Kickass Women of Color

Join Mia as she teaches us all about the OTHER leader of the Stonewall Rebellion, Miss Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson! Later in the episode, we discuss Gen Z and queerness, "rainbow capitalism," and the plight of being female-bodied in 2023. TRIGGER WARNING: sexual assault, gun violence. This episode was recorded during the "Don't Say Gay" bill controversy in June 2022. Some conversations may be sensitive. Listener discretion is advised and warmly encouraged!

Join Alyah for this episode about Sylvia Rivera, a transgender activist and absolute QUEEN who helped spearhead the Stonewall Riots. TRIGGER WARNING: r*pe, assault, violence

Join Mo on this episode as they tell us all about the courageous Comfort Women of World War II. Later in the episode, we pivot to a discussion about the Asian experience in America in the 21st-Century. TRIGGER WARNING: r*pe, assault, abuse, harassment, kidnapping of minors, sex, death, drugs, suicide. This episode is HEAVY. Listener discretion is advised and warmly encouraged.

Join Carmen as she teaches us about Claudette Colvin, the actual first Black woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus in Alabama. Yup, you heard that right! The episode ends with a lengthy discussion about racism and gun control in the US. This episode was recording shortly after the devastating Uvalde mass shooting on May 24, 2022. We encourage listener discretion if needed. TRIGGER WARNING: sex, r*pe, guns.

Join Angie on this episode as she teaches us about the resilient Mamie Till-Mobley, a passionate woman who was a prime example of the lengths mothers will go to for the love of their children. CONTENT WARNING: racism, brutality, domestic violence.

Saralee takes to the mic to teach us about the fiercely brave Recy Taylor. TRIGGER WARNING: sexual assault.

Join Kimberly and some of her classmates as she teaches us all about the AMAZING Sojourner Truth, a staunch abolitionist and advocate for women's suffrage. As discussed on today's episode, here is the link to the Northeast Slavery Records Index.

You may know her as a United States District Judge or as the vice chair of the United States Sentencing Commission, but she's mostly known for being the first African American woman on the US Supreme Court! Her name is Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Cindy is here to tell you allll about her on today's episode! Bibliography History.com Editors, “The 1970s,” A&E Television Networks, 13 Jan. 2021, https://www.history.com/topics/1970s/1970s-1#:~:text=The%201970s%20were%20a%20tumultuous,the%20ongoing%20war%20in%20Vietnam. “Kent State Shootings.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_State_shootings M. Lewis, Jerry, and R. Hensley, Thomas. “The May 4 Shootings At Kent State University: The Search For Historical Accuracy.” Kent State University, https://www.kent.edu/may-4-historical-accuracy. “Ketanji Brown Jackson Fact Sheet.” Alliance for Justice, 30 March 2021, https://www.afj.org/document/judge-ketanji-brown-jackson-fact-sheet/ Biography.com editors, “Ketanji Brown Jackson Biography.” Biography.com, A&E Television Networks, 7 March 2022, https://www.biography.com/law-figure/ketanji-brown-jackson PBS NewsHour. ¨Key Moments from Ketanji Brown Jackson´s Supreme Court Nomination Hearings- Day 3.”Youtube, 24 Mar. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MirbyMg_ajQ Hunter, Natalie. “Ketanji Brown Jackson's Kids: Meet Her Two Daughters, Talia & Leila Jackson.” Hollywood Life, 7 April 2022, https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/who-are-ketanji-brown-jackson-kids-4683256/ “Ketanji Brown Jackson: Legal Career Timeline.” Southern Poverty Law Center, 7 April 2022, https://www.splcenter.org/news/2022/04/07/ketanji-brown-jackson-legal-career-timeline Sloane, Christine. “Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: Herstory Made on the Supreme Court.” YMCA USA, 7 April 2022, https://www.ywca.org/blog/2022/04/07/judge-ketanji-brown-jackson-herstory-made-on-the-supreme-court/ Green, Erica L. ¨At Harvard, a Confederate Flag Spurred Ketanji Brown Jackson to Act.” New York Times, 20 March 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/us/politics/ketanji-brown-jackson-harvard.html C-SPAN. “Complete Remarks from Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson After Being Confirmed to the Supreme Court.” Youtube, 8 April 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKgVNjbaBow. PBS NewsHour. “WATCH: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson On How Her Parents Shaped Her Values.” Youtube, 22 March 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-cQ0GS_Y8w

China first became a country 3500 years ago, but in all that time, only one woman has served as the ruler of China in her own right. In 665 AD, Empress Wu Zetian sneakily ascended to the throne, where she remained in charge until her death 40 years later. But her journey to get there? It's complicated to say the least! Join a VERY enthusiastic Desiree on this week's episode of Kickass Women of Color as she digs deep into the astonishing (and bloody!) life of Wu Zetian.

A television creator genius, also known as a producer, screenwriter, author, activist, and mother, Shonda Rhimes is one of the leading examples of Black Excellence and incredible girl power and how no boundaries exist when you put your mind to it. Join Heidy on her episode as we see the amazing and hard working talented Shonda Rhimes and her journey to success. BIBLIOGRAPHY: “My year of saying yes to everything | Shonda Rhimes”. Youtube, uploaded by TED, 9 Mar 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmj-azFbpkA. “Shonda Rhimes.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 11 Sept. 2020, www.biography.com/media-figure/shonda-rhimes#:~:text=Shonda%20Rhimes%20was%20born%20on,University%20Park%20area%20of%20Illinois.&text=Rhimes'%20mom%20is%20supposedly%20the,English%20literature%20and%20creative%20writing. “Shonda Rhimes.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Shonda-Rhimes. “Shonda Rhimes.” IMDb, IMDb.com, www.imdb.com/name/nm0722274/bio. “Shonda Rhimes.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/weta/finding-your-roots/about/meet-our-guests/shonda-rhimes. “Shonda Rhimes.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shonda_Rhimes#Shondaland. “The Life of Shonda Rhimes.” Youtube, uploaded by Brut America, 15 Jan 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xno7PdrIAIw.

Queen Nanny is undoubtedly a kickass woman; from escaping slavery, to running a town, and becoming an incredible military leader, Nanny freed many and became an inspiration to all. Listen to this episode to hear Karen share all about the life of Jamaica's ONLY female national hero.

María Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang was an icon. A Filipina woman who led as a commander, and revolutionist that demonstrated her courageousness and valor from her adulthood till death. Join Shanalee on this episode as we journey through the life of Mrs. Silang and how she fought for the Ilocano independence from Spain. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Advameg, Inc. “Ilocanos.” Countries and their Cultures, https://www.everyculture.com/wc/Norway-to-Russia/Ilocanos.html. Amodei, Lacei. Gabriela Silang: Anti-colonial fighter in the Philippines. Liberation School, 27 April 2007, https://liberationschool.org/07-04-27-gabriela-silang-anticolonial-f-html/. Heritage & History. About Philippines: Pearl of the Orient, https://aboutphilippines.org/heritage.html#you. Mansalay, Margarita, and Robin Kitana Aquilizan. “Gabriela Silang.” Bayani Art, https://www.bayaniart.com/articles/gabriela-silang-biography/. Wikimedia Foundation. Gabriela Silang. Wikipedia, 5 June 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriela_Silang#cite_ref-1.

Queen Seondeok was Silla's twenty-seventh ruler, and its first reigning queen lasting from 632 to 647 AD. She didn't marry nor had any kids to avoid any political conflicts and thanks to her there was a rise in the spread of buddhism, increase in political alliances, and built incredible structures. Join Yaileen on today's episode to learn more about this incredible woman. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cartwright, Mark. “Queen Seondeok.” World History Encyclopedia, World History Encyclopedia, 16 Oct. 2016, www.worldhistory.org/Queen_Seondeok/?visitCount=1&lastVisitDate=2021-3-8&pageViewCount=2. Queen Seondeok of Silla. projects.leadr.msu.edu/traditionaleastasia/exhibits/show/badass-female-rulers/queen-seondeok-of-silla. “Queen Seondeok of Silla.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Seondeok_of_Silla. Yang, Iseo. “Queen Seondeok of the Silla Kingdom of Korea Builds the Oldest Still-Standing Astronomical Observatory.” UGA Research News, 19 Aug. 2020, research.uga.edu/news/timeline/queen-seondeok-of-the-silla-kingdom-of-korea-builds-the-oldest-still-standing-astronomical-observatory/ ” https://www.aprilmag.com/2017/10/22/queen-seondeok-the-first-korean-queen-who-proved-that-women-rule/ http://www.popflock.com/learn?s=Bidam

A civil rights activist, a radical African American educator, and a well-known author with over 10 published books: meet the legendary Angela Yvonne Davis! Join Tamara on today's episode as we learn all about this fearless woman. BIBLIOGRAPHY: AfroMarxist. Why I Am a Communist (1972 Interview). YouTube, 11 June 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGQCzP-dBvg. “Angela Davis.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/black-history/angela-davis. “Angela Davis (January 26, 1944).” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/angela-davis. “Black Power Mixtape.” YouTube, 18 Dec. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2BIZy0HScM. “Davis, Angela.” SpeakOut, www.speakoutnow.org/speaker/davis-angela.

Ruby Bridges is no doubt a legend, and her undeniable bravery as a child is the reason for so much of the diversity in our schools in America today. Join Lilian on today's episode as we learn a little bit more about this fierce civil rights activist. Note: If you liked this episode and want to learn more about Ruby Bridges's life, you can check out one of her many books, including Through My Eyes, for which she received the Carter G. Woodson Book Award.

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education, and at the age of 17, she became the youngest person to win a Nobel Prize. Join Saralee on today's episode as she explains just what makes Malala such a kickass woman of color. **Be sure to check out our Instagram, @kwocpod, for some images related to today's episode! BIBLIOGRAPHY: DeHart, Jonathan. “Why Did the Taliban Shoot Malala?” The Diplomat, 18 July 2013, thediplomat.com/2013/07/why-did-the-taliban-shoot-malala/. Kettler, Sara. “Malala Yousafzai.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 15 Oct. 2020, www.biography.com/activist/malala-yousafzai. The New York Times, director. The Making of Malala Yousafzai: Story of Girl Shot in Taliban Attack. YouTube, 7 Oct. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=AitiZ8nTabM . PBS News Hour. Malala Explains Why She Risked Death for Girls' Education. Youtube, 14 Sept. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3UKVcQHxlE.

An American and political activist, a pioneer of the Underground Railroad AND a slave who's been through hell and back? The name is Harriet Tubman. Join Heiry for a short but sweet dive into this woman's incredible life. **Be sure to check out our IG page, @kwocpod, for accompanying images to this episode!** Bibliography “Harriet Tubman.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 25 Jan. 2021, www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman. “Harriet Tubman.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Jan. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Tubman. History.com Editors. “Harriet Tubman.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 29 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/black-history/harriet-tubman. Larson, Kate Clifford. “Five Myths about Harriet Tubman.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 22 Apr. 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-harriet-tubman/2016/04/22/b9f3a270-07f0-11e6-b283-e79d81c63c1b_story.html. Michals, Edited by Debra. “Harriet Tubman.” National Women's History Museum, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/harriet-tubman.

A fierce transgender artist, amazing showgirl and activist, she has had a tremendous impact on the Latin LGBTQ community. Adela Vazquez did it all like the flawless queen she is. Join Jandeliz on today's episode as we get a look into the life of Adela Vazquez and we will see exactly why she was seen as the “top notch drag performer" and the fantastic activist that she is. Be sure to check out our Instagram for some accompanying images for this episode! BIBLIOGRAPHY: Cortez, Jamie and Patrick Hebert. Sexile = Sexilio. Institute for Gay Men's Health, 2004. “Diagnosing Difference - Passing” Youtube, 09 Jul. 2009, https://youtu.be/NIbwnx-Bw5w. Accessed, 22 Jan. 2021. Lopera, Juliana Delgado, “Two Queer Latinxs Share Their Best Pride Memories.” Time Out San Francisco, Time Out, 7 June 2019. Accessed, 23. Jan. 2021. Quesada, Uriel. “Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives of Latina/o LGBT Activism”. University of Texas Press, 2015. Schepers, Emile. “Movement That Changed the World Began in Cuba July 26, 1953.” People's World, 24 July 2014, Accessed 5 February.

Katherine Johnson was an extravagant mathematician, a women activist for people of color, AND she was able to send the first American astronaut to space! Join Kiana on our second episode as we explore this woman's extraordinary life, a woman who is now remembered as “an American hero” according to NASA. ||| Bibliography: “Katherine Johnson Biography” https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography “Who was Katherine Johnson?” https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/who-was-katherine-johnson-k4 “Katherine Johnson” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katherine_Johnson “Katherine Johnson American Mathematician” https://www.britannica.com/biography/Katherine-Johnson-mathematician “Katherine Johnson: Pioneering NASA Mathematician” https://www.space.com/katherine-johnson.html “Katherine Johnson: An American Hero” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKxgieXQ82w “Katherine Johnson” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDaEIWN6lqc “Loss of a beautiful mind: NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson dies at 101” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2Ev3NKMK00 “Katherine Johnson, NASA mathematician, Biography” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rT8-gbkqCE&t=35s

A pioneer for Black women in theatre and film, a civil rights activist and member of the Freemasons, AND a spy for the French Resistance? Josephine Baker seemingly did it all. Join Ms. Doolittle on today's episode as we explore this woman's extraordinary life, a woman whom Ernest Hemingway once described as “the most sensational woman anyone ever saw.” **Be sure to check out our IG page, @kwocpod, for accompanying images to this episode!** Bibliography BBC. “Joséphine Baker: The 1st Black Superstar.” YouTube, 13 Nov. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggb_wGTvZoU. Formby, George. “(1925) Josephine Baker Dancing the Original Charleston.” YouTube, 14 Sept. 2014, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEH6eDpjgRw. “Josephine Baker.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 2 Mar. 2020, www.biography.com/performer/josephine-baker. Joyce, Robin. “Josephine Baker, 1906 – 1975.” Women's History Network, 6 Mar. 2017, womenshistorynetwork.org/josephine-baker-1906-1975/. Kendall, Mikki, and A. D'Amico. Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights. Ten Speed Press, 2019. “La Folie Du Jour.” Numeridanse Tv, www.numeridanse.tv/en/dance-videotheque/la-folie-du-jour. McCann, Hannah et al. The Feminism Book. Penguin Random House, 2019. Norwood, Arlisha R. “Josephine Baker.” National Women's History Museum, www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/josephine-baker. reelblack. “Josephine Baker Portrait (1999).” YouTube, 4 Oct. 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX-4xb3-LVI. Rose, Phyllis. Jazz Cleopatra. Doubleday, 1989. With thanks to Epidemic Sound for the background music.