Entertainment (194)

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tampa Bay, Florida - May 25, 2023

GDE Management, a leading talent management company founded by King Shorty Roc, proudly announces the signing of multifaceted artist Taaylor X'Zatic as the newest addition to their esteemed roster of music artists. Taaylor X'Zatic, renowned as a rapper, model, and content creator on YouTube and TikTok, brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the entertainment industry.

With an impressive following on both platforms, Taaylor X'Zatic has captivated audiences worldwide through her infectious energy, distinctive style, and undeniable talent. Her ability to seamlessly merge captivating visuals with her lyrical prowess has garnered her a dedicated fanbase and caught the attention of industry insiders. As a true digital native, Taaylor X'Zatic has harnessed the power of social media, utilizing it as a platform to showcase her versatility and creative vision.

GDE Management, based in the vibrant city of Tampa Bay, Florida, has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the talent management industry. Led by the visionary King Shorty Roc, the company has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging artists and helping them realize their full potential.

King Shorty Roc expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Taaylor X'Zatic to the GDE Management family. Her unique blend of talents and her innate ability to connect with her audience is truly remarkable. We believe that with our expertise and support, Taaylor will continue to elevate her craft and make a lasting impact in the music industry."

Taaylor X'Zatic is equally excited about this new chapter in her career, stating, "Joining forces with GDE Management feels like the perfect fit for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a team that shares my passion and understands my vision. Together, we aim to push boundaries, create timeless music, and inspire others to embrace their authentic selves."

As Taaylor X'Zatic embarks on this exciting journey with GDE Management, fans and industry professionals alike eagerly await the release of her upcoming music projects. With her innovative approach, unwavering determination, and the backing of a powerhouse management company, Taaylor X'Zatic is poised to make waves in the music industry and cement her position as an influential artist.

For media inquiries, interviews, or booking opportunities, please contact:

GDE Management
Attn: Public Relations
Phone: (813)704-0741
Email: GDE4Life@gmail.com
Website: www.GDEManagement.com

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About GDE Management:
GDE Management is a talent management company based in Tampa Bay, Florida. Led by King Shorty Roc, GDE Management is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and promoting exceptional artists across various entertainment mediums. With a strong focus on innovation, creativity, and industry expertise, GDE Management is committed to shaping the future of talent management.

About Taaylor X'Zatic:
Taaylor X'Zatic is a multifaceted artist known for her skills as a rapper, model, and content creator on YouTube and TikTok. With a captivating presence and a loyal following, Taaylor X'Zatic has gained recognition for her unique style and creative approach. With her collaboration with GDE Management, Taaylor X'Zatic is poised to reach new heights in her career and make a significant impact in the music industry.

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Tampa, Fl May 21st 2023 — GDE Management, the leading talent management company founded by serial entrepreneur King Shorty Roc, is thrilled to announce the official signing of soultry singer/songwriter Shena Samone to its dynamic roster of artists. With her powerful and mesmerizing vocals, Samone is poised to captivate the hearts of music lovers worldwide under the expert guidance and representation of GDE Management.

Hailing from a rich musical background, Shena Samone brings a unique blend of soul, R&B, and jazz influences to her music. Her velvety-smooth voice effortlessly navigates the depths of emotions, creating an intimate and captivating experience for listeners. With her heartfelt lyrics and melodic compositions, Samone has carved a distinctive niche for herself in the music industry, garnering accolades and a dedicated fan base along the way.

Under the wings of GDE Management, Shena Samone is set to soar to new heights, bringing her soul-stirring performances to audiences around the globe. As a leading talent management company, GDE Management is renowned for its expertise in nurturing emerging artists and maximizing their potential in the ever-evolving music landscape.

King Shorty Roc, the visionary behind GDE Management, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, "Shena Samone is an extraordinary talent who possesses a rare ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. Her soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting have the power to touch hearts and inspire audiences. We are thrilled to welcome her to the GDE family and look forward to embarking on this incredible journey together."

GDE Management is dedicated to providing its artists with comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring their artistic visions are realized and their careers are propelled to new heights. With a team of industry experts and a passion for developing exceptional talent, GDE Management has become a formidable force in the music industry, paving the way for its artists' success.

Shena Samone's collaboration with GDE Management marks a significant milestone in her career, representing a new chapter of growth and opportunities. Music enthusiasts can expect to witness the emergence of a remarkable artist as Samone prepares to release her highly anticipated debut album, filled with soulful melodies and captivating storytelling.

Follow Shena Samone on her musical journey by visiting her official website https://www.thekhaliseum.com/members/ShenaSamone and connecting with her on social media platforms @ShenaSamone on Instagram & Facebook. For all inquiries, please contact GDE Management at (813)704-0741 or GDE4Life@gmail.com 

About GDE Management:
GDE Management is a leading talent management company founded by visionary entrepreneur King Shorty Roc. With a focus on nurturing exceptional talent, GDE Management provides comprehensive support and guidance to its artists, propelling their careers to new heights in the dynamic music industry. Committed to excellence, GDE Management represents a diverse roster of artists across various genres, fostering their creative visions and facilitating their success.

Press Contact:
Shorty Roc
Senior Mgr
GDE Management
GDE4Life@gmail.com
(813)704-0741

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GDE MANAGEMENT WELCOMES CHOREOGRAPHER "KISSES" AS NEWEST ADDITION TO THEIR ROSTER OF TALENT

Tampa, Fl May 18th 2023 – GDE Management, a prominent talent management company founded by the visionary King Shorty Roc, is thrilled to announce the official signing of choreographer extraordinaire, Kisses, to their esteemed roster of professional talent. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone in the flourishing career of Kisses and further solidifies GDE Management's commitment to nurturing and promoting exceptional talent in the entertainment industry.

With a passion for dance that transcends boundaries, Kisses has captivated audiences worldwide with her innovative choreography and intense performances. Her unique style, characterized by a harmonious blend of contemporary and urban movements, has garnered critical acclaim and garnered a substantial following on social media platforms. Kisses's ability to tell compelling stories through dance has made her a sought-after creative force in the industry.

GDE Management, renowned for its dedication to discovering exceptional talent and shaping their careers, is thrilled to add Kisses to their diverse family of artists. The partnership between Kisses and GDE Management promises to be a perfect synergy, leveraging the expertise and extensive network of the management company to propel Kisses to new heights within the entertainment industry.

Speaking on behalf of GDE Management, King Shorty Roc expressed his excitement, saying, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kisses to the GDE Management family. Her talent and artistic vision are truly remarkable, and we firmly believe that she is destined to achieve great things. Our team is committed to providing the support and guidance necessary to help her reach her full potential and establish herself as a force to be reckoned with in the dance & modeling world."

Kisses also shared her enthusiasm, stating, "I am honored and humbled to join GDE Management. This partnership is an incredible opportunity for growth, and I am eager to collaborate with the talented team at GDE to further expand my artistic horizons. With their expertise and belief in my vision, I am confident that together, we will create magic and make a lasting impact in the dance community."

As the newest member of the GDE Management family, Kisses will gain access to a range of resources, including personalized career development, strategic brand partnerships, exclusive performance opportunities, and a dedicated support system to guide her journey to success.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Shorty Roc
Senior Management

GDE4Life@gmail.com

(813)704-0741

About GDE Management:

GDE Management is a leading talent management company founded by the visionary King Shorty Roc. With a strong commitment to nurturing and promoting exceptional talent in the entertainment industry, GDE Management has built a reputation for discovering and shaping the careers of some of the industry's brightest stars. By providing a comprehensive range of services and leveraging extensive networks, GDE Management aims to empower artists to realize their full potential and achieve long-term success.

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GDE Management Welcomes Rapper and Actor Killa K to its Artist Roster

Tampa, Fl May 17th 2023 – GDE Management, the renowned talent management company founded by industry mogul King Shorty Roc, is thrilled to announce the signing of Rapper and Actor Killa K as its newest artist. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone for both Killa K and GDE Management as they join forces to unleash the full potential of Killa K's extraordinary talent.

Killa K, known for his electrifying performances and dynamic presence, has captivated audiences around the United States with his unique blend of rap and acting prowess. With a string of successful releases and notable roles in indie film and television, Killa K has garnered a dedicated following and critical acclaim for his undeniable talent and versatility.

By partnering with GDE Management, Killa K aims to elevate his career to new heights, benefiting from the expertise and extensive network of the renowned management company. GDE Management, under the visionary leadership of King Shorty Roc, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to nurturing and developing artists, helping them achieve remarkable success in the entertainment industry.

Speaking about the new collaboration, King Shorty Roc expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome Killa K to the GDE Management family. Killa K's exceptional talent, dedication, and drive align perfectly with our values and vision. We believe that together, we can create groundbreaking opportunities and empower Killa K to reach unprecedented heights."

With GDE Management's comprehensive range of services, including artist development, strategic planning, brand management, and industry connections, Killa K can focus on honing his craft and delivering exceptional performances to his fans. By leveraging GDE Management's resources and expertise, Killa K aims to expand his reach, connect with a broader audience, and solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with in the music and acting arenas.

Killa K's fans can expect an exciting future filled with new music releases, captivating performances, and thrilling acting projects. With GDE Management's support and guidance, Killa K is poised to become an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry.

For more information and updates on Killa K and GDE Management, please visit their respective websites and follow their social media channels.

About GDE Management:
GDE Management is a leading talent management company founded by industry mogul King Shorty Roc. With a strong commitment to artist development and strategic guidance, GDE Management has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists across various entertainment sectors.

Media Contact:
King Shorty Roc
Senior Manager
GDE Managment
GDE4Life@gmail.com
813-494-4712

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WELCOME ES'SYNCE STAR TO GDE MANAGEMENT: A MULTI-TALENTED ARTIST EMBRACING THE CONFLUENCE OF MUSIC AND FILM

[Tampa, Fl, May 13th 2023] — GDE Management proudly announces the signing of Es'synce Star, an exceptionally gifted singer and actress, to their prestigious talent roster. Under the visionary leadership of King Shorty Roc, GDE Management continues to revolutionize the entertainment industry by discovering and nurturing exceptional talents, and the addition of Es'synce Star epitomizes this commitment.

Es'synce Star is a multi-faceted artist, possessing an enchanting voice, unparalleled artistry, and a captivating on-screen presence. In addition to her undeniable musical abilities, she has also graced the silver screen in various independent films, leaving audiences in awe of her incredible acting talent. Her ability to seamlessly embody diverse characters with depth and authenticity has garnered critical acclaim and solidified her position as a versatile and formidable talent.

GDE Management is renowned for providing unwavering support, guidance, and unparalleled opportunities to their artists. With King Shorty Roc's visionary approach and an extensive network of industry professionals, GDE Management creates an environment that fosters artistic growth, encourages collaborations, and strategically positions their artists for success in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Es'synce Star's inclusion in the esteemed GDE Management roster not only reinforces the company's commitment to representing boundary-pushing artists but also highlights their dedication to recognizing and nurturing talent across various artistic disciplines. The team at GDE Management is excited to embark on this incredible journey with Es'synce Star, fully confident that her extraordinary voice, exceptional acting prowess, and magnetic presence will captivate audiences worldwide.

As Es'synce Star's official management team, GDE Management is devoted to ensuring her artistic vision is fully realized, her talent is amplified, and her career reaches new heights. The company will work closely with Es'synce Star on forthcoming projects, encompassing both music and film, collaborations, live performances, and strategic career moves, as they propel her presence in the global entertainment industry.

Join GDE Management in extending a warm welcome to Es'synce Star as the newest artist on their roster. Stay tuned for exciting updates, upcoming music releases, thrilling film projects, and captivating performances from this rising star. The future shines brightly for Es'synce Star, and GDE Management takes immense pride in being a part of her extraordinary journey.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or any additional information, please contact our press office at www.thekhaliseum.com/GDEManagement .

About GDE Management:
GDE Management is a leading talent management company founded by King Shorty Roc. Recognized for their visionary approach and unwavering commitment to artist development, GDE Management represents a diverse roster of exceptional talents in the entertainment industry. Through strategic guidance, unparalleled opportunities, and fostering collaborations, GDE Management has established itself as a trailblazer, shaping the careers of artists and redefining industry standards.

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Media Contact:
Shorty Roc

Senior Manager
GDE Management
GDE4Life@gmail.com

(813)704-0741

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5 Reasons Why Independent Podcasters Should Add Their Podcast to The Khaliseum

As an independent podcaster, you're always looking for ways to expand your audience reach and connect with new listeners. One way to do this is by adding your podcast to The Khaliseum, a movie streaming social network that allows you to keep the rights to your content while connecting with a growing community of users. Here are five reasons why you should consider adding your podcast to The Khaliseum:

  1. Expand Your Audience Reach

By adding your podcast to The Khaliseum, you can expand your audience reach beyond your current listeners. The app has a growing user base of 800 members who are interested in movies and streaming content. By connecting with these users, you can attract new listeners who may not have discovered your podcast otherwise. The Khaliseum allows you to reach a wider audience, which can increase your podcast's visibility and drive more listeners to your show.

  1. Retain Control and Ownership of Your Content

As an independent podcaster, you likely value your control and ownership of your content. The Khaliseum allows you to keep the rights to your podcast, so you can maintain control over how your content is presented and distributed. You don't have to worry about giving up any rights to your intellectual property. The Khaliseum is a platform that respects creators' rights to their content, which is why it is a great option for independent podcasters.

  1. Connect with a Community of Movie Lovers

The Khaliseum is a movie streaming social network, which means that its users are passionate about movies and streaming content. By adding your podcast to the app, you can connect with a community of movie lovers who may be interested in your content. You can engage with them, share your thoughts and ideas, and get feedback on your podcast. The Khaliseum allows you to build a community of like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions.

  1. Drive Your Own Podcast Viewership

The Khaliseum can help you drive your own podcast viewership by providing a new platform for your content. The app allows you to reach a wider audience, which can increase your podcast's visibility and drive more listeners to your show. You can also use the app to promote your podcast and engage with your listeners. The Khaliseum is a platform that supports creators and helps them build their audience.

  1. Join a Growing Platform

The Khaliseum is a growing platform with a lot of potential for future growth. By adding your podcast to the app, you can be part of this growing community and benefit from its continued expansion. As more users join the app and discover your podcast, you can build a loyal following and grow your podcast even further. The Khaliseum is a platform that supports creators and helps them succeed.

In conclusion, adding your podcast to The Khaliseum can help you expand your audience reach, retain control and ownership of your content, connect with a community of movie lovers, drive your own podcast viewership, and join a growing platform. If you're an independent podcaster looking to grow your audience and connect with new listeners, The Khaliseum is definitely worth considering.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE KHALISEUM PODCAST NETWORK: https://www.thekhaliseum.com/news/khaliseum-podcast-network

 

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Every Successful Artist Needs a Manager

The music industry is a vast and complex landscape, with countless moving parts and variables that can make it challenging for artists to navigate. One critical aspect of an artist's career is having a manager. Here are five reasons why music artists need a manager:

  1. Business management: An artist manager can handle the business aspects of an artist's career, including finances, contracts, and negotiations. A manager can help the artist secure favorable deals, protect their interests, and maximize their revenue.

  2. Industry connections: An experienced manager can leverage their network of industry contacts to help the artist secure gigs, collaborations, and other opportunities that can advance their career. A manager's relationships can also provide access to resources that may be difficult to obtain otherwise.

  3. Time management: Managing an artist's career is a full-time job, and it can be challenging for artists to balance their creative work with the demands of running a business. A manager can take care of the day-to-day tasks, freeing up the artist to focus on their music.

  4. Strategic planning: A manager can help an artist develop a long-term career strategy, including setting goals, identifying opportunities, and building a brand. By taking a strategic approach, an artist can build a sustainable career that will stand the test of time.

  5. Emotional support: The music industry can be a tough and stressful environment, with many ups and downs. A good manager can provide emotional support and guidance to help the artist navigate the challenges and stay focused on their goals.

Here are some examples of famous rappers with managers:

  1. Jay-Z: Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has had a long-standing partnership with his manager, Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith. Smith has been instrumental in shaping Jay-Z's career, negotiating lucrative deals and partnerships, and helping him build his business empire.

  2. Kendrick Lamar: Lamar has worked with Dave Free and Terrence "Punch" Henderson, the founders of the record label Top Dawg Entertainment. Free and Henderson have helped Lamar build his brand and navigate the music industry, resulting in multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim.

  3. Cardi B: Cardi B's manager is Klenord "Shaft" Raphael, who has been with her since the early days of her career. Raphael has helped Cardi B secure high-profile collaborations and endorsement deals, and has been a key figure in her rise to fame.

  4. Drake: Drake is managed by Oliver El-Khatib, who is also a co-founder of Drake's record label, OVO Sound. El-Khatib has helped Drake develop his sound and image, and has been instrumental in his success as a recording artist and performer.

  5. J. Cole: J. Cole is managed by Ibrahim "IB" Hamad, who is also the co-founder of J. Cole's Dreamville record label. Hamad has played a key role in developing J. Cole's career, from his early mixtapes to his critically acclaimed albums and world tours.

In conclusion, a manager can be a vital partner for a music artist, providing business management, industry connections, time management, strategic planning, and emotional support. The examples of famous rappers with managers demonstrate the importance of this role in building successful music careers.

If you are in need of management please visit www.GDEManagement.com for more info

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LGTBQ characters of color on television are steadily increasing, especially on television, where 47 percent of all regular characters on broadcast scripted TV series are people of color, a three percent increase and a record high, according to a new report released by GLAAD. In addition, and for the second year in a row, the report titled “GLAAD we’re on TV” confirmed that LGBTQ characters of color are outnumbering their White counterparts, representing 52 percent compared to 48 percent. GLAAD had challenged all platforms–broadcast, cable, and streaming–to make at least half of LGBTQ characters on each platform be people of color, within the next two years.  

“Last year, GLAAD called on the television industry to increase the number of LGBTQ characters and more accurately reflect the world we live in, and they responded by exceeding this challenge,” Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD told Deadline in an article published today (November 8). “At a time when the cultural climate is growing increasingly divisive, increased representation of LGBTQ stories and characters on television is especially critical to advance LGBTQ acceptance. Shows like ‘Pose,’ ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ ‘Batwoman’ and ‘Billions’ demonstrate that not only are LGBTQ stories and characters on TV becoming more diverse, but that viewers everywhere continue to respond with extreme positivity.”

The report emphasized the importance of TV watchers having access to diversity by noting that The Public Religion Research Institute found that less than 25 percent of Americans have a close friend or family member who is transgender, which means that much of what’s learned comes from what they see in media and on their screens. “This is why the historic casting of Brian Michael Smith as Paul Strickland–primetime scripted broadcast TV’s first Black, transgender man series regular character–on FOX’s mid-season drama ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ is so important,” said the study.

Additional key findings from the report:

  • When it comes to racial diversity, of the 120 regular characters on broadcast, 52 percent are people of color, a two-percentage point increase from last year with six more characters. This marks the second year in a row where LGBTQ people of color have outnumbered White LGBTQ people on broadcast, making broadcast the only platform to meet the goal of having at least half of LGBTQ characters be characters of color.

  • Another record-high percentage was with Latinx characters, up one percent to nine. Black series characters held steady at 22 percent, while Asian Pacific Islanders represented eight percent across broadcast television regular characters. 

  • On the cable and streaming side, diversity is moving a bit slower: Cable has 48 percent who represent characters of color–up two percentage points from last year–whereas streaming has shown 41 percent people of color, a seven percentage point drop from last year. 

Source: https://www.colorlines.com/

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Foster care and adoption agencies will soon be able to legally refuse their services to families in the LGBTQ+ community if a new rule put forth by the Trump administration goes into effect. 

On Friday (November 1), the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHSproposed a rule that would reverse a 2016 discrimination regulation that included sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. Per the HHS:

The proposed rule represents the Trump administration’s strong commitment to the rule of law—the Constitution, federal statutes and Supreme Court decisions. These require that the federal government not infringe on religious freedom in its operation of HHS grant programs and address the impact of regulatory actions on small entities.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere told The Hill in an interview: “The administration is rolling back an Obama-era rule that was proposed in the 12 o’clock hour of the last administration that jeopardizes the ability of faith-based providers to continue serving their communities. The federal government should not be in the business of forcing child welfare providers to choose between helping children and their faith.”

The majority of the more than 400,000 children in the foster care system are people of color, according to a 2017 report, with 23 percent of them identified as Black, 21 percent as Latinx and 9 percent listed as “other races/multiracial.”

Reports The New York Times:

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law estimated in a report that 114,000 same-sex couples in 2016 were raising children in the United States. Same-sex couples with children were far more likely than different-sex couples with children to have an adopted child, 21.4 percent versus 3 percent, the report found.

Alphonso David, president of Human Rights Campaign, called the proposal “horrific” in a statement and also said it would “permit discrimination across the entire spectrum of HHS programs receiving federal funding. The Trump-Pence White House is relying on the same flawed legal reasoning they’ve used in the past to justify discrimination against LGBTQ people and other communities.”

The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register on Monday (November 4), after which there will be a 30-day comment period and an effective date for the rule unless a legal challenge halts implementation.

 

Source: https://www.colorlines.com/

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Actor and comedian Mo’Nique filed a lawsuit against Netflix over race and gender discrimination in a Los Angeles court on Thursday (November 14), The Hollywood Reporter reported. “Netflix courted Mo’Nique, saw what she had to offer and made her an offer. But the offer Netflix made Mo’Nique wreaked of discrimination; it perpetuated the pay gap suffered by Black women,” notes the suit. 

The performer is suing the streaming company for racial and gender discrimination over the $500,000 offer she received to do a stand-up special. In the suit, Mo’Nique compares her offer to what other comedians were reportedly paid: Jerry Seinfeld ($100 million), Eddie Murphy ($70 million), Dave Chappelle ($60 million), Chris Rock ($40 million), Ellen DeGeneres ($20 million), Jeff Dunham ($16.5 million) and Ricky Gervais ($40 million). The 38-page suit also includes headshots of seven Netflix executives, all White, as visual support for the company’s “complete lack of racial diversity.”

“In short, as this lawsuit shows, Netflix’s treatment of Mo’Nique began with a discriminatory low-ball offer and ended with a blacklisting act of retaliation,” states the complaint. Netflix told THR that its offer to Mo’Nique was fair and that it will fight the lawsuit.

 

Source: https://www.colorlines.com/

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Stand-up comedian Margaret Cho isn’t one to back down from a controversial topic, and her appearance on the latest episode of Daily Beast’s podcast The Last Laugh, which aired Tuesday (November 19), is right on brand. She talks about the new opportunities available to Asian-American comedians, Dave Chappelle’s criticism of the bisexual community, Shane Gillis’ firing from SNL for racist comments and the backlash she received for exaggerating a North Korean character at the 2015 Golden Globes. 

Cho broke boundaries in 1994 when she starred in the ABC sitcom “All-American Girl,” the first and only sitcom to center an Asian American family until “Fresh off the Boat” debuted 20 years later. But she never had the opportunity to write or produce that her White male counterparts enjoyed. “They never opened that door for me, I would have had to force it open and I just didn’t know. I didn’t know of any other Asian-American comedians who I could ask,” said Cho. “I just didn’t have the knowledge or capacity to know I should demand that.” But now that doors are opening, Cho said she’s hopeful. “I would love to see more and I have seen some more, but I think there’s still some way to go in terms of diversity.”

 

Source: https://www.colorlines.com/

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It has been 30 years since the United States signed the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, a human rights treaty meant to protect children around the globe. In honor of this anniversary, a U.N. human rights expert was in Geneva on Monday (November 18) to discuss a new study on the current treatment of children around the world, NPR reports. In it, the author writes that the United States is guilty of “inhuman treatment for both the parents and the children.”

Manfred Nowak, a human rights lawyer based in Vienna, Austria, wrote “Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty,” which says the Trump administration’s family separation policy is “absolutely prohibited” by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The study was commissioned in October 2016.

“And there are still quite a number of children that are separated from their parents—and neither the children know where the parents are, nor the parents know where the children are. So that is something that definitely should not happen again,” Nowak said during his remarks, per NPR.

The study “estimates that the U.S. is still holding more than 100,000 children in migration-related detention,” NPR reports. Nowak added in his speech, “That’s far more than all the other countries where we have reliable figures.” In fact, he said the U.S. incarcerates more children than anywhere else in the world:

“In general, the incarceration rate in the United States is very high also of adults, and that you see also with children. So it’s about 60 out of 100,000” children, Nowak said. “And that is the highest that we could find, followed by others like Bolivia, or Botswana, or Sri Lanka….”In general,” Nowak said, “the North American region is the one with the by far highest regional imprisonment rate of children.”

As NPR reports, the U.S. signed but never ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which means the convention’s rules “do not formally apply to the United States of America.” However, Nowak still believes the country should be held accountable for its atrocities thanks to other civil rights treaties.

“In my opinion, the way, how they were separating infants from the families only in order to deter irregular migration from Central America to the United States of America, for me, constitutes inhuman and degrading treatment, and that is absolutely prohibited” by those other international treaties, he said.

“I am deeply convinced that these are violations of international law,” Nowak said. He added, “The same is also true for the high number of children being deprived of liberty in the administration of justice” in the U.S.

Nowak emphasized the importance of valuing children in his talk. “Children should live, or grow up, in families—their own families, foster families, family-type settings,” he said, “and not in institutions where they’re in fact deprived of liberty, where there’s strict discipline, there’s a lot of violence. There’s no love.”

 

Source: https://www.colorlines.com/

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Throughout history, black women have faced the uphill battles of both racial and gender biases, especially in male-dominated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Even so, many overcome their adverse circumstances, making invaluable contributions to the scientific community, particularly in the United States Space Program. The issue, however, is that the contributions these brilliant pioneers made largely went unnoticed.

NASA scientists including Katherine JohnsonDorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson began to get some overdue credit, however, when author Margot Lee Shetterly released her 2016 tome, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race

A film adaptation with the shortened title, Hidden Figures, hit theaters the same year to great acclaim, earning three Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture.

These works told the stories of the women of color largely hired by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, later NASA) during World War II to work as “human computers,” manually crunching numbers, filling the many vacancies left by those fighting the war overseas. 

 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a 1941 executive order into law that prohibited racial, religious and ethnic discrimination in the country’s defense injury, thus paving the way for these “hidden figures’” advancements. While there are no official numbers on how many women filled these roles over the years, experts have estimated there were several hundred over the years. (Shetterly’s estimate was in the thousands.)

Of course, black women’s contributions aren’t limited to NASA. Here are 10 of the women who used their brains to skyrocket to the top of their fields.

 

Katherine Johnson

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Katherine Johnson poses for a portrait at work at NASA Langley Research Center in 1966

Photo: NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Neil Armstrong's "one small step for man" may not have happened without this woman. Just weeks after Katherine Johnson began a position as one of Langley Research Center's human computers in 1952, supervisors transferred the summa cum laude West Virginia State College graduate (with degrees in both mathematics and French) from the African-American computing pool to the flight research division. There, Johnson performed the NASA calculations that made possible the manned space missions of the early 1960s as well as the 1969 moon landing.

 

Even astronaut John Glenn put his full faith in Johnson, requesting she re-do all-electronic computer calculations before he embarked on his 1962 Earth orbits. Glenn has been quoted as remarking, “If she says they’re good, then I’m ready to go.”

Aside from earning a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom, Johnson was portrayed by actress Taraji P. Henson in 2016's Hidden Figures.

Dorothy Vaughan

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Dorothy Vaughan (l) in 1950

Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Also a central part of Hidden Figures (in which was played by actress Octavia Spencer), Dorothy Vaughan left her position as a high school math teacher for a "temporary war job" in Langley's all-black group of female mathematicians known as the West Area Computing Unit in 1949. During what would become a nearly decade-long career, Vaughan became NASA's first African-American manager, eventually heading up the West Area Computing Unit.

An expert in NASA's programming coding language known as FORTRAN, she worked on the SCOUT (Solid Controlled Orbital Utility Test) Launch Vehicle Program that put America’s first satellites into space. Before her retirement from NASA in 1971, she also worked closely with Johnson on the computations for Glenn's orbital space missions.

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Mary Jackson

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Mary Jackson poses for a photo at work at NASA Langley Research Center in 1977

Photo: Bob Nye/NASA/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Mary Jackson began working under Vaughan's supervision in the segregated West Area Computing section as a computer in 1951. After two years in that role, the former teacher (who was portrayed in Hidden Figures by actress and musician Janelle Monae) transitioned to working for engineer Kazimierz Czarnecki on wind tunnel experiments.

At Czarnecki's urging, she took engineering classes, and, after being promoted to aeronautical engineer in 1958, Jackson officially became NASA’s first black female engineer. After helping develop the space program throughout her successful career (during which she authored or co-authored about 12 research reports), the Virginia native took a demotion to fill the role of Langley’s Federal Women’s Program Manager. In that position, she devoted her time to helping other women find STEM jobs at NASA.

Dr. Gladys West

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Dr. Gladys West at her induction into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. on December 6, 2018.

Photo: Adrian Cadiz

When Gladys West was inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame in December 2018, the organization hailed her as the hidden figure whose mathematical work lead to the invention of the Global Positioning System (GPS). In 1956, she began working at the U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory and helped produce a study that proved the regularity of Pluto’s motion relative to Neptune.

 

Also while at U.S. Naval Weapons Laboratory, she programmed an IBM 7030 “Stretch” computer that delivered refined calculations for an “extremely accurate geodetic Earth model, a geoid, optimized” for what would eventually become known as GPS.

Dr. Mae Jemison

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Mae Jemison

Photo: SSPL/Getty Images

Mae Jemison was a woman with many firsts to her credit. She was working in the medical field as a General Practitioner and attending graduate engineering classes in Los Angeles when NASA admitted her to its astronaut training program in June 1987. After more than a year of training, she became the first African-American woman astronaut, holding the title of science mission specialist.

On September 12, 1992, Jemison, along with six other astronauts, launched into space aboard the Endeavour, and with that earned the distinction of the first African-American woman in space as well. During her eight-day mission, Jemison conducted experiments on weightlessness and motion sickness. Prior to her career as an astronaut, she also acted as a Peace Corps medical officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Dr. Shirley Jackson

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Dr. Shirley Jackson stands with President Barack Obama before receiving the National Medal of Science, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on May 19, 2016, in Washington, DC.

Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

A theoretical physicist, Shirley Jackson was the first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in any field (Her Ph.D. is in Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics) and also just the second African-American woman to earn a doctorate in physics in U.S. history. 

During her tenure at what was formerly known as AT&T Bell Laboratories' Theoretical Physics Research Department in the 1970s and 1980s, she has been credited as helping develop the technology that enabled caller ID and call waiting.

President Barack Obama selected Jackson, a onetime chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to receive the National Medal of Science in 2015. She is currently serving as the president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, also making her the first African-American woman to lead a top-ranked research university.

Dr. Patricia Bath

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Dr. Patricia Bath

The first female African-American medical doctor to complete an ophthalmology residency and also the first to receive a medical patent, Patricia Bath invented a laser cataract treatment device called a Laserphaco Probe in 1986. (The co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness patented her invention in 1988.)

 

Her research on health disparities between African-American patients compared to those of other races lead to the creation of a volunteer-based "community ophthalmology," offering treatment to underserved populations.

Dr. Marie M. Daly

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Dr. Marie Daly

After receiving her B.S. and M.S. in chemistry from Queens College and New York University respectively, Marie Daly went on to complete her Ph.D. at New York City's Columbia University. Upon graduating in 1947, she earned the distinction of being the first African-American woman to receive a chemistry Ph.D. in the U.S.

Daly's groundbreaking research included studies of the effects of cholesterol on the mechanics of the heart, the effects of sugars and other nutrients on the health of arteries and the breakdown of the circulatory system as a result of advanced age or hypertension.

Annie Easley

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Annie Easley

Photo: NASA/Interim Archives/Getty Images

Another major contributor to the U.S. Space Program, Annie Easley worked on myriad projects for NASA over the course of her 30-year careers as a mathematician and rocket scientist. Like Johnson, Vaughan and Mary Jackson, she first worked as a computer and then eventually became a programmer.

Aside from conducting studies on battery-powered vehicles, Easley also worked on shuttle launches and designed and tested a NASA nuclear reactor. She was also a "leading member of the team which developed software for the Centaur rocket stage, which laid the technological foundations for the Space Shuttle launches and launches of communication, military and weather satellites," per NASA.

Dr. Alexa Canady

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Dr. Alexa Canady

In 1984, Alexa Canady, a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan's medical school, became the first African-American woman to be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Canada, who also earned B.S. in zoology from the University of Michigan, would later take on the role of chief of neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital of Michigan at just 36 years old, and, while there, she specialized in congenital spinal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, trauma and brain tumors.

 

Source: https://www.biography.com/

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Jackie Robinson, best remembered for integrating major league baseball, also left behind an impressive record as a crusader for African-American rights—after he hung up his cleats.
 

Jackie Robinson poses in his batting stance. Robinson broke baseball's color barrier when he joined the Dodgers in April 1947, going on to be named National League Rookie of the Year. 

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson trotted out to first base for the Dodgers at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field, erasing the unofficial color line that had stood in big league baseball for nearly 60 years. By the end of the season his dazzling play had earned him baseball's inaugural Rookie of the Year Award, cementing the belief that blacks more than deserved a place alongside the best white players in the national pastime. 

For many, the story of Jackie Robinson ends there. Or maybe when he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962. What often goes untold is his continued battle for equality after leaving baseball, a period that lasted nearly twice as long as his major league career.

After announcing his retirement from the sport in early 1957, Robinson was named vice president for personnel at the Chock Full O' Nuts coffee company. He also joined the NAACP as chair of its million-dollar Freedom Fund Drive, eventually earning election to the organization's board of directors. 

 

However, executive positions weren't enough for the former athlete, whose competitive juices had him itching to get back into the public arena. He joined Martin Luther King Jr. as honorary chairmen of the Youth March for Integrated Schools in 1958, and became involved with Dr. King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He also began writing a syndicated newspaper column, through which he mused on matters of race relations, family life and politics. 

Jackie Robinson: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and baseball Hall-of-Famer Jackie Robinson chat together before a press conference in New York.  
 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and baseball Hall-of-Famer Jackie Robinson chat together before a press conference in New York.  

Robinson took to advocating advancement through "the ballot and the buck." He became a prominent political supporter, throwing his weight behind Richard Nixon during the 1960 presidential election, and eventually emerging as a strong ally of moderate New York Republican Nelson Rockefeller. He also backed his talk for economic independence by helping to found the black-owned Freedom National Bank, which provided loans and services for the minority community. 

 

However, by the mid-1960s Robinson was becoming an outdated figure in the Civil Rights movement. An advocate of the non-violent approach of Dr. King and the NAACP, he rejected the more extreme measures proposed by charismatic young leaders like H. Rap Brown and Huey Newton, and engaged in a nasty back-and-forth with Malcolm X through his column. Even his shine as a black sports icon was somewhat diminished, with contemporary athletes like Muhammad Ali and Jim Brown dominating their fields and speaking out in ways that had seemed unthinkable 20 years earlier.

Robinson had his own share of issues with the NAACP, and in 1967 he publicly split with the organization over its "unresponsive" leadership. Furthermore, his political views left him increasingly isolated as an activist; he clashed with Dr. King over support of the Vietnam War, and he returned to Richard Nixon in 1968 and 1972, even as many of his fellow African Americans were abandoning the Republican Party.

Still, Robinson continued fighting for larger causes even as his own health deteriorated. In 1970 he launched the Jackie Robinson Construction Company to build low and moderate income housing for minorities. In October 1972, during a ceremony to throw out the first pitch before a World Series game, he made a point to remind everyone that baseball had yet to appoint its first black manager. Nine days later, he was dead from a heart attack.

Jackie Robinson is justly remembered for breaking down racial barriers and opening the doors of opportunity for blacks across professional sports. But long after he was done with baseball, he continued to fight for equal footing as a writer, organizer, speaker, businessman and political supporter, facing a far more expansive playing field without many of the natural advantages he enjoyed as a gifted athlete. For that, he deserves just as much credit when we remember him as an American hero.

 
 
 
 
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Whether it be in politics, science, medicine or the arts, Latinas have defied social, cultural, and gender stereotypes throughout many generations and have become pioneers in their respective fields and native countries.

In honor of these brave, daring, and at times controversial women, here are 10 Latinas who fought against the odds and became the first in their class:

Sonia Sotomayor - First Latina U.S. Supreme Court Justice

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Sonia Sotomayor

Photo: Allison Shelley/Getty Images

Born in the Bronx, New York in 1954, Sonia Sotomayor grew up in challenging circumstances. Although she recalled regular summertime visits to Puerto Rico to see friends and family, her home life in New York was not a happy one. Her father was an alcoholic who died in his early 40s and her mother kept her emotional distance from her daughter. The family lived in the housing projects, which would later be overrun by gang violence.

 

Still, Sotomayor's mother pushed her children to take their education seriously, which left a deep imprint on Sotomayor, who knew by age 10 that she wanted to be a lawyer. Sotomayor won a scholarship to Princeton University and graduated summa cum laude in 1976 and went on to receive her law degree from Yale.

In 1979 Sotomayor served as an assistant district attorney, which eventually paved her way to becoming a U.S. District Court judge, appointed by George H.W. Bush. Under Bill Clinton's administration, Sotomayor would make her way to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1997, and a little over a decade later, Barack Obama nominated her to the highest court in the land. In 2009 Sotomayor would make history as the first Latina to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Since then, she has built her reputation on being an advocate for criminal justice reform and women's rights.

Rita Moreno - First Latina PEGOT Recipient

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Rita Moreno

Photo: © John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

 

Born in 1931, Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno has built an award-winning career in film, television and theater that has spanned over seven decades. Famous for her supporting roles in the film adaptations of the King and I (1956) and West Side Story (1961), Moreno would earn herself an Oscar for the latter, making her the first Latina to achieve such a feat.

In the 1970s, Moreno became a regular cast member of the beloved PBS children's show The Electric Company and would later be cast in a supporting role on the HBO hit drama Oz (1997-2003).

Her multitude of credits as an actress, singer and dancer would later result to one of her biggest crowning achievements in 2019: She is the first Latina to be elevated to PEGOT status, a small group of entertainers who have won a Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award.

Isabel Perón - First Latina Female President

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Isabel Perón making a speech from the balcony of Government House in Buenos Aires on October 21, 1975.

Photo: Keystone/Getty Images

Despite her lower-middle-class background and her fifth-grade education, former nightclub dancer Isabel Perón would become Latin America's first female president.

Born in Argentina in 1931, Isabel Perón's rise to power would be through her husband, Argentinian president Juan Perón, who was previously married to the late and beloved Eva Perón (aka Evita). As the third wife, Isabel, known to her countrymen as "Isabelita," would serve as her husband's vice president and First Lady during his third presidential term, starting in 1973.

However, just a year in office, Juan suffered from a series of heart attacks and died on July 1, 1974. Isabel took over as president, and while her nation and political allies and even some of her husband's enemies initially showed support for her, she quickly fell out of favor after she issued a government-run suppression campaign against her adversaries, including a string of political murders and anti-left-wing policy measures and purges.

In 1976 Isabel was forced out by a military coup and remained under house arrest before being allowed to move to Spain. In 2007 an Argentinian judge issued an order for her arrest for the disappearance of an activist in 1976, but Spanish courts refused to extradite her, citing the charges didn't fall under the category of crimes against humanity.

Ellen Ochoa - First Latina Astronaut in Space

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Ellen Ochoa training at Vance Air Force base in Houston, Texas in 1993.

Photo: NASA/Liaison

Born in Los Angeles in 1958, Ellen Ochoa immersed herself in the sciences, graduating from San Diego State University with a bachelor's in physics (1980) and later from Stanford University with a master's in science (1981) and a doctorate in electrical engineering (1985).

 

As a doctorate student, she focused her studies primarily on optical systems involving high tech space exploration, which eventually led her into the NASA space program in 1991. Two years later, Ochoa became the first Latina woman to fly into space, which occurred aboard the shuttle Discovery.

Ochoa would complete a total of four space missions during her career at NASA and would make history once again when she became the first Latina director of the agency's Johnson Space Center in 2013. 

Evangelina Rodriguez - First Dominican Female Doctor

Despite being born into poverty and discriminated against for being born of partial African descent, Afro-Dominican Evangelina Rodriguez became the first woman from the Dominican Republic to earn her medical degree.

Born in 1879, Rodriguez was raised by her grandmother and diligently worked her way through school and earned her education, despite the social and cultural challenges of being a poor half-black female who was a product of wedlock. She received her medical degree from the University of the Dominican Republic in 1909 and began building her career in small towns and giving medical care to the poorest citizens.

After scrounging her earnings for many years, Rodriguez furthered her expertise by studying gynecology and pediatrics in France in 1921 and graduated four years later. She returned to her country and cared for her patients, while also becoming a political firebrand, advocating for women's rights and issues, such as birth control, and speaking out against dictator Rafael Trujillo.

Gabriela Mistral - First Latina Author to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature

https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.webp 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.webp 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.webp 1400w" type="image/webp" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.jpg 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.jpg 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDMzOTkzOTgzMDc2Mjk5/gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.jpg 1400w" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />gabriela-mistral-photo-by-leo-rosenthalpix-incthe-life-images-collection-via-getty-imagesgetty-images.jpg?profile=RESIZE_180x180
 

Gabriela Mistral

Photo: Leo Rosenthal/Pix Inc./The LIFE Images Collection via Getty Images/Getty Images

Tragic love, childhood, piety, sadness, bitterness and the politics of the times brought forth the lyrical poetry that defined Chilean poet, diplomat and educator Gabriela Mistral. Born in 1889 as Lucila Godoy Alcayaga, the poet would later go by her pseudonym Gabriela Mistral, which she created by fusing the names of her favorite poets Gabriele D'Annunzio and Frédéric Mistral.

While working on her poetry as a young woman, Mistral also served as a village school teacher. An intense romance with a railway worker who would end up killing himself, was one of several tragedies throughout her life that would inspire her poetry, and it was her sonnets memorializing the dead, Sonetos de la muerte, in 1914 that would make her famous throughout Latin America.

As an artist and intellectual who gained international fame for her poetry, Mistral was invited to travel the world as a cultural ambassador for the League of Nations and lived in France and Italy in the mid-1920s to early 1930s. She lectured and served as an educator throughout the United States, Europe and Cuba and received honorary degrees at renowned universities. In 1945 she was the first Latin American female poet to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.

 

Isabel Allende - First Latina Author Dubbed as Most Widely Read in the World

https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.webp 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.webp 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.webp 1400w" type="image/webp" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.jpg 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.jpg 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDM0MDA2ODY3OTc3ODcw/isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.jpg 1400w" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />isabel-allende-peruvian-writer-milano-italy-22nd-october-2015-photo-by-leonardo-cendamogetty-images.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x
 

Isabel Allende in October 2015

Photo: Leonardo Cendamo/Getty Images

Another Chilean artist, Isabel Allende, would follow in Mistral's footsteps to become "the world's most widely read Spanish-language author." In fact, Allende would become the first woman to be awarded the Gabriela Mistral Order of Merit.

Born in Peru in 1942, Allende would gain international recognition for her magical realism in novels such as The House of Spirits and City of Beasts. Drawing from historical events (her father's first cousin was Chilean president Salvador Allende, who was overthrown in a military coup in 1973) and her own experience, Allende honors the stories of women in mythical fashion and is credited to have transformed non-fiction literature.

Among her many awards, Allende received Chile's National Literature Prize in 2010 and was honored by President Barack Obama with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 as well as an honorary degree from Harvard that same year.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - First Latina & Cuban-American to Serve in Congress

https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.webp 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.webp 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.webp 1400w" type="image/webp" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_380/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.jpg 380w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_700/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.jpg 700w, https://www.biography.com/.image/c_limit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_1400/MTY2MDM0MDI0MDQ3ODQ3MDU0/ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.jpg 1400w" sizes="(min-width: 675px) 300px, calc(100vw - 40px)" />ileana-ros-lehtinen-r-fl-poses-for-a-portrait-in-her-office-in-the-rayburn-house-office-building-on-thursday-march-16-2017-in-washington-dc-photo-by-matt-mcclainthe-washington-post-via-getty-images.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x
 

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in her office in Washington, D.C. in March 2017.

Photo:  Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Political activism ran in Ilena Ros-Lehtinen's family. Born in Cuba in 1952 and later immigrating to the United States at age eight, Ros-Lehtinen grew up with an anti-Castro activist father and memories of escaping Fidel Castro's regime. Focusing her career in education, Ros-Lehtinen earned both her a bachelor's degree in 1975 and a master's degree in 1985 at Florida International University. In 2004 she received her doctorate in education from the University of Miami.

While operating a private school in Miami in the early 80s, Ros-Lehtinen was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the first Latina to accomplish this. She continued her groundbreaking streak by becoming the first Latina to serve in the state senate and in 1989, the first Latina and first Cuban-American to serve in the United States Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. Starting in 2011, she also became the first female to ever manage a regular standing committee, the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

As a moderate Republican, Ros-Lehtinen was considered one of the most popular bipartisan politicians before retiring her House seat in 2017. She was the first House Republican to come out in support of gay marriage and served as a member of numerous caucuses in her 30-year political career, including the LGBT Equality Caucus, the Climate Solutions Caucus and the Congressional Pro-Life Women's Caucus.

 

Maria Elena Salinas - First Latina Journalist to Win a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award


 

Maria Elena Salinas speaking at the International Women's Media Foundation Awards Luncheon at on October 22, 2014, in New York City.

Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for IWMF

Born in 1954, Los Angeles native Maria Elena Salinas is distinguished for being the longest-running female TV news anchor in the U.S. and the first Latina to earn a Lifetime Achievement Emmy. With a journalism career spanning over three decades, Salinas has interviewed world leaders — from presidents to heads of state to dictators — and served as the co-anchor for Univision's nightly news broadcast as well as its news magazine program, Aquí y Ahora (Here and Now).

Known as the "Voice of Hispanic America," Salinas recently retired from her role at Univision but continues to focus on her philanthropy, which includes education, promoting women's media, and increasing voter registration within her community. “I am grateful for having had the privilege to inform and empower the Latino community through the work my colleagues and I do with such passion," she stated while stepping down from Univision, adding, "As long as I have a voice, I will always use it to speak on their behalf.”

Eulalia Guzmán - First Mexican Female Archaeologist

Born in 1890 in San Pedro Piedra Gorda, Eulalia Guzmán was an educator, feminist and philosopher best known as Mexico's first female archaeologist. She helped develop the Ixcateopan, Guerrero archaeological project, an archive of her country's history, and the National Library of Anthropology and History.

Although some of Guzmán's archaeological work became controversial among Mexican scholars for their lack of authentication — namely her claim that she discovered the remains of the Aztec Emperor, Cuauhtémoc — she was popular among indigenous populations who celebrated her accomplishments.

 

 
 
 
 
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As the first black president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought for justice. Serving from 1994-1999, he led the anti-apartheid movement and fought against institutional racism, which eventually led to him serving 27 years in prison.

Although he was a controversial figure in some circles, Mandela received several awards throughout his life including the Nobel Peace Prize, the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Soviet Union’s Lenin peace prize. Sharing his fight with leaders from all over the world, Mandela also mingled with prominent leaders such as Fidel Castro and Bill Clinton.

 

Source: https://www.biography.com/

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