More Than A Muse
330 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratingsWelcome to MORE THAN A MUSE, a weekly podcast where we explore the lives of women artists, musicians, writers, sculptors, and more. Join Stauney (a graphic designer) and Sadie (a singer-songwriter) EVERY MONDAY as we reframe art history and pop culture with feminism, empowering women to be educated, unapologetically angry, and champion those whom history has forgotten. Through in-depth historical discussions and pop culture chats, we spotlight unsung heroines, all while challenging the status quo. It's time to remember every woman artist as 'More Than A Muse'.
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Episodes
Paradoxes of Purity: Portrayals of Women & Girlhood in 'The Scarlet Letter,' 'The Virgin Suicides,' and 'Lolita'"
August 28, 2023 15:06 - 1 hourWomen's sexuality and their purity seem to be a topic that follows us throughout time. In this episode, Stauney and Sadie explore how societal views on women's sexuality and purity are reflected in classic literature like 'The Scarlet Letter,' 'The Virgin Suicides,' and 'Lolita.' These novels serve as mirrors to the complexities of purity culture, where women's bodies and desires are closely scrutinized. The novels are all notably written by men, whose intentions have been twisted over time t...
Merry Clayton & Darlene Love: The Hidden Harmonies of Backup Vocalists
August 21, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutesOften in music, the prominence is placed on the title stars, without much regard to the people behind the scenes that help make the magic happen. This week, Sadie sheds light on a hidden part of the music industry: backup vocalists. We delve into the extraordinary careers of Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and the unsung backup vocalists who have famous harmonies featured on some of our favorite songs, often remaining hidden in plain sight. We discuss their careers, the times they have been uncr...
The Hidden Harmonies of Backup Vocalists: Merry Clayton & Darlene Love
August 21, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutesOften in music, the prominence is placed on the title stars, without much regard to the people behind the scenes that help make the magic happen. This week, Sadie sheds light on a hidden part of the music industry: backup vocalists. We delve into the extraordinary careers of Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, and the unsung backup vocalists who have famous harmonies featured on some of our favorite songs, often remaining hidden in plain sight. We discuss their careers, the times they have been uncr...
Who run the world? Girls (& their Economic Power)
August 14, 2023 06:00 - 55 minutesStep aside wolves of wall street, this summer has been a tidal wave of economic girl power. Two big examples of this are Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour," expected to make an amazing 5 billion worldwide, and the Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, which has already made over a billion dollars in sales, the biggest profit of a movie by a solo female director ever. These successes, along with the upcoming U.S. leg of the Beyoncé Renaissance tour that's already boosting local economies, show just ...
The Only Female Film Director in the World: Alice Guy-Blaché
August 08, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutesIn the dazzling annals of cinema's history, there exists a remarkable figure whose name remains too often obscured by the shadows of time. Today, Stauney brings to light the unparalleled contributions of Alice Guy-Blaché, the world's first (and for a while, the ONLY) female film director. Pioneering the art of storytelling through moving pictures, her innovative vision shaped cinema's landscape at the brink of its innovation. Despite facing historical obscurity, her enduring impact remains an...
Alice Guy-Blaché: The Only Female Film Director in the World
August 08, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutesIn the dazzling annals of cinema's history, there exists a remarkable figure whose name remains too often obscured by the shadows of time. Today, Stauney brings to light the unparalleled contributions of Alice Guy-Blaché, the world's first (and for a while, the ONLY) female film director. Pioneering the art of storytelling through moving pictures, her innovative vision shaped cinema's landscape at the brink of its innovation. Despite facing historical obscurity, her enduring impact remains an...
Ursula Parrot: Ink and Intrigue of the Jazz Age
July 31, 2023 06:00 - 42 minutesThis week, Sadie takes us into the enchanting world of Ursula Parrott, a mysterious and talented writer of the Jazz Age, whose famous novel "Ex-Wife" unveils the complexities of love, marriage, and society's shifting norms. Amidst the glitz and glamour of 1920s New York City, Parrott's presence among literary luminaries like F. Scott Fitzgerald left an indelible mark, but beneath the fame lies a hidden story of personal struggles that helped aid her art that left a legacy. We talk about her l...
The Jazz Age's Voice of Female Liberation: Ursula Parrot
July 31, 2023 06:00 - 42 minutesThis week, Sadie takes us into the enchanting world of Ursula Parrott, a mysterious and talented writer of the Jazz Age, whose famous novel "Ex-Wife" unveils the complexities of love, marriage, and society's shifting norms. Amidst the glitz and glamour of 1920s New York City, Parrott's presence among literary legends like F. Scott Fitzgerald left an indelible mark, but beneath the fame lies a hidden story of personal struggles that helped aid her art that left a legacy. We talk about her life...
The Barbie Cinematic Universe: Part 2
July 24, 2023 14:12 - 56 minutesIt's a Barbie world! This week, in our part two episode, we're diving headfirst into the enchanting world of the Barbie Cinematic Universe, especially those beloved animated movies from the 2000s. From heartwarming tales of friendship to thrilling musical escapades, these animated gems have left a lasting impression on audiences of all ages... especially us. And hold onto your seats because we're not done! We'll be exploring the newly released Barbie movie that stars none other than Ryan Gosl...
Barbie Part 2: The Barbie Cinematic Universe
July 24, 2023 14:12 - 56 minutesIt's a Barbie world! This week, in our part two episode, we're diving headfirst into the enchanting world of the Barbie Cinematic Universe, especially those beloved animated movies from the 2000s. From heartwarming tales of friendship to thrilling musical escapades, these animated gems have left a lasting impression on audiences of all ages... especially us. And hold onto your seats because we're not done! We'll be exploring the newly released Barbie movie that stars none other than Ryan Gosl...
The Most Famous Doll in the World: Barbie Part 1
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 1 hourIt's time for our most anticipated episode of the year! This week, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the rich history of Barbie, tracing her origins from the visionary mind of Ruth Handler in 1959 to her present-day status as an iconic figure. Despite sparking controversies surrounding her portrayal of beauty, Barbie has undergone significant transformations, emerging as a symbol of progress and empowerment. Over time, the brand has actively embraced inclusivity by expanding the range to repre...
Barbie Part 1: The Most Famous Doll in the World
July 17, 2023 06:00 - 1 hourIt's time for our most anticipated episode of the year! This week, Stauney and Sadie dive deep into the rich history of Barbie, tracing her origins from the visionary mind of Ruth Handler in 1959 to her present-day status as an iconic figure. Despite sparking controversies surrounding her portrayal of beauty, Barbie has undergone significant transformations, emerging as a symbol of progress and empowerment. Over time, the brand has actively embraced inclusivity by expanding the range to repre...
Shattering the Greenhouse Ceiling: Beatrix Farrand
July 10, 2023 06:00 - 48 minutesIn the realm of landscape architecture, one name stands out as a true pioneer and visionary. This week Stauney introduces us to Beatrix Farrand, known for breaking barriers and reshaping the field during a time when it was predominantly male-dominated, Farrand's remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of design. With her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and environmental stewardship, she transformed gardens into breathtaking works of art that harmonized wit...
Beatrix Farrand: Shattering the Greenhouse Ceiling
July 10, 2023 06:00 - 48 minutesIn the realm of landscape architecture, one name stands out as a true pioneer and visionary. This week Stauney introduces us to Beatrix Farrand, known for breaking barriers and reshaping the field during a time when it was predominantly male-dominated, Farrand's remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of design. With her exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and environmental stewardship, she transformed gardens into breathtaking works of art that harmonized wit...
A Woman's Report of War: Dickey Chapelle & "First to the Front" with Lorissa Rinehart
July 03, 2023 06:00 - 53 minutesAmidst the chaos of war, one daring woman stood fearlessly behind the camera, capturing the untold stories and unyielding spirit of conflict—and then history completely erased her. This week, Stauney and Sadie are joined by Lorissa Rinehart, the author of "First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent" which will be released on JULY 11th. We discuss her journey to uncovering Chapelle, our personal love of the book, why it's more relevant today ...
"First to the Front:" Uncovering Dickey Chapelle with Lorissa Rinehart
July 03, 2023 06:00 - 53 minutesAmidst the chaos of war, one daring woman stood fearlessly behind the camera, capturing the untold stories and unyielding spirit of conflict—and then history completely erased her. This week, Stauney and Sadie are joined by Lorissa Rinehart, the author of "First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle, Trailblazing Female War Correspondent" which will be released on JULY 11th. We discuss her journey to uncovering Chapelle, our personal love of the book, why it's more relevant today ...
A Cult Classic Author of Lesbian Fiction: Djuna Barnes
June 19, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutesImagine writing a book that was so obviously gay that the censorship committees couldn't even tell what it was. This week, Sadie brings us up to speed on Djuna Barnes, a fascinating and influential figure of the 20th-century modernist literature movement. Known for her provocative and experimental writing style, Barnes pushed boundaries through her life and writing with an unapologetic embrace of her queerness. With an unconventional childhood, a career in journalism, poetry, and writing, and...
Djuna Barnes: A Queer Literary Luminary
June 19, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutesImagine writing a book that was so obviously gay that the censorship committees couldn't even tell what it was. This week, Sadie brings us up to speed on Djuna Barnes, a fascinating and influential figure of the 20th-century modernist literature movement. Known for her provocative and experimental writing style, Barnes pushed boundaries through her life and writing with an unapologetic embrace of her queerness. With an unconventional childhood, a career in journalism, poetry, and writing, and...
The Dual Lens: The Male vs Female Gaze
June 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourWe're no strangers to talking about "the male and female gaze" but do we know what this means and represents for the art and media we consume? This week on the podcast, Stauney and Sadie are talking about the history of the male and female gaze. We discuss how it has existed in art, especially depicted in female nudes and depictions in modern media. We also discuss the difference between a female and male gaze, how different they are, the implications of the male gaze, and how we can hold our...
Connie Converse: The First Singer-Songwriter & Her Vanishing Act
June 05, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutesBefore Bob Dylan, a young woman in Greenwich New York wrote songs, sang, and played her guitar, becoming the first record of a modern singer-songwriter. This week, Stauney introduces us to Connie Converse, a woman who escaped her strict Christian household to chase her dreams in New York City, only to be met with so much disappointment she would completely disappear never to be heard from again. Years later, her recordings would hit the radio airwaves and raise a cult following of the talent ...
The Disappearance of the First Singer-Songwriter: Connie Converse
June 05, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutesBefore Bob Dylan, a young woman in Greenwich New York wrote songs, sang, and played her guitar, becoming the first record of a modern singer-songwriter. This week, Stauney introduces us to Connie Converse, a woman who escaped her strict Christian household to chase her dreams in New York City, only to be met with so much disappointment she would completely disappear never to be heard from again. Years later, her recordings would hit the radio airwaves and raise a cult following of the talent ...
The First Singer-Songwriter & Her Vanishing Act: Connie Converse
June 05, 2023 09:00 - 53 minutesBefore Bob Dylan, a young woman in Greenwich New York wrote songs, sang, and played her guitar, becoming the first record of a modern singer-songwriter. This week, Stauney introduces us to Connie Converse, a woman who escaped her strict Christian household to chase her dreams in New York City, only to be met with so much disappointment she would completely disappear never to be heard from again. Years later, her recordings would hit the radio airwaves and raise a cult following of the talent ...
A Sad Beige World: A Gradual Dissipation of Detail & Color
May 29, 2023 05:00 - 45 minutesWe've gone from vibrant hues to neutral "clean girl" and why is that? This week, Sadie and Stauney dive into the world of color and how the modern world has used marketing, production, psychology, prejudice, and more to justify the diminishing details and 50 million shades of gray that are popular today. Sad beige nurseries, birds, and coral reefs losing color due to environmental impacts, Kim Kardashian's house, all included. We'll also discuss the importance of color, why we should try to c...
Maria Callas: La Divina Prima Donna
May 22, 2023 06:00 - 1 hourThis week, Sadie introduces us to Maria Callas, resilient and immensely gifted, who shattered barriers and redefined what it meant to be an opera star. Her turbulent journey, from a challenging childhood to unfair attacks by the press, vocal struggles, and a diverse range of talents, only served to fuel her determination and leave a permanent legacy. We discuss her childhood, her rise to fame, the moments when she shined the brightest, and the press backlash for her independence. When you hav...
Dramatic Diva or Misunderstood Prima Donna: Maria Callas
May 22, 2023 06:00 - 1 hourThis week, Sadie introduces us to Maria Callas, resilient and immensely gifted, who shattered barriers and redefined what it meant to be an opera star. Her turbulent journey, from a challenging childhood to unfair attacks by the press, vocal struggles, and a diverse range of talents, only served to fuel her determination and leave a permanent legacy. We discuss her childhood, her rise to fame, the moments when she shined the brightest, and the press backlash for her independence. When you hav...
The 'Not Like Other Girls' Impact: Misery Business Loves Company
May 15, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutesThis week, we're taking it back to the 2000s and the internet phenomenon that swept through pop culture: the "not like other girls" trope. One of the most famous examples of this was Paramore's hit song "Misery Business," which both was popularized and criticized for its portrayal of women. We delve into the trope, analyzing its origins and impact on pop culture, and then focus on the development and backlash of "Misery Business," and how it reflected the views of society at the time. We also...
Misery Business Loves Company: The 'Not Like Other Girls' Impact
May 15, 2023 06:00 - 50 minutesThis week, we're taking it back to the 2000s and the internet phenomenon that swept through pop culture: the "not like other girls" trope. One of the most famous examples of this was Paramore's hit song "Misery Business," which both was popularized and criticized for its portrayal of women. We delve into the trope, analyzing its origins and impact on pop culture, and then focus on the development and backlash of "Misery Business," and how it reflected the views of society at the time. We also...
Mary Jewett Pritchard: The Savior of Samoan Siapo
May 08, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutesThis week on the podcast, Stauney introduces us to Mary Jewett Pritchard. Pritchard was a Samoan textile designer and cultural advocate and was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of the traditional Samoan art of Siapo, which involves creating decorative textiles using bark cloth. She learned the techniques of Siapo from the women of her community and went on to create an exporting business, employing many women and providing a reason for the art form to be brought back to the fore...
The Savior of Samoan Siapo: Mary Jewett Pritchard
May 08, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutesThis week on the podcast, Stauney introduces us to Mary Jewett Pritchard. Pritchard was a Samoan textile designer and cultural advocate and was instrumental in the preservation and promotion of the traditional Samoan art of Siapo, which involves creating decorative textiles using bark cloth. She learned the techniques of Siapo from the women of her community and went on to create an exporting business, employing many women and providing a reason for the art form to be brought back to the fore...
Rivals of the Hollywood Rumor Mill: Louella Parsons & Hedda Hopper
May 01, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourThe rivalry between Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons is legendary in the world of Hollywood gossip. For over two decades, these two powerful women vied for control of the movie industry's rumor mill, using their respective columns to shape public opinion about the biggest stars of the day. Hopper, known for her trademark hats and biting wit, was a conservative firebrand who championed patriotic causes, while Parsons, with her cozy relationship with the studios, was seen as the establishment i...
The Women Who Gave the Disney Princesses a Voice
April 24, 2023 08:00 - 1 hourDisney's iconic princess movies have captured the hearts of audiences around the world, but behind the magic are the real women who inspired the characters and the actresses who gave them voices. Each Disney princess has a unique story to tell, but many of them are based on classic fairytales and legends passed down through generations. In this episode, we delve into the real-life women who inspired the stories of Disney princesses (From Snow White to Mulan) and the folklore that shaped their...
The Inventor of the Mini Skirt: Mary Quant
April 17, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutesThis week, Sadie tells us all about the inventor of the mini-skirt (and so much more!) popularized in the 1960s during the first "cool Britannica" era, also known as the 'swinging 60's' or the 'British invasion.' Quant's designs were accessible and liberating and reflected the changing attitudes towards gender and fashion of the era. Her influence on fashion and culture continues to be felt today, and she remains an icon of British fashion history. She also passed away the day this episode wa...
Mary Quant: Mod & Minis of the Swinging Sixties
April 17, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutesThis week, Sadie tells us all about the inventor of the mini-skirt (and so much more!) popularized in the 1960s during the first "cool Britannica" era, also known as the 'swinging 60's' or the 'British invasion.' Quant's designs were accessible and liberating and reflected the changing attitudes towards gender and fashion of the era. Her influence on fashion and culture continues to be felt today, and she remains an icon of British fashion history. She also passed away the day this episode wa...
The Spice Girls: Girl Power Generation
April 10, 2023 09:00 - 1 hourThis week on the podcast, Stauney and Sadie are discussing one of the most famous girl groups of all time. In the mid-1990s, a group of five young women from England burst onto the music scene and took the world by storm. They were the Spice Girls, and they quickly became an international sensation. Beyond their catchy tunes and colorful personalities, the Spice Girls represented a new kind of girl band, one that embraced feminism and female empowerment in a way that had never been seen befor...
Edmonia Lewis: From Prejudice & Poison to International Prominence
April 04, 2023 18:17 - 55 minutesStauney takes us through the life of Edmonia Lewis, the trailblazing biracial black and Native American sculptor whose neoclassical masterpieces captivated audiences during her lifetime. Despite facing discrimination and even an unfounded accusation of poisoning her peers during her college years, Lewis fled to Rome and persevered to establish a legendary career. From her fascinating childhood to her incredible artwork, join us as we delve into the captivating story of a pioneering artist who...
From Poison to Praise: Edmonia Lewis
April 04, 2023 18:17 - 55 minutesStauney takes us through the life of Edmonia Lewis, the trailblazing biracial black and Native American sculptor whose neoclassical masterpieces captivated audiences during her lifetime. Despite facing discrimination and even an unfounded accusation of poisoning her peers during her college years, Lewis fled to Rome and persevered to establish a legendary career. From her fascinating childhood to her incredible artwork, join us as we delve into the captivating story of a pioneering artist who...
Rita Moreno: Latina Legend of Golden Hollywood
March 27, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutesSadie is introducing us to Rita Moreno today, one of Hollywood's last living golden Hollywood stars and the only Latina star that was able to reach mainstream fame, although she dealt with the pitfalls of being severely typecast. With an impressive body of work spanning over seven decades, Moreno is an icon in the entertainment industry and a trailblazer for women of color in Hollywood. In this episode, we will explore the life and career of Rita Moreno, examining the challenges she faced, th...
How The Oscars Have Failed Women (and the Bechdel Test)
March 20, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutesToday we are talking all about the world of cinema, and one of the oldest and biggest award ceremonies surrounding it all... The Academy Awards, nicknamed 'The Oscars' after the little statue they hand out as awards to talented directors, actors, designers, and more. We discuss the history of the awards, their complete lack of diversity, and how they've been called out numerous times for consistently giving their awards to white, and predominately male professionals. We also dive into some of...
How The Oscars Have Failed Women
March 20, 2023 10:00 - 48 minutesToday we are talking all about the world of cinema, and one of the oldest and biggest award ceremonies surrounding it all... The Academy Awards, nicknamed 'The Oscars' after the little statue they hand out as awards to talented directors, actors, designers, and more. We discuss the history of the awards, their complete lack of diversity, and how they've been called out numerous times for consistently giving their awards to white, and predominately male professionals. We also dive into some of...
The Nanny's Secret Street Photography: Vivian Maier
March 13, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutesThis week, Stauney dives into the mysterious story of Vivian Maier, a nanny who took tens of thousands of street photos throughout her life... and never showed anyone else a single picture. She spent her life taking pictures all throughout Chicago and New York, and even went on an international trip and documented the whole thing with her camera and remained unknown until someone bought her film in a storage unit auction, and quickly gained notoriety. Maier's images, which often showcase the ...
Vivian Maier: A Mysterious Nanny & Her Secret Street Photography
March 13, 2023 10:00 - 59 minutesThis week, Stauney dives into the mysterious story of Vivian Maier, a nanny who took tens of thousands of street photos throughout her life... and never showed anyone else a single picture. She spent her life taking pictures all throughout Chicago and New York, and even went on an international trip and documented the whole thing with her camera and remained unknown until someone bought her film in a storage unit auction, and quickly gained notoriety. Maier's images, which often showcase the ...
Threads of Rebellion: How Fashion Shaped Feminism
March 06, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutesThroughout history, fashion has been an integral part of the feminist movement. From Bloomers and Suffragette colors to Pussyhats, the way individuals have dressed has been a large declaration of their rebellion against society's standards for them. This week, we talk all about the waves of feminism as seen through the clothes of the protesters and the influences that had on society. We also talk about the very recent and ongoing situation in Iran with the compulsory hijab and the death of Ma...
A History of Black Women in Pop "Shine Bright" by Danyel Smith
March 04, 2023 15:00 - 29 minutesIn February, we delved into "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith. It was such a beautiful read and really opened our eyes to the amazing contributions black women have made to pop music throughout history. We chat all about it and share our favorite moments with you, but didn't stop there! We also take some time to dish on the Grammys and all the controversies that went down for this year's award show. Episodes like this one: Grammy Recap, History of t...
February Book: Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop
March 04, 2023 15:00 - 29 minutesIn February, we delved into "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith. It was such a beautiful read and really opened our eyes to the amazing contributions black women have made to pop music throughout history. We chat all about it and share our favorite moments with you, but didn't stop there! We also take some time to dish on the Grammys and all the controversies that went down for this year's award show. Episodes like this one: Grammy Recap, History of t...
"Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith
March 04, 2023 15:00 - 29 minutesIn February, we delved into "Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop" by Danyel Smith. It was such a beautiful read and really opened our eyes to the amazing contributions black women have made to pop music throughout history. We chat all about it and share our favorite moments with you, but didn't stop there! We also take some time to dish on the Grammys and all the controversies that went down for this year's award show. Episodes like this one: Grammy Recap, History of t...
Valley Girl Vernacular, like The Way Women Talk
February 27, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutesRaise your hand if you have ever been like totally accused of sounding like Cher Horowitz?!! Don't worry, us too. In this episode, we tackle the unfair discrimination against women's language patterns, such as up-talk, filler words, and vocal fry. Despite being used equally by men, these features are often stigmatized as unprofessional and unintelligent. However, research shows they can indicate higher emotional intelligence and empathy, qualities valued in leadership and relationships. We al...
Florence Price: A Classical Composer & Her Hidden Symphony
February 20, 2023 17:24 - 42 minutesSadie introduces us to Florence Price, an accomplished African-American composer who persevered despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the early 20th century and became the first black woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. We discuss her early talent and affinity for classical music, her prestigious and accomplished education, and the hidden symphony in an abandoned house that placed her back at the forefront of American history. TW: we do discuss racism...
The Lost Symphony That Survived: Florence Price
February 20, 2023 17:24 - 42 minutesThis week, Sadie introduces us to Florence Price, an accomplished Black classical composer who persevered despite facing discrimination and limited opportunities in the early 20th century and became the first black woman to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. We discuss her early talent and affinity for classical music, her prestigious and accomplished education, and the hidden symphony in an abandoned house that placed her back at the forefront of American history. TW: we do disc...
Out of a Chick Flick Famine & Into a Rom-Com Renaissance
February 13, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutesThis week we delve into the rich history of women's pictures and explore the evolution of romantic comedies or "chick flicks". From their glory days when they ruled the box office with huge celebrity names to the "dry spell" that they went through in recent years. We'll examine the various factors that led to the decline of the rom-com genre and the cultural shift that left these films relegated to the background. But hold on, as we might be in the midst of a resurgence of rom-coms and chick ...
Former Slave turned White House Seamstress: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley
February 06, 2023 12:00 - 1 hourThis week, Stauney introduces us to Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley. Born into slavery and working as early as age four, Elizabeth dealt with the injustices of physical and sexual abuse, feeling the full brunt of the rampant racism in early U.S. History. However, Elizabeth would rise far above her birth to go on to buy her and her son's freedom, start a dressmaking business and employ 20 other women, and then spend four years as the personal modiste to Mary Todd Lincoln, the First Lady of the United ...