Strong Black Woman of the Week: Bernette Johnson - Louisiana's First Black Chief Justice

Congratulations to Bernette Johnson, who will become Louisiana's first Black chief justice. After a racially-charged battle against her appointment, Johnson will begin leading the Louisiana Supreme Court early next year.

Learn more about her historic victory here.     

Strong Black Woman of the Week: Eboni Boykin

On Sunday's MSNBC Education Nation Student Town Hall, NerdLand host, Professor Melissa Harris-Perry brought together students, teachers, and lawmakers for a frank discussion about the state of education in America. Some of the best ideas and most inspiring stories came from the students themselves.

One of these students was Eboni Boykin, a first year at Columbia University. Boykin graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis, Missouri. The honor student was a varsity cheerleader, chief editor of the school newspaper, and a member of the student council. 

But unlike many of her peers who shared similar accomplishments, Boykin grew up homeless. She moved from state to state with her mother and mostly lived in homeless shelters or on the floors of acquaintances. She attended around 15 schools through out her childhood as they bounced around in Maryland, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri.

Boykin says she was able to stay focused because her mother always told her that education can create a better life. 

That's exactly what she did and she received a full scholarship to the Ivy League institution. "Getting into Columbia definitely teaches me that just keeping the faith and not giving up pays off. And it just teaches me if you hang in there you can have anything you want if you are willing to work hard for it."

She plans to become a journalist and SBW thinks she's off to an amazing start. Kudos to you, Ms. Boykin. 

Strong Black Woman of the Week: Patricia Stephens Due

Patricia Stephens Due, civil rights leader in Florida, died at 72 yesterday.

Over 50 years ago, Stephens, as a 20-year-old college student, led sit-ins in Tallahassee.  Arrested at the Woolworth lunch counter during a sit-in, students spent 49 days in jail rather than pay fines. It was one of the first "jail-ins" of the Movement.

 

A telegram from Rev. Martin Luther King said,"Going to jail for a righteous cause is a badge of honor and a symbol of dignity. I assure you that your valiant witness is one of the glowing epics of our time and you are bringing all of America (to) the threshold of the world's bright tomorrows."

Stephens was a founding member of the Tallahassee chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She led marches and rallies through out the state, leading to her suspension from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) for her activism.  She ultimately earned her degree in 1965. She pressed forward and served as a freedom fighter for five decades.

Rest in peace, Ms. Stephens.