Maggie Lena Walker was the first woman to found a bank.
Aundrea Sayrie
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams III was the first surgeon to successfully perform open heart surgery in 1893.
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie writes, “Birthed out of a need to preserve the history that had too long been purposely manipulated, Black History Month has always been accompanied by controversy. However, it provides a unique opportunity to center Blackness outside of the context of conflict or conflict resolution. Due to erasure through whitewashing and omission there is a ton of Black history that is not taught in schools, so it is also a time for enlightenment, acknowledgement, and engaging conversations between strangers and friends.”
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie writes about the phenomenon commonly known as “being a Karen,” and the danger that lies behind the memes and internet folly.
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie writes, “One gets weary. Not including last week, Newsweek reports that an additional 181 Black people have been murdered at the hands of police since George Floyd, and it hasn’t been a year. When Derek Chauvin’s verdict was read last week, I did not rejoice. I did not feel excitement of any sort. I was in total shock witnessing the anomaly of accountability of a police officer. This never happens.”
In honor of National Poetry Month, WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie shares a poem she hasn’t finished and maybe never will.
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie writes about Aviator Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman, the first Black female pilot in U.S. History.
WSV columnist Aundrea Sayrie details the background of Carter Godwin Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” as well as how the month-long celebration of Black contributions and achievement came to be.
WSV Columnist Aundrea Sayrie writes, “Love him or hate him, Donald Trump is an effective leader. Here are four things about his leadership style that make him effective.”
“There is talk about returning to normalcy but we all know that we experienced an abrupt end to an era as we knew it, and witnessed the foundation of whatever else is to come. Whatever it is we are resilient. We are yet hopeful. As things are looking up but continue to be uncertain, all we can do is to step out on faith. Stay encouraged. Cheers to 2021.”
“I want to imagine that those in leadership couldn’t possibly be so willfully ignorant of the complications impacting the Black American experience. The conscious omission of our history, and history and reality is gaslighting at its finest. It’s cruel.”
WSV Columnist Aundrea Sayrie asks voters to think beyond the presidential election and focus on the needs of their respective communities.
“While it is tempting to consider 2020 a total loss, it’s not. With all of the adjacent disappointment, it has showcased just how brilliant, resilient, and kindhearted humans can be.”
As the online news magazine Watershed Voice enters the third quarter of its first year in business, staff and volunteers are making a push to ensure the online news magazine has solid footing to remain in business and grow. This Saturday, October 10, they plan to hold a drive-thru fundraiser at the Huss School parking lot at Eighth and Broadway Streets in Three Rivers.
“Tuesday’s debate was another missed opportunity for Donald Trump to create unity, by showing a desire for equity and justice for all American citizens. Instead kerosene was added to the fire.”
Mikel Watkins found his way into music through adversity. He struggled through a difficult upbringing and addiction, finding his way to stability through music production and artistry.
Aundrea Sayrie talks data brokers and the pitfalls of social media in this week’s “Living on Purpose” column.
“In all of my contemplating about how to heal and foster positive change within a community, I have never once considered ‘code switching’ to be an obstacle.”