Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday: Black History Month - Dr. Marting Luther King Jr. & Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott were married on June 18, 1953 in Marion, Ala. King’s father, also a minister, performed the ceremony on Coretta’s parent’s lawn. 

In 1955, they took part in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, just weeks after the birth of their first Yolanda Denise. That was the first of over a decade of nonviolent protests together, while raising their four children in a Christian home. The couple endured their home being bombed in 1956 and numerous threats on his life. However, there were many times when she was not able to be with her husband during protests, because their children were young.

“My devoted wife has been a constant source of consolation to me through all the difficulties…. My wife was always stronger than I was through the struggle. While she had certain natural fears and anxieties concerning my welfare, she never allowed them to hamper my active participation in the movement. Corrie proved to be that type of wife with qualities to make a husband when he could have been so easily broken. In the darkest moments, she always brought the light of hope.

I am convinced that if I had not had a wife with the fortitude, strength and calmness of Corrie, I could not have withstood the ordeals and tensions surrounding the movement,” King wrote in Chapter 5 of his autobiography.

Coretta said that she was married to her husband, but she was also married and dedicated to the cause. In her profile, she was recorded as saying, “Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.”

The Real Wives of Chicago will like to honor, Mr. & Mrs. Martin & Coretta King, Thank You for your Contribution!

Wordless Wednesday: Black History Month - Mr. & Mrs. Herbert & Zelmyra Fisher

Herbert Fisher married Zelmyra on May 13, 1924.  They are in the World Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living African American couple.  Married for 84 years, Herbert, age 105, and Zelmyra, age 103, don’t seem to be fazed by their accomplishment.  Zelmyra says there are “No secrets.  There isn’t any secret. It was only God that kept us together.”

The two built their home on the belief and intention that the marriage would last forever. They now enjoy sitting on the porch as people pass by, watching television together and the company of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The two have managed to keep their marriage strong because of a mutual love and respect that they have and show toward each other. And they say if they had it all to do over, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Just recently, they received a signed commendation from President Obama with a promise of an official invitation to the White House to meet him.

The Real Wives of Chicago will like to honor, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert & Zelmyra, Thank You for your Contribution of love, respect and togetherness!

Wordless Wednesday: Black History Month - Mr. & Mrs. Medgar & Myrlie Evers

Mr. & Mrs. Medgar & Myrlie Evers  contribution to African-American history opened up the doors for  African-Americans by fighting for us in the Civil Rights Movement.  In 1952, after earning a Bachelors Degree in Business Medgar Evers began working with the NAACP traveling and organizing peaceful protest, and voter registration drives.  He was elected to be the organizations first secretary and continued to speak on behalf of his people.  

June 12, 1963 Mr. Evers was shot in the back in his own driveway, but his dedicated wife picked up the torch, and in her husbands memory began to travel the world and continuing to travel spreading her husbands words, and the progress of the Civil Rights Movement. 

The Real Wives of Chicago will like to honor, Mr. & Mrs. Medgar & Myrlie Evers, Thank You for your Contribution!

Wordless Wednesday: Black History Month - John & Eunice Johnson

We kicked off our celebration of Black History month last week by paying tribute to our President and First Lady, Mr. & Mrs. Barack and Michelle Obama.  This week we will keep it going with another Chicago power couple, Mr. & Mrs. John & Eunice Johnson. 

Their contribution to African-American history showed African-Americans that they too are beautiful, and to show the world.  In the late 1940's they founded Johnson Publishing Co., and launched Ebony and Jet, magazines that helped black folks shape positive self-images during the days of segregated America. Billed as “the world’s largest traveling fashion show” Fashion Fair kicked off in 1958. Giving black models a chance to showcase and give black audiences a chance to see designer apparel in fund-raising shows staged in small towns and big cities across America.

They found potential in a unknown model, Pat Cleveland who if not for her paving the way for models today, there will be no Naomi Campbell, and Tyra Banks.

The Real Wives of Chicago will like to honor, Mr. & Mrs. John & Eunice Johnson, Thank You for your Contribution!