Praise for Many Blessings: A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women
“Thank-you, Sonnee, for sharing these voices with us. These wonderful women, some of whom I know, love and cherish in my own life and work, are a vibrant reminder of how the extraordinary choices in the lives of ordinary people, can transform them forever. These women are towers of strength, love, wisdom and feisty determination. By sharing new and different stories, you have given us fresh beacons of hope and laughter; seeds to help us all press forward. There can never be too many ‘woman stories’; our sons, fathers, our daughters, sisters and grandmothers need and deserve to hear these.”
—Afeni Shakur-Davis, former Black Panther, activist, founder of The Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts.
“... an original collection of diverse voices from different parts of the country. Each woman’s voice strongly educates, inspires, and motivates the reader to make a difference in both small and large ways. The seven themes under which the voices are placed are in themselves a rich and informative education in demonstrating the range of creativity possessed in the human spirit.”
— Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., author of The Four Fold Way and The Second Half of Life.
“Dr. Weedn enlightens and inspires readers by presenting the amazing stories of women who have courageously faced up to difficult challenges in their lives and became empowered by those experiences. This book teaches us that women have the power to value who they are, to develop their own personal strengths, and to accomplish their goals regardless of adversity. We need to hear these inspiring stories, as they represent the voices of so many women.”
— Ana Nogales, Ph.D., author of Parents Who Cheat and Latina Power and founder of La Casa de la Familia and Nogales Psychological Services.
“... very compelling. These stories are truly inspirational and the women become role models while making positive contributions to society. I think it is a fine book.”
— Frank Marshall, producer/director and five-time Academy Award nominee for films such as The Color Purple, Seabiscuit, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
“Dr. Weedn has deeply studied the lives of contemporary African American women. In her thoughtful and important book, she highlights their considerable accomplishments and contributions, despite prejudice and other challenges unique to this population; definitively proving that power and privilege are ultimately no match for courage, determination, and generosity. Her message is brilliant, timely, and inspiring.”
—Lynn Twist, author of The Soul of Money, and co-founder of The Pachamama Alliance.
“With all of us enmeshed in bad economic news, it is a wonderful opportunity to shed our glooms to read your stories of some inspiring black women of America who have succeeded admirably in their own lives and who have changed for the better the lives of many other human beings in the United States. ...wonderful insights about what each human being can do to make his or her life better and those of others in our country. ...the best antidote to selfishness that I have read in many years.
— Shirley Hufstedler, Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and former Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in the Carter Administration.
“... an insightful look at the life journeys of thirty contemporary African American women. Inspiring and compelling.”
—Marci Shimoff, author of Happy for No Reason and co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
“What you have done in writing your book is really special. You have stepped outside of yourself to reach out to your sisters of color in such a powerful and grace-filled way. I really want to thank-you for having the courage to expand the definition of who you are, and in the process, to be giving all of us stories that will help us to go beyond who we think we are and what we are capable of doing or giving to our world. It’s a really, really special gift.”
—Schyleen Qualls, President of Arkeon Entertainment.
“Dr. Weedn has opened doors that needed opening so others could see what she has seen in these strong black women who continue to grow and reach. The real gifts of time are the sharing of moments, and the moments you’ll share with those who read your book will stay with them forever. You have surrounded yourself with those of great strength, power and direction; qualities you must know you have yourself.”
— Flavia, artist
Many Blessings:
A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women
Sonnee D. Weedn, Ph.D.
Chispa Publishing
Novato, California
Many Blessings:
A Tapestry of Accomplished African American Women
by Sonnee D. Weedn, Ph.D.
Copyright © 2011 by Sonnee D. Weedn
First Published February 11, 2011
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.Requests for permission should be addressed to:
Chispa Publishing
P.O. Box 1723
Novato, CA 94948
This book may be purchased for educational, business, or sales promotional use. For information, please visit
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While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors and omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2011921911
ISBN-10: 0983277613
ISBN-13: 978-0-9832776-1-3
For Sekyiwa Shakur, who provided the original inspiration for this project, and Robert Weedn, “heart whole, soul free. The august Father gave to me.”
Contents
CHAPTER 1
Faith, Family, Fortitude, and Flexibility
CHAPTER
