyone of average height. At the opposite side of the door a camera was attached with the ability to slide up and down to allow the person to see through each peephole. The camera picked up images that would reflect on the monitor via a wireless system. The monitor could be placed in any part of the house to allow you to see who was at the door.

There was also a voice component to enable Brown to speak to the person outside. If the person was perceived to be an intruder, the police would be notified with the push of a button. If the person was a welcome or expected visitor, the door could be unlocked via remote control.

Marie and Albert Brown filed for a patent on August 1, 1966, under the title, “Home Security System Utilizing Television Surveillance.” Their application was approved on December 2, 1969. Brown’s invention gained her welldeserved recognition, including an award from the National Scientists Committee (no year for the award can be identified) and an interview with The New York Times on December 6, 1969.

Brown’s invention laid the foundation for later security systems that make use of its features such as video monitoring, remote-controlled door locks, push-button alarm triggers, instant messaging to security providers and police, as well as two-way voice communication. Her invention is still used by small businesses, small offices, singlefamily homes, and multi-unit dwellings such as apartments and condominiums. The Browns’ patent was later referenced by thirteen other inventors including some as recently as 2013.

Brown was the mother of two children, one of whom, Norma Brown, went on to become a nurse and inventor.

Watch- Marie Van Brittain Brown Home Security

Bishop Margurete Stephens-Clark

Bishop Margurete Stephens Clark was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

She is married to her loving husband, Elder Karl Clark, and has two adult children.

She acquired a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Arts Degree in English. Bishop Clark, a former Chicago Public High Schools English Teacher and Adjunct College Instructor at Prairie State College and South Suburban College, also taught and prepared new teachers in the Golden Teachers Program of Chicago Public Schools. In 2000, she was awarded placement in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. She is a published writer of Christian devotionals and Christian plays and hosted a Christian radio program, In His Presence, on 102.3FM Rejoice WYCA. One of her most cherished positions, she asserts, was that of Senior Editor of the Glenwood Gazette of Glenwood, Illinois which she held for several years.

Shortly after attaining her degrees, Bishop Clark traveled throughout Europe and Northern Africa. She gladly recounts her experiences in Italy, France, Spain and Africa.. She remembers visiting the beautiful places she had read about in her high school and college classes. She says it was nothing short of thrilling to gaze upon the Eiffel Tower and taste the delicious sweet pastries of Paris, to walk the ancient stairs of the Coliseum in Rome, to view, while cringing, the rowdy bull fights in Barcelona, and to dine on octopus for the first time while sailing from Italy to Africa. Although these cultural experiences fall short only to the great experiences encountered in her Biblical studies and Christian ministering endeavors, she says seeing the world added to her great love for her Creator!

In 1996, Bishop Clark, was ordained an Itinerant Elder in The African Methodist Episcopal Church, and in 2002 she was appointed Pastor of The Caison Memorial AME Church. In 2016 she was consecrated Bishop with the Chicagoland Ministerial Alliance and later invited to be part of the Bishopric of New Nation International Fellowship.

In 2015, Bishop Clark instituted the Everlasting Love Ministries, currently a rapidly growing non denominational ministry with ten other licensed and ordained ministers. In 2022, she instituted One Love Fellowship, embracing several churches and outreach ministries.

Currently, Bishop Clark serves as Sr. Pastor of Everlasting Love Ministries in Matteson, Illinois which includes teaching 20 Week Evangelist Seminars to many new ministers, sponsoring Women’s Conferences, and assisting her husband’s Iron Men of God Organization in serving the homeless population in the Chicagoland area.

Bishop Clark says that absolutely the best day of her life was the day Jesus called her out of darkness into his marvelous light! She gladly embraces His call with Psalm 116:12 (Oh)…What can I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?

Dr. Dolores Freeman

Yvette Marie Farmer

Dr. Kieya Charon Dugar

Dr. Dolores Freeman moved to Glenwood along with her husband, the late Rev. Harold Freeman and family, in June 1987. She is a long-time member of New Friendship M. B. Church in Chicago where she teaches Sunday School, is a group captain and is a Trustee. Dr. Freeman was born and raised in the Chicago Englewood community. Dr. Freeman received her Bachelors Degree from Chicago State University, Masters Degree from University of Illinois and Doctoral Degree from National Louis University, all specializing in education, leadership and administration. She retired from Chicago Public Schools after 33 years of dedicated service as the Academy Leader of the Englewood Achievement Academy in 2007.

Dr. Freeman is the proud mother of two daughters: Yvette Marie Farmer, Chicago Public Schools elementary school counselor and Dr. Kieya Charon Dugar, OB/GYN physician. She is a grandmother of two and great grandmother of five children.

Dr. Freeman loves her church, conventions and organizations. She has served as President of the Women’s Department of the Baptist State Convention and Antioch District Association Women’s President. In addition to serving on the Trustee Board at her church, she is currently Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention and Treasurer for the Brookwood Point Homeowner’s Association.

Her favorite pastime is traveling with family and friends. Her favorite scripture is “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

BaShaun Benford, Jr. Glenwood’s Newest Leader

B.J. enjoys all music genres Playlist: Soul R&B Classical Hip Hop Gospel Bashaun Benford barely spoke when he was three years old.

Fast forward 15 years later. Bashaun who is now 18 years old and who goes by the name BJ, was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. BaShaun has now graduated from high school. Throughout his high school years ,BJ’s GPA never dropped below 3.8 . In BaShaun’s last year of High school, 2022/2023, he decided to give basketball a shot. That year, BaShaun and his teammates won the city championship. BaShaun and his teammates competed downstate and won the state championship.

BaShaun is now in a transition program that will assist him in fulfilling his dreams of becoming a chef.

His favorite thing to prepare for his family is shrimp Alfredo with his homemade garlic butter alfredo sauce. BJ also inspires to become D.J. Not only can he spin a record or create an awesome beat, but he can also tell you the date that any random album was produced and who produced it.

BaShaun is a very friendly and caring young man who enjoys giving back and volunteering. BaShaun has participated in various walks such as March of Dimes, St. Jude’s, Project Kennedy, Autism speaks, walks for breast cancer and is an advocate giver for Toys for Tots. BaShaun often works alongside his mom and her sorority sisters who are BaShaun’s honorary Aunts in their community service events.

BaShaun is a firm believer of, I have autism, but autism does not have me.

Latryce Fields Anderson My Mother’s Mother

My great grandmother Maggie Americas Williams and her husband, bought land in Mississippi in 1886. At that time in history this was a major accomplishment for a black family. To ensure the land was not taken away from them and their family, they declare it as heir property.

On my father’s side, my great grandmother, Mama Ree, ran a hotel where the blacks working on the railroad would stay the night and were served breakfast. This was done despite threats from a white hotel owner. Her daughter, my grandmother, Lula Fields, graduated from Rush College in Mississippi and taught in the school system.

My grandmother, Susie Frierson, on my mother’s side, ran a farm that had cows, hogs, goats, and chickens. She had no fear of the wild life threats and could handle the task and a shotgun as well as any man.

My mother, Denosia Fields, studied genealogy and authored a book on her family which is located in the library. She participated in her school as well as her church choir. She is a Christian Educator and family oriented.

Now, I have a little of each of my mother’s mother in me. I graduated with two master’s degrees in education and technology. I have been a middle school teacher for over 17 years and now I currently work as an administrator. I have a teenage daughter, Jenaya Cole, and I hope she reaches back and makes those women on whose shoulders we stand proud.

Today's Women Vets Are Mentoring JROTC Cadets

Dr. Stacey L. Henderson-Shaw Dr. Henderson-Shaw is a retired Naval Officer with over 25 years of military service and experience. She is the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI) at Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She is a STEM Facilitator and Mentor for JROTC Cadet Girls, in partnership with Women Veterans Rock! and National Women Veterans United. Dr. Lenell Navarre is the High School District 206 Superintendent and Dr. Jerry Lee Anderson is the Principal. Bloom is in the NJROTC Area 3 Region, under the leadership of MGy Sgt, Jason D. Rampa, US Marines (Retired).

Dr. Henderson-Shaw is a leading “Women Veterans ROCK! Model Cities Mentor .Dr. Stacey L. Henderson-Shaw

International National Student League

Congratulations!

NSBE INSL Esports has awarded the Bloom High School JROTC STEM City Chicago NSBE Jr. Chapter "Petal Pushers Esports Team" National INSL Esports Winners. The NSBE 50th Convention and INSL Founders are looking forward to awarding the girls at Nationals March 20-24th in Atlanta, GA.

Follow on LinkedIn for NSBE CONVENTION EVENTS MARCH 20-24th

Connie Webster Young

V O T E

V O T E

V O T E

I'd like to encourage our young people to place Voter Registration far more important than Driver's License. Know that; with your VOTE, you are able to influence positive changes in our communities and government. I'm so grateful to my parents who taught my siblings and I the importance of exercising this right. Yes, people died for us to be able to vote. Don't let their sacrifices be in vain.

Thank you mom for not only telling me, but showing me through your commitment of working the polls for many years.

If you are 18 years of age or older, please register and VOTE.

Courtney Liddell Freelance Senior Project Manager/Digital Producer

Brookwood School District 167 Bloom High School Howard University

With over 15 years of ad agency experience, I have overseen digital projects from pitching through delivery, managing scopes, budgets, resources and risks for clients in financial, pharmaceutical, tech, beauty and entertainment industries.

As a certified yoga instructor, I am also the co-founder of Move & Groove Yoga, an organization that seeks to build community through music, movement, and wellness programming.

Morgan D. Myers, MPH Brookwood District 167 Marian H.S. University of Missouri (MIZZOU)

VOTING OP ED

From a young age I can remember my mom teaching us the importance of voting. She wanted us to know the importance of using our voices in a country that worked so hard to silence us. For many years the ability to vote could be seen as a privilege, as the right to vote was granted exclusively to white, land-owning men. As time moved forward, so many challenges were put in place to make the ability to exercise the right to vote very difficult for women and African Americans. Although the fight for the ability to vote never stopped for both demographics and in turn this led to several amendments in the United States Constitution.

Now, “citizens over the age of 18 cannot be denied the right to vote on the basis of race, religion, sex, disability, or sexual orientation (The White House, 2022).” While registration is required to vote, the registration process varies by State.

I am grateful to grow up in a time period where I and my peers are being encouraged to vote and to be more informed about the state of our society and the changes that impact us moving forward. Although sometimes it is difficult to feel like our vote matters. When elections come around at both the local, State, and Federal level, we often hear great pitches about what candidates are hoping to change, and the impact they hope to have on their community.

Although as someone who does vote, it is difficult to say I have seen a lot of action put behind those words. Granted, that may require more research to back up my claim, although in talking with my peers many of them are losing hope in their elected officials and the U.S. system. While I too, am starting to lose hope in this system, I am trying my best to stay informed by using credible sources. In doing so I can better understand what candidates are looking to change, and not only how those changes impact us now but also the impact they will have on our future.

While I see several initiatives and programs in place that promote voter registration and political involvement, I think more can be done to inform younger voters and keep them encouraged.

Afterall, we know legislation plays a huge role in our communities as it relates to funding, public and environmental health, workers compensation, and so much more. So while now is the time to get involved and educate yourself, candidates and elected officials also have to do their part to meet younger populations halfway. This can be done by improving their relationship with young voters in an effort to better understand their wants and needs, putting action behind their words, and using several forms of data to showcase how those actions have either hurt or improved our communities. In conclusion, I think this year is a turning point for young people nationwide. We are more adamant about wanting to change our world for the better and holding elected officials accountable. I am excited to see the fruits of our labor for the future to come.

References: The United States Government. (2022, July 12). Elections and voting. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/elections-and-voting/

D E M O C R A C Y

By Langston Hughes

Democracy will not come Today, this year Nor ever Through compromise and fear.

I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand On my two feet And own the land.

I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course.

Tomorrow is another day.

I do not need my freedom when I'm dead.

I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.

Freedom Is a strong seed Planted In a great need.

I live here, too.

I want freedom Just as you.

What is the 19th Amendment?

The 19th Amendment makes it illegal to deny the right to vote to any citizen based on their sex, which effectively granted women the right to vote. It was first introduced to Congress in 1878 and was finally certified 42 years later in 1920.

The Amendment’s official certification date is August 26; however, it’s not uncommon for the Amendment to also be celebrated on August 18th — the anniversary of when Tennessee ratified it .

Did the 19th Amendment enable all women the right to vote?

On paper, the Amendment protected discrimination against all women, but in practice, it only gave white women the right to vote. Black women, Native American women, Asian American women, and women from other racial and ethnic minority groups were discriminated against for 45 more years until the passage of The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA). The VRA afforded crucial protections to Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC) voters. And, women with disabilities only gained protections in 1990 with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Voting Rights The U.S. Constitution refers to the election of members of Congress and of the President, but the document adopted in 1787 does not define who may cast those votes. Amendments to the Constitution extended the right to vote in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The 15th Amendment (1870) extended voting rights to men of all races. The 19th Amendment (1920) prohibited the states from denying the vote on the basis of sex. The 24th Amendment (1964) sought to remove barriers to voting by prohibiting a poll tax. And the Voting Rights Act of 1965 secured voting rights for adult citizens of all races and genders in the form of federal laws that enforced the amendments.

VOTE TUESDAY MARCH 19th

IDA B. WELLS - BARNETT Investigative Journalist Civil Rights Hero

She fought tirelessly for the right of all women to vote, despite facing racism within the suffrage movement. On August 18, 1920, Congress ratified the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving women the right to vote.

Watch - Ida B. Wells

Watch - Ida B. Wells & Women Suffrage Watch - Ida B. Wells - animated

H a r r i e t

T u b m a n

Abolitionist Conductor “Moses of her people”

Harriet Tubman (born c. 1820, Dorchester county, Maryland, U.S.—died March 10, 1913, Auburn, New York) American bondwoman who escaped from slavery in the South to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War. She led dozens of enslaved people to freedom in the North along the route of the Underground Railroad—an elaborate secret network of safe houses organized for that purpose.

Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in the South to become a leading abolitionist before the American Civil War. She led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom in the North along the route of the Underground Railroad.

Watch - Harriet Tubman

In addition to leading more than 300 enslaved people to freedom, Harriet Tubman helped ensure the final defeat of slavery in the United States by aiding the Union during the American Civil War. She served as a scout and a nurse, though she received little pay or recognition.

For over 100 years, women have worked so all can possess the power of the vote. Let’s encourage our children, family, friends, and community to register and use the power of the vote. Seek candidates’ platform information and if needed, assist someone to the election poll. After voting, take a selfie or other’ I Voted’ photo and email to: glenwooddidyouknow@gmail.com.

Who knows, your photo may be selected for the ‘I Voted’ photo collage for future issues of Glenwood Did You Know...

This newsletter was created to highlight individuals whose contributions to the community and society are recognized and greatly appreciated.

If you want to share positive news, email details to glenwooddoyouknow@gmail.com.

Who knows, it just may be included in upcoming issues!