Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheryl Mallory-Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sheryl. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My inspiration to start a national movement recognizing the extraordinary contributions women of African descent have made in building America was sparked by the 400th year Commemoration since the first African captives arrived to North America in the year 1619.
I called on the support of a few dynamic women in my life (Jacquelyn Sherman-Rustin, Co-Founder; Alice Kennedy, Co-Founder: Cynthia Keeve, Co-Founder; Paula-Jones, Co-Founder; Alyce Pipkin Allen, Fund Developer, as well as Beatrice Kemp, Esq, who helped the organization acquire a 501 (c)(3) status expediently) and 1619 National Celebration of Black Women, Inc. was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If I could pinpoint one major struggle along the way, I would say time constraints. Establishing a non-profit organization, and launching a nationwide movement, while planning a major celebration here in San Diego, within seven-months, was huge.
We had an extraordinary team dedicated to honoring the countless women in American history who gave their lives, their bodies, their offspring, their labor, and their genius to help build a powerful nation.
We had to be unstoppable.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 1619 National Celebration of Black Women, Inc. – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
What I am most proud of and what sets us apart from others is being the first in American history to dedicate one day throughout the calendar year, during Women’s History Month, to honor and celebrate Black women, past and present.
1619 National Celebration of Black Women, Inc. was born out of a necessity to recognize women in American history who emerged from slavery, defied the odds and came out victorious!
Our inaugural event took place on March 2, 2019, during the 400th year commemoration since the first African captives arrived in North America in the year 1619.
To celebrate 400 years of extraordinary contributions women of African descent have made in building this great nation of these United States of America.
Educating and uplifting black women and girls by honoring the historical contributions of their ancestors, and inspiring them to walk in their power.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
The year 1619 was a defining moment in American history, not just for people of African descent but for all Americans. 1619 is a year that must never be forgotten or forsaken, henceforth.
We are looking forward to March 2, 2020, as the celebration lives on.
We are also excited about Women’s History Museum of California’s 1619 Exhibit, which takes place between October 3rd through December 2019. The Exhibit is curated by Leah Goodwin and highlights not only the 1619NCBW event, our mission, and our vision, but also features Black women in American history through the works of local and international artists.