Posts tagged with "musician"

Zitkala-Ša: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Rights and Women’s Empowerment

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Zitkala-Ša, also known as Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to American history and culture. As a Yankton Dakota Sioux writer, musician, educator, and activist, she dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Indigenous people and women.

Zitkala-Ša’s powerful voice challenged the dominant narrative of American history and shed light on the injustices faced by Native Americans. Her writings exposed the harsh realities of assimilation policies and the erosion of Indigenous cultures. Through her activism, she played a crucial role in raising awareness about the need for social and political reform.

Although Zitkala-Ša’s work primarily focused on Indigenous rights, her efforts also had a profound impact on the women’s suffrage movement. By breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms, she paved the way for future generations of women leaders. Her courage and determination inspired countless women to fight for their rights and make their voices heard.

Zitkala-Ša’s influence can still be seen in contemporary society in various ways:

  • Indigenous Rights Movements: Her activism and writings continue to inspire and inform current Indigenous rights movements, advocating for cultural preservation, self-determination, and social justice.
  • Women’s Leadership: She serves as a role model for women leaders, particularly Indigenous women, demonstrating the power of speaking out and challenging societal norms.
  • Literature and Arts: Her literary contributions paved the way for greater representation of Indigenous voices and experiences in American literature and the arts.
  • Social Justice Advocacy: Her unwavering commitment to social justice continues to inspire activists working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.
  • Intercultural Understanding: Her ability to bridge cultural divides and promote understanding serves as an example for building a more harmonious and interconnected world.

Younger generations can learn valuable lessons from Zitkala-Ša’s life and work. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her ability to bridge cultural divides are all

 qualities that can inspire young people to make a positive difference in the world.

Zitkala-Ša’s legacy continues to inspire women leaders in America today. Her example shows that even in the face of great challenges, it is possible to create meaningful change. By following in her footsteps, future generations can build a more just and equitable society for all. 

Zitkala-Ša’s legacy and impact are so profound that the U.S. Mint has chosen to honor her on the 2024 American Women Quarters. This recognition further solidifies her place as a pioneering figure in American history, celebrating her contributions to Indigenous rights, women’s empowerment, and social justice.  

Click the link to watch PBS bio on Zitkala-Ša: https://www.pbs.org/video/zitkala-sa-american-indian-composer-author-activist-qqjsyq/

Ethel Ennis: A Beautiful Voice And Accomplished Jazz Singer Who Kept It Real

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BY JEANETTE LENOIR

Listening to Ethel Ennis sing songs like Have You Forgotten? and My Foolish Heart brings back nostalgia and memories of days long gone. These days one would be hard pressed to find musicians without twerking background dancers or some other gimmick. However, they do exist. And, Ennis’s life is a wonderful example of an accomplished artist who was able to share her talent with the world without the pressures of fame and “making it” in Hollywood. And, Ennis didn’t just “make it” … she made it proudly and successfully in her native home of Baltimore. Granted, the city isn’t called “Charm City” or “The Greatest City in America” for nothing. B’More is a mecca for Jazz musicians and singers like Ennis, still. Ennis passed away on February 17, 2019. She was 86.

It’s well worth it to take a stroll through YouTube and listen to her beautiful voice serenade you.  Start with Have you forgotten?

Biography from Wayback Machine:
Baltimore native Ethel Ennis is a national treasure. Critics have hailed her as “the most accomplished singer performing today.” That stature was earned by her magnificent voice, her brilliant compositions, her joyful performances and her collaboration with the finest musicians. Ethel Ennis first won national recognition for her recording “Lullaby for Losers” in 1955. In 1958, she was selected by Benny Goodman as the female vocalist for his all-star band. Later, she was chosen as a featured singer on the Arthur Godfrey Show. After performing at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival with Billy Taylor, Cozy Cole, and Slam Stewart, she appeared with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra on television’s “Bell Telephone Hour.” She followed those amazing achievements by wowing them at the Monterey Jazz Festival in duets with Joe Williams. She returned to her hometown to perform in concerts with the Count Basie Band and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. During that same period, she shared the bill with Cab Calloway at Harlem’s Apollo Theater and played supper clubs and concert halls all over the country.

In the seventies, she founded the practice of singing the National Anthem a capella at Richard Nixon’s 1973 presidential inauguration. She performed at the White House for Jimmy Carter as well. During the period, she became Baltimore’s cultural ambassador, singing Chinese folk songs in Baltimore’s sister city of Xiamen, China as well as performing in Rotterdam, Germany. In the 1980’s, Ethel opened her own music club, Ethel’s Place with her husband, writer Earl Arnett. They presented the world’s greatest jazz musicians and broadcast live concerts to national audiences. They sold the club in 1988, each returning full-time to their artistic pursuits. Frank Sinatra once described her as, “my kind of singer.” A Downbeat reviewer once said of Ethel, “her voice runs deep, exuding the personality of a sage who has lived many lives.” She is the great sage of jazz and if you can find any one of her two dozen records and singles, you will have added a national treasure to your collection.

In her own words on her interracial marriage…