First Ladies Vol I

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. 1. This remarkable collection of short biographies recognizes African-American women in Savannah, Georgia, who were pioneers in their chosen professions. You'll meet educators, police officers, politicians, doctors, and others who went where no one had gone before; in many cases, their 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. They 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.

Examines the public and private roles of the first ladies, and traces their influence on American politics and history

Publisher Description

The female vocalists who pioneered the disco genre in the '70s and early '80s were an extraordinarily talented group who dazzled the world with an exciting blend of elegance, soulful passion and gutsy fire. In this book of original interviews, 32 of these women tell their stories, explaining how they view their music, careers, connection to gay audiences, and their places in dance music history. Interviewed artists include: The Andrea True Connection; Claudja Barry; Pattie Brooks; Miquel Brown; Linda Clifford; Carol Douglas; Yvonne Elliman; Rochelle Fleming (First Choice); Gloria Gaynor; Debbie Jacobs-Rock; Madleen Kane; Evelyn "Champagne" King; Audrey Landers; Suzi Lane; Cynthia Manley (Boys Town Gang); Kelly Marie; Maxine Nightingale; Scherrie Payne; Wardell Piper; The Ritchie Family, 1975-1978: Gwendolyn Wesley, Cassandra Wooten and Cheryl Mason-Dorman; The Ritchie Family, 1978-1982: Theodosia "Dodie" Draher; Barbara Roy (Ecstasy Passion & Pain); Pamala Stanley; Evelyn Thomas; Jeanie Tracy; Anita Ward; Martha Wash; Carol Williams; Jessica Williams and Norma Jean Wright.

Profiles First Ladies from Martha Washington to Laura Bush, providing portraits and describing each woman's early life, marriage and family, years as First Lady, and legacy; and also includes articles on the roles that the First Lady plays, an annotated bibliography, and contact information for libraries, museums, and historic sites.

Pat Nixon may be the least understood of modern first ladies. Although public opinion polls rated her one of our nation's most admired women, few Americans really knew much about her. This first scholarly biography of Thelma Ryan Nixon—the first biography in thirty-five years and the first to access her papers-goes further than any other book to show readers the real Pat Nixon. Lester David's The Lonely Lady of San Clemente painted her as a tragic figure while Julie Nixon Eisenhower's adoring Pat Nixon: The Untold Story fell short of offering an objective portrait. Now Mary Brennan moves beyond the oversimplified appraisals of this neglected first lady to provide a powerful study of a complex and fascinating presidential spouse. Drawing on Mrs. Nixon's recently opened papers-as well as on recollections of both friends and adversaries—Brennan debunks the myth of "Plastic Pat" and fleshes out the real woman behind the stories and stereotypes. The Nixons had more in common with small-town Americans than with Washington society, and Brennan shows that part of Pat's difficulty in dealing with the political world was that she never quite left the "normal" Pat behind. Political and social upheaval during her husband's presidency further complicated her role as first lady, as she had to confront a shifting cultural terrain with the whole world watching. Brennan emphasizes Pat's activism—the first presidential wife to serve as official government representative, as well as the most traveled—and examines her complicated relationship with her husband. Often seen as a "good soldier," Pat, in reality, engaged in constant warfare with her husband and his advisers as she tried to protect her own schedule from interference from the West Wing. Blending empathy and objectivity, Brennan shows that Pat Nixon was a strong woman caught up in circumstances beyond her control who did as her ancestors had done: gritted her teeth and got the job done as best she could. This account of an embattled first lady opens a new window on the Nixon years and finally allows Pat Nixon to take center stage in her own life.

Examines the public and private roles of the first ladies, and traces their influence on American politics and history

This title focuses on Eleanor Roosevelt's time in the White House. The author, a scholar with extensive knowledge of Eleanor's life and times, provides a detailed examination of the innovative first lady that will enlighten those who think they already know her.