Celebrating Women Series: Remembering Katherine Johnson

When I think of the contributions of someone like Katherine Johnson, I’m always reminded that delay is not denial and for the hundreds and thousands of celebrities and famous people we know as members of the general public, there are thousands-dare I say millions-who go down in history unknown on a big scale that shape or have shaped the world we know and live in right now.

Katherine Johnson was born August 26, 1918 in West Virginia. Her extraordinary life started out with meager beginnings. She passed away February 24, 2020 at the age of 101. She worked for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) many years and retired in 1986. The book, Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly highlighted the stories and accomplishments of amazing and innovative women in science. The book was published in 2016 and later released as a film under the same title in early 2017. I am so grateful to authors and writers who are passionate about getting stories told. The movie brought people together in the way that only art can.

It was so touching to witness her being honored in the national spotlight. While one could argue that this recognition was long overdue, it can also be argued that maybe it was right on time. In her 90s, she was able to attend these shows, be recognized and be loved on by a completely new generation of admirers. Dreams and rewards don’t have expiration dates. Life doesn’t have to stop or slow down at a certain age.

From my artist standpoint, I must say that she was always quite beautiful. She had age appropriate makeup that wasn’t heavy or overly done. Her makeup enhanced her beauty and she looked great on camera. Her beautiful gowns were always the right color and she had a very regal elegance about her.

To hear she had passed was a bit sad, yet, I had gratutide for her and her accomplishments. Today, she will be laid to rest with a memorial service at Hampton University. May we always remember her and speak her name.

Diahann Carroll: A Lesson in Regality

Poised. Elegant. Fascinating. These are all words I use to describe Diahann Carroll. Upon hearing the news of her passing, I was in a bit of shock and definitely saddened that she was no longer with us. It was unexpected. There is so much I can say about her. I’ll do my best to keep it short.

I was always mesmerized by her grace, beauty and elegance. She was a true stunner! Diahann Carroll had presence and classed up every place she set her foot. 

Diahann Carroll was born in The Bronx, New York, on July 17, 1935. She was an actress, singer and in my own view, an activist. Ms. Carroll broke through many barriers throughout her life and career. She was unafraid to face challenges head-on and stayed true to her beliefs. 

In 1968, she landed a leading role on a television show that changed history. She was the first African-American woman to land a non-domestic role on the light-hearted show Julia. What a feat! Julia was a widow who had to balance the roles of single motherhood and working as a full-time nurse. She was a staple in her community and a wonderful mother to her son. As if that weren’t enough, the makeup and wardrobe taught lessons in class and style with every episode. The style was modern, yet classic, and really captured the elegance of Diahann Carroll. I’m inspired every time I watch it. 

The show stayed on the air for three seasons from 1968-1971 but this groundbreaking role was not without criticism (no surprise here!). Some critics of the show argued that black people had no time for comedy (as this was also a time of major racial unrest and upheaval in United States history). In addition, critics stated the show was unrealistic to which Ms. Carroll refuted, saying that it was indeed realistic because she had experiences similar to that of the show in her own family. She used her art as a platform, showing that black people are multilayered, multifaceted and have wonderful stories to tell. She did this well. 

She later went on to star in shows such as Dynasty, Different World and Grey’s Anatomy. Her career was not limited to television, she was also known for film. 

In 1974, the world was graced with Claudine.  In Claudine, Ms. Carroll also landed the leading role- this time balancing being a single mother of six children on welfare. She, once again, brought class, dignity, and humanity to her role. This love story is one I really enjoyed watching unfold. Claudine wasn’t her only film. She continued doing wonderful work and had a knack for bringing stories to life by shedding light on human experiences that were memorable and engaging. Just like Ms. Carroll, her characters exemplified possibility. 

In all of her work and throughout her life, Diahann Carrol taught us “how to be and move” with elegance and grace both on and off screen. In the face of adversity, she handled herself with such class and dignity that she could not be denied. She was a true class act and will long be a beauty icon for me. 

Rest in Power, Ms. Carroll. You have certainly inspired me. Thank you for showing us what it means to be gracefully regal.