Faith Spotted Eagle: Guardian of the Sacred

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Sep 29, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

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A member of the Yankton Sioux Nation, Faith Spotted Eagle has dedicated her life to protecting her people’s land and rights, becoming a prominent activist against the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines.

Faith Spotted Eagle was born in 1948 at Lake Andes, South Dakota to Albert Spotted Eagle and Lucy Spotted Eagle. Her parents played a significant role in her upbringing and cultural education. They deeply influenced her commitment to Native American rights and environmental activism. Lake Andes played a significant role in shaping her life and activism. Her birthplace, the village of White Swan, lies beneath Lake Francis Case, a reservoir created by the Fort Randall dam. The flooding caused by the dam forced the Native Americans who lived along the Missouri River to move to Lake Andes.

Education

Faith attended American University in Washington, D.C., and Black Hills State College in South Dakota. She earned a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling from the University of South Dakota. Throughout her career, she has worked as a PTSD counselor for veterans, a school counselor and principal, and a Dakota language teacher at Sinte Gleska College.

Activism

A believer in Native American rights and environmental causes, Faith has dedicated her life to preserving Dakota cultural beliefs and advocating for environmental and social justice. She leads efforts to block the Keystone XL and Dakota Access Pipelines, gaining national recognition for her activism. The pipeline would have extended from Alberta, Canada through Illinois and Texas and ended in Oklahoma. It presented environmental issues to the Native Americans who lived along the route of the pipeline. Eventually, TC Corporation abandoned the pipeline project in 2021.

Philanthropist

Spotted Eagle co-founded the Brave Heart Society in 1994, an organization focused on teaching girls about traditional culture. She also manages the Brave Heart Lodge in Lake Andes. In 2016, she made history by becoming the first Native American to receive an electoral vote for President of the United States. She continues to advocate for the preservation of Dakota cultural beliefs and practices. To learn more about Faith Spotted Eagle, click here.

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Laura Cornelius Kellogg: A Visionary Leader for Native American Sovereignty

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Sep 2, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

Welcome to Women’s History Wednesdays!

Laura Cornelius Kellogg, born on September 10, 1880, on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Wisconsin to Adam Poe and Cecilia Bread Cornelius. She emerged as a prominent Native American leader, author, and activist. She descended from a lineage of distinguished Oneida leaders, including her grandfather, Chief Daniel Bread.

Kellogg did not attend an indian boarding school which was the fate of many Native American children. She attended Grafton Hall, an Episcopal finishing school and graduated with honors. She pursued higher education at several prestigious institutions, including Barnard College, Cornell University, and Stanford University, although she did not earn a degree. Fluent in Oneida, Mohawk, and English, she became a founding member of the Society of American Indians in 1911.

Throughout her life, Kellogg tirelessly advocated for Native American rights and sovereignty. She developed the “Lolomi Plan,” which promoted indigenous self-sufficiency and cooperative labor as an alternative to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ control. Her eloquence and determination made her a powerful voice for the Oneida and Haudenosaunee people in national and international forums.

Kellogg’s activism extended to land claims, as she and her husband, Orrin J. Kellogg, pursued legal actions on behalf of the Six Nations people in New York during the 1920s and 1930s. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained dedicated to her cause until her death in 1947.

Throughout her life, Laura Cornelius Kellogg tirelessly pursued land claims and fought for the rights of her people, leaving a lasting legacy as a visionary leader and advocate for Native American sovereignty. For more information about Laura Cornelius Kellogg, visit Laura Cornelius Kellogg – Wikipedia.

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Sybil Ludington: The Girl Who Outrode Paul Revere

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Aug 18, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

In American Revolutionary history, the name Sybil Ludington stands out as a beacon of youthful courage and patriotism. The legendary ride of Paul Revere often overshadows her heroic journey. Yet, her fortitude showed the indomitable spirit and bravery that fueled the fight for American independence. Her story, though less known, reminds us of the vital roles played by young patriots and women in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Sybil Ludington was born on April 5, 1761, in Fredericksburg, New York (now Ludingtonville). As the eldest of 12 children, she had significant responsibilities in helping her family. Her father, Colonel Henry Ludington, led the local militia, which influenced Sybil’s early exposure to the revolutionary cause.

The Famous Ride

On a stormy night of April 26, 1777, Sybil’s father received word that British troops burned a key supply depot for the Continental Army in Danbury, Connecticut. With most of the militia scattered, Colonel Ludington needed someone to alert the troops. 16-year-old Sybil volunteered and embarked on a daring midnight ride through the rugged terrain of New York. She covered nearly 40 miles, facing harsh weather and potential dangers, to rally the troops. Her efforts helped gather approximately 400 soldiers to defend against the British.

Post-Revolutionary War

After the war, Sybil married Edmond Ogden in 1784. The couple had one son, Henry. They lived in various locations, including Catskill and Unadilla, New York. Sybil led a relatively quiet life after the war compared to her daring ride. She remained a respected figure in her community. Sybil Ludington Ogden died on February 26, 1839, in Unadilla, New York. She was buried in the Patterson Presbyterian Cemetery in Patterson, New York. We celebrate her for her contributions to the revolutionary cause. We remember her as a courageous young woman who played a vital role in American history.

Legacy and Recognition

Sybil Ludington’s story gained prominence during World War II as a symbol of patriotism and bravery. In 1975, she was honored with a United States Bicentennial postage stamp. Some modern historians questioned the historical accuracy of her ride due to limited contemporary evidence. However, her legacy as a young heroine of the American Revolution endures. To learn more about Sybil Ludington, visit https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/sybil-ludington.

Biddy Mason: From Enslaved to Empowered

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Jun 25, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

Welcome to Women’s History Wednesdays!

Bridget “Biddy” Mason was an extraordinary figure in American history, Despite the challenges of her early life, she became a renowned midwife, a California real estate entrepreneur, and a philanthropist.

Biddy’s Early Life in Bondage

Bridget “Biddy” Mason was born into slavery on August 15, 1818, in Hancock County, Georgia. She moved to several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi. Her last enslaver, a Mississippi Mormon convert named Robert Marion Smith, decided to move his family and his enslaved persons to Salt Lake City, Utah to help establish a Mormon community. In 1848, she and her daughters walked approximately 1700 miles behind a 300-wagon caravan en route to Utah.

Trek West

Having only stayed in Utah for 3 years, enslaver Smith uprooted his family and Mason again for San Bernadino, California to establish a Mormon community. Although Brigham Young warned his congregants that having slaves was illegal in California, they ignored his advice and headed for the Golden State with a 150-wagon caravan. Along the way, Mason met a free Black couple who convinced her to seek freedom as soon as she and her children arrived in California. After arriving in California, Smith feared that he would lose his enslaved persons so he decided to leave for Texas. While trying to head out of town, the sheriff intercepted his caravan in Cajon Pass, California. Someone tipped off the sheriff that Smith illegally held slaves.

Fight for Freedom

Her journey to freedom began in 1856 when she petitioned for her freedom in a California court, which L.A. District Judge Benjamin Hayes granted on 21 January 1856. This was a significant legal victory and set a precedent for other enslaved people seeking freedom. The judge granted Mason and thirteen members of her family their freedom. She chose the surname Mason from the middle name of the San Bernardino mayor.

New Beginnings

After gaining her freedom, Mason moved to Los Angeles, where she worked as a nurse and midwife. With her earnings, she invested in real estate and became one of the wealthiest African American women in the United States after the Civil War. Although she was illiterate, she had remarkable business success. Mason’s legacy extends beyond her business acumen. She helped found the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. Her philanthropic efforts and community involvement made her a respected and influential figure in her community.

Biddy’s Legacy

Bridget “Biddy” Mason died in L.A. on January 15, 1891 and was buried in an unmarked grave in Evergreen Cemetery. The city of Los Angeles honored her on March 27, 1988 with a celebration in which the mayor of L.A. and members of the church she founded marked her grave with a tombstone.

Biddy Mason’s life is a testament to her resilience, intelligence, and compassion. Her story continues to inspire many, highlighting the impact one individual can have on their community and beyond. To learn more about Bridget “Biddy” Mason, visit https://www.nps.gov/people/biddymason.htm.

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From Teacher to Trailblazer: Opal Lee’s Legacy

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Jun 16, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

Welcome to Women’s History Wednesdays!

Dr. Opal Flake Lee is an African American retired teacher, counselor, and activist. She is often referred to as the “grandmother of Juneteenth” due to her tireless efforts in advocating for the recognition of Juneteenth as a federally recognized holiday.

Motivation to Activism

Dr. Opal Flake Lee was born on 7 October 1926 in Marshall, Texas to Otis Flake and Mattie Broadous. Her family celebrated Juneteenth with food and baseball games, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the significance of this day. By the time she turned 10 years old, her family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. At the age of 12, her family moved to a predominantly white neighborhood in Fort Worth. White rioters vandalized and burned down her family’s home on June 19, 1939. This event fueled her determination to educate people about Juneteenth beyond mere festivities.

She graduated from I.M. Terrell High School at 16 years old. She married Joe Thomas Roland, Jr. and had four children; however, the marriage only lasted five years and they divorced. Lee graduated from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She taught at Amanda McCoy Elementary School for 15 years while working nights at Convair, an aircraft manufacturing company, to support her children. She married Dale Timothy Lee, a principal at Morningside Elementary School in 1967.

Later, she earned her master’s degree in counseling and Guidance from North Texas State University (now University of North Texas). Lee served as an educator in the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) for 15 years and as a home school counselor for nine years before retiring in 1977.

Community Catalyst

Dr. Lee volunteers tirelessly for her community:

Helped organize the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society which serves as an archive for black history in the city of Fort Worth, warehousing literature, memorabilia, phots and artifacts of African American life.
Member of the Fort Worth-Tarrant County Community Action Agency (CAA) board.
Member of the Evans Avenue Business Association board.
Member of the Tarrant County Habitat for Humanity board and Citizens Concerned with Human Dignity.
Created a nonprofit organization, Unity Unlimited, Inc., operating since 1994; she is currently a board member.
Campaigned for gubernatorial candidate Ann Richards and President Barack Obama.

Soror Shalese Johnson, Soror Opal Lee and Soror Nazjah Bakarr at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. – Omega Mu Zeta chapter Sneaker Ball on June 8, 2024.

Dr. Lee became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 2016. At the remarkable age of 89, she embarked on a journey from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to the nation’s capital, advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday. Her unwavering dedication paid off when President Joe Biden signed the bill in 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

Dedicated to the Cause

Dr. Lee became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in 2016. At the remarkable age of 89, she embarked on a journey from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to the nation’s capital, advocating for Juneteenth to be recognized as a national holiday. Her unwavering dedication paid off when President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill S. 475 in 2021, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday. Lee received two honorary doctorate degree from the University of North Texas (2023) and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas (2024). In 2024, President Biden awarded Lee the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, for her tireless efforts in establishing Juneteenth as a significant day in American history.

Dr. Lee’s legacy extends far beyond her own lifetime. Her dedication to preserving the historical significance of Juneteenth has left an indelible mark on American history.

To learn more about Opal Lee, visit https://www.southernliving.com/culture/opal-lee-grandmother-of-juneteenth

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Dr. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper: An Innovative Woman in STEM

by Tanya Teat Foreman | Jun 10, 2024 | Women's History Wednesday

Welcome to Women’s History Wednesdays!

We have come a long way in the field of computer science and we have Dr. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper to thank for that. Dr. Grace Brewster Murray Hopper, an innovative computer scientist, mathematician, and United States Navy rear admiral, left an indelible mark on the world. Walter Murray and Mary Campbell Van Horne welcomed Grace Brewster Murray Hopper into the world on 9 December 1906, in New York City.

Math Minded

Being an inquisitive child, she dismantled alarms clock to see how they worked, fueling her engineering curiosity. She attended Vassar College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1928 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics. She earned her master’s in mathematics at Yale in 1930, got married to Vincent Hopper, a professor at New York University in 1930 and began teaching mathematics at Vassar in 1931. In 1934, she earned her Ph.D. in mathematics and mathematical physics from Yale.

Naval Career

Dr. Grace Hopper’s great grandfather served as a Navy Admiral during the Civil War. Trying to follow in her ancestor’s footsteps, she tried to commission with the Navy during World War II but was turned down because of her age – she was only 34 years old. That didn’t stop her and she circumvented the system! She joined the Naval Reserves in 1943 as part of WAVES – Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. After graduating from Midshipmen’s School in 1944, the Navy assigned the new lieutenant to the Bureau of Ships Computation Project at Harvard University.

The Field of Computer Science

At Harvard, Dr. Hopper began her computing career as part of the Harvard Mark I team. She became one of its first programmers and only woman. She pioneered the theory of machine-independent programming languages and played a crucial role in developing the FLOW-MATIC programming language and COBOL (common business-oriented language). This computer language is still used today. Her most notable achievements included:

Authoring the first computer manual, titled “A Manual of Operation for the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator.”
Working at Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation, she contributed to the development of the UNIVAC I computer.
Simplifying programming that led to the creation of an English-based compiler that converted terms into machine code.

Retirement?

Dr. Hopper rose to the rank of rear admiral (lower half) before she retired from active duty service. She retired several times – once in 1966; recalled to active duty in 1967 and retired in 1971; recalled to active duty in 1972 and retired finally in 1985, she received a special approval from Congress to continue enlistment beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60. Dr. Hopper was 79 years, 8 months and 5 days old.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Not being able to retire gracefully, Dr. Hopper took a position a corporate consultant engineer for Digital Equipment Company and continued to work until her death on 1 January 1992 at 86 years old. In 2016, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She was recognized for her remarkable contributions to the field of computer science. Her discoveries and passion for math and physics empowers the next generation of technologists and encouraging their passion for learning. Beyond her professional achievements, Hopper’s legacy lies in inspiring countless individuals to pursue STEM fields.

To learn more about Dr, Grace Hopper, visit https://president.yale.edu/biography-grace-murray-hopper.

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