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.

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.