Madam Rose Leon, a prominent figure in Jamaica, left a lasting impact on the fields of business, politics, and education. She founded the Leon School of Beauty Culture, introducing locally made beauty products and empowering women in the process. Her contributions played a significant role in the growth of the Jamaican business sector. Notably, she made history as the first woman elected as a councillor and the first woman to hold a cabinet position in Jamaica. Madam Rose Leon's achievements continue to inspire others to break barriers and pursue their dreams [3dc07103].
Regina Jollivette Frazier, a trailblazer in education equity and community service, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2024. She was a beacon of hope and change, known for her leadership and commitment to excellence. Frazier graduated as valedictorian and furthered her education at Howard University and the University of Miami. She played a pivotal role on the board of Breakthrough Miami, driving the organization towards its mission of providing educational opportunities to youth in South Florida. Frazier's collaborative approach created opportunities for diverse groups through programs like the Art Detectives Program. Her legacy in education equity and community service continues to inspire future leaders to follow in her footsteps [aca2a070].
Vanessa Françoise Rothe, a native Laguna Beach artist, discusses her artistic journey and the influence of her creative family. She highlights her father's success as a fashion designer and how it inspired her own artistic pursuits. Rothe shares her experiences with the Festival of Arts (FOA) Scholarship Program, which provided her with validation and support as a young artist. She also discusses her education, career as a graphic artist, and her transition to becoming a fine artist. Rothe emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the role of the FOA Foundation in her success. She now exhibits her work internationally and merges fine art with fashion. Rothe expresses gratitude to her hometown and the FOA Foundation for their support throughout her career [06becb58].
Faith Ringgold, a pioneering multimedia artist renowned for her vibrant pictorial quilts capturing the essence of the African American experience, passed away on Saturday at her Englewood, New Jersey residence. She was 93 years old. Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Ringgold delved into themes of race, gender, class, family, and community through various artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, textiles, and performance art. Her work resonated globally and found a permanent place in prestigious collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Ringgold's most celebrated works include her 'story quilts,' large panels of unstretched canvas painted with vivid acrylics and framed by traditional borders of pieced fabric, which narrate the joys and struggles of Black lives. She was also a prolific writer and illustrator of children's books, shedding light on important historical figures and events within the African American community. Ringgold's legacy extends beyond her artistic contributions; she was also a dedicated educator and activist. In 1999, she founded the Anyone Can Fly Foundation to promote the work of artists of the African diaspora [5419b29b].
Nancy Cunard, born in 1896, rejected high society's conventions and embraced a bohemian lifestyle in 1920s Paris. She became passionate about racial equality and immersed herself in the vibrant cultural scene of Harlem. Cunard's relationship with African-American jazz musician Crowder introduced her to the neighborhood's thriving arts and activism. Inspired by this, she published the groundbreaking anthology 'Negro' in 1934, featuring prominent black voices. Despite facing backlash and disinheritance from her family, Cunard remained committed to amplifying unheard black voices. She faced hate mail and threats but continued to fight against injustice and fascism. In her final years, she was committed to an asylum against her will but remained an uncompromising rebel. Her life was a testament to rebellion, defying expectations, and fighting for racial equality and human rights [1c3aee29].