Five sister-recommended Black creators to follow
We asked for recommendations from Delta Gamma members of Black change-makers, creators, business owners, influencers, artists or leaders they love and believe that other members should know about. We compiled those suggestions throughout the month, and now, as we conclude our celebration of Black History Month, we want to share five sister-recommended Black creators to follow, support and learn more about.
Edmonia Lewis – First professional African American sculptor
Edmonia began creating in 1863; her early sculptors were of well-known abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison, Charles Sumner and Wendell Phillips. During her time in Rome, Italy she became known as one of the few sculptors who rarely used Italian workmen to assist on her projects, as she created much of her work without aid. Edmonia ultimately became known for her sculptures showcasing her dual African American and Native American lineage. She was the first sculptor of African American and Native American heritage to gain international recognition. You can find her work today at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When it is safe to road trip again, these are some highly recommended pieces to see in person!
Elizabeth Acevedo – Dominican American poet and author
Elizabeth is an award-winning New York Times-bestselling author of The Poet X, a book about a young woman who uses slam poetry to navigate family and personal relationships, and other notable work such as With the Fire on High and Clap When You Land. Her work focuses on the trials and tribulations of young adult life. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. where she continues to write and perform. Next time you are popping into a bookstore or searching for a new audio book, be sure these are on your list.
Instagram – @acevedowrites
Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D. – Viral immunologist at the National Institutes of Health
Dr. Corbett was one of the lead developers of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. She is a research fellow and scientific lead for the Coronavirus Vaccines and Immunopathogenesis Team at the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research Center. Dr. Corbett has also spent time working on a universal influenza vaccine. We send our thanks for her dedication and passion; she is truly a woman who will go down in history for her efforts!
Instagram – @kizzyphd
MC Lyte – First female hip-hop artist to release a solo album
MC Lyte is known as one of the pioneers in the hip-hop industry, in part due to her role as the first female hip-hop artist to release a solo album. She was also the first hip-hop artist to perform at Carnegie Hall, as well as the first female hip-hop Artist to have a gold single and a solo Grammy nomination. Notable MC Lyte songs included “Cha Cha Cha” and “I am Woman”. She continues to perform and record, while also being a successful businesswoman in founding her own entertainment management and production firm, called Sunni Gyrl Global.
Instagram – @mclyte
Misty Copeland – Ballet dancer, First African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer
Misty became the first African American female principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre in 2015. She began dancing at the age of 13 and has earned numerous leading roles in performances such as Birthday Offering, Bach Partita and Thirteen Diversions. Misty has created and choreographed the Spanish Dance in Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker and the Fairy Fleur de farine (Wheat flower) in Ratmansky’s The Sleeping Beauty, along with several others.
Instagram – @mistyonpointe