Socialite-Activists and the Black Freedom Struggle - The Glamorous Life

Explore the intersection of glamour and activism in the black freedom struggle from World War II to the Obama era in this 46-minute presentation by Tanisha C. Ford at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. Delve into the economic history of the civil rights movement, focusing on how black women activists raised millions of dollars for movement organizations through lavish galas, fashion shows, and beauty pageants. Examine the role of socialite-activists in bridging racial divides and leveraging their social status for social change. Discover the stories of influential figures like Dorothy West and Desiree Rogers, and learn about significant events such as fundraisers at the Hotel Pierre and Molly's lawsuit. Gain insights into the complex relationship between black glamour, societal expectations, and the fight for equality in this thought-provoking lecture by the 2018-2019 Lisa Goldberg Fellow.