OTTAWA, ONTARIO
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2024
EDITORIAL 2025
IMMACULATA'S STUDENT RUN NON-PROFIT NEWSPAPER. SINCE 2022
VOLUME 1
Inspirational Black Women in Society
It is important to remember these women and how they made society what it is today, during Black History Month and all year ‘round. By learning about their experiences, we can gain new perspectives to understand and celebrate the roles of Black women all throughout existence.
BY PLUTO UDECHUKWU
Febuary 24, 2023
Angela Davies said, “when black women win victories, it is a boost for virtually every segment of society.” In schools, we are only really taught about the known motivational black women in history like Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman, and while these women are a significant part of shaping black history, it is vital to learn more about these unappreciated inspirational black women. Their stories need to be told because these women have accomplished remarkable things in society despite the cruel oppression they passed through. Each Black woman featured has made a unique mark on their community and the world. It’s important to remember these women and how they made society what it is today, during Black History Month and all year ‘round. By learning about their experiences, we can gain new perspectives to understand and celebrate the roles of Black women all throughout existence.
Barbara Smith
Barbara Smith was born on November 16, 1946. She is an American author, lesbian feminist and leftist who has played a significant role in black feminism. She has spent her life challenging oppressive power structures and supporting women of colour. As a result of her work as an educator and alliance builder, she's encouraged communities to always question and challenge oppressive power and reject capitalism's greed. She is part of a vital legacy made up of feminists of colour who made appearances during the '60s and '70s while paving the way for future generations. Barbara is essential in documenting a history of feminism in which women of colour aren’t marginalized. Although recently retired, she continues to fight for progress through her work with the Poor People's Campaign as a speaker and collaborator.
Tarana Burke
Tarana Burke was born on September 12, 1973. She is an American activist and business executive who founded the Me Too movement, which urged victims of sexual harassment and assault to share their stories on social media., especially females of colour. Tarana has created and led campaigns that have spotlighted the harm inflicted on people of colour. Specifically, Tarana’s work to end sexual violence has exposed the ugly truths of sexism, spoken truth to power, increased access to resources and support for survivors and paved the way for an expanding and inclusive movement. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Tarana says that she always thought, “no one is going to believe that a black woman from the Bronx started this.” But she did, and she's now known as a powerful advocate against sexual violence today.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was a pioneering African-American politician who made history in 1968 when she became the first African-American woman elected to Congress. She was an active voice for civil rights and women's rights, and her legacy lives on today. Her groundbreaking career paved the way for other African-American women to follow in her footsteps, and her impact is still felt today. Her courage and determination to fight for what she believed in has inspired generations of people to stand up for their own beliefs and strive for a better future.
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Octavia Butler
Octavia Butler was a renowned African-American science fiction writer who made immense contributions to the genre. Her works explored themes of race, gender, and power dynamics, which were often ahead of their time. Her work has been praised for its imaginative scope and its ability to make readers think deeply about complex social issues. She was a master storyteller who used her craft to challenge the status quo and create thought-provoking stories. Her legacy continues to influence writers today, and her works remain an important part of the science fiction canon. Octavia Butler was born in Pasadena, California on September 24, 1947. She was the youngest of three children and the only girl among them. Her father was a postal worker who died when she was just six years old. As a result, her family relied on welfare to keep food on the table. She stated that she wanted to write from an early age but didn't start writing seriously until after college when she found an abandoned typewriter in her garage that used carbon paper to write with pencils instead of ink cartridges.
Audre Lorde
Audre Lorde was an influential writer and civil rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. She was a powerful voice in the fight for social, racial, and gender justice. Her writings have inspired generations of activists, and her legacy continues to live on in the work of those who strive for equality. Audre Lorde's words and ideas remain relevant today as we continue to fight against oppression and inequality. An African American feminist, Audre Lorde was born in New York City in 1934 and died in 1992.
Mae Jemison
Mae Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She made history when she became the first African American woman to travel in space in 1992. Since then, she has become a role model for aspiring astronauts and scientists around the world. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication to her field of study. She is an inspiration to many and continues to be a leader in the space exploration industry.
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was an American civil rights activist who became the first African-American child to attend an all-white elementary school in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960. She was just six years old at the time, and her courage and determination made her an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement. Her story is an inspiring reminder of how one person can make a difference in the world. .It is impossible to imagine a world without people like her.
WRITTEN BY PLUTO UDECHUKWU
Pluto Udechukwu, a 10th grader at Immaculata High School, mainly covers the newsroom's opinion and multimedia sections. She is also the CO-editor and CO-founder of Immaculata Chronicles she also created the news website. Pluto is on the Cross-country and girl's hockey teams at Immaculata. Outside of school, pluto loves figure skating and is a member of the Nepean skating club. She also enjoys baking in her free time.
Pluto can be reached as pluto.udechukwu@stu.ocsb.ca