Pamela Howard-Oglesby was inspired by God to recognize pioneering African-American women in Georgia's "first" city, Savannah. She collaborated with her long-time friend, Brenda L. Roberts, who conducted extensive research to bring Savannah’s Black "First Ladies" to press. Both women are native Savannahians working to improve their communities.
Savannah's Black "First Ladies", Vol I
The Past, Present, and Future
by Pamela Howard-Oglesby and Brenda L. Roberts
Savannah's Black "First Ladies", Vol I
The Past, Present, and Future
by Pamela Howard-Oglesby and Brenda L. Roberts
Published Jan 31, 2010
120 Pages
Genre: SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational
Book Details
Praise for Savannah’s Black “First Ladies”
“The women [profiled here] are valuable role models for women, young and old, to admire and emulate. It should be required reading for any participants in a program working with young women in Savannah and the surrounding area.”
—Otis S.Johnson, PhD., Mayor, City of Savannah
“I found it to be informational, invigorating, and inspiring. It gives me the courage to take the high road in spite of challenges.”
—Annie P. Wimbish, Ed.D, Superintendent of Schools, Hattiesburg, MS
“These compelling stories are inspiring and will serve to encourage women, especially little African-American girls, to embrace their personal power and forge forward.”
—Bernetta Bryant Anderson, President, Hudson Hill Community
The phrase “never been done before” wasn’t a roadblock for the women profiled in Savannah’s Black "First Ladies", Vol. I. This remarkable collection of short biographies recognizes African-American women in Savannah, Georgia, who were "first" in their chosen professions. You’ll meet educators, police officers, politicians, doctors, and others who went where no black woman had gone before. In many cases, these professions were closed to women.
The trials and tribulations that these women endured to fulfill their calling is a true testimony of their perseverance and strength. Read about women who chose not to give up or give in, but to press forward and see their dreams come to fruition—and in so doing, helped open doors for the generations of African-American women that followed.
Book Excerpt
Growing up in Savannah in the 1940’s was a challenge, particularly for black people. Segregation was deeply entrenched in the very fiber of the South, and Savannah was no exception. Students attended segregated schools and education for black children was “separate and unequal.” It was in this environment that Edna Branch Jackson was raised. Her belief during that turbulent time was that black people should get “what is rightfully theirs, being born and raised in the United States.” She developed this mindset at a very young age.