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Professional Excellence
What's Your Super Skill?
Savannah State University is honoring an African American hero each week of the school year.
Savannah State University is honoring an African American hero each week of the school year. A “Super Skill”, soft skill, or intangible grounding skill was embraced as a key ingredient to the helping each achieve their goals. These journeys are shared in order to engage the viewers in the use of Super Skills through an historical lens that we hope you find compelling. We hope you enjoy the journey.
Super Skill + Knowledge + Action = Success
The Super Skills presented through SSU’s 32-week campaign are Leadership, Diligence, Perseverance, Creativity, Entrepreneurialism, Resilience, Innovation, Attention to detail, Critical thinking, Tenacity, Teamwork, Advocacy, Creative vision, Risk-taking, Problem-solving, Goal-setting, Faith, Self-starting, Conflict resolution, Empathy, Collaboration, Determination, Cultural awareness, Bravery, Adaptability, Courage, Guardianship, Engagement, Sense of purpose, Lifelong learning, Diplomacy, and Inspiration.
Week 29-32: Purpose, Persistance, Diplomacy, Inspiration
WEEK 32 – Super Skill: Inspiration
Dr. Bertice Berry (March 18, 2023). Why, Me, Here, Now? Finding Your Reason. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwEzWsp5eyQ
McMichael, K. (April 20, 2022). Meet Dr. Bertice Berry. Local treasure gearing up for role in ‘Story Under the Stars.’ Connect Savannah. Retrieved from https://www.connectsavannah.com/community/meet-dr-bertice-berry-18234026
Bertice Berry Now. (2021). Sociologist, Author, Lecturer, Storyteller, Humorist, Servant Leader. Retrieved from https://berticeberrynow.com/
Reference image of Dr. Berry was retrieved from https://www.siumed.edu/news/author-bertice-berry-speak-womens-power-lunch-april-4 for illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 31 – Super Skill: Diplomacy
Johnson, Joshua. John Mercer Langston. A Civil Rights Activist. The White House Historical Association. Retrieved from https://www.whitehousehistory.org/john-mercer-langston
Encyclopedia Virginia. John Mercer Langston (1829-1897). Retrieved from https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/langston-john-mercer-1829-1897/
Oberlin College Archives. Oberlin Through History. John Mercer Langston (1829-1897). Retrieved from https://www2.oberlin.edu/external/EOG/OYTT-images/JMLangston.html
Reference Image of John Mercer Langston was retrieved from https://encyclopediavirginia.org/entries/langston-john-mercer-1829-1897/ for illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 30 – Super Skill: Persistence
National Museum of African American History & Culture. Smithsonian. The Pioneering Pauli Murray: Lawyer, Activist, Scholar and Priest. Retrieved on April 5, 2024, from https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/pioneering-pauli-murray-lawyer-activist-scholar-and-priest
Rothberg, E. (2020-2022). National Women’s History Museum. Pauli Murray. Retrieved on April 5, 2024, from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/pauli-murray
Schulz, K. (2017, Apr. 10). The Many Lives of Pauli Murray. The New Yorker. Retrieved on April 5, 2024, from https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/04/17/the-many-lives-of-pauli-murray
Pauli Murray Center for Social Justice. Who is the Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray? Retrieved on April 5, 2024, from https://www.paulimurraycenter.com/who-is-pauli
Downs, K. (2015, Feb 19). NPR. Code Switch. The ‘Black, Queer, Feminist’ Legal Trailblazer You’ve Never Heard Of. Retrieved from on April 5, 2024, from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/02/19/387200033/the-black-queer-feminist-legal-trailblazer-youve-never-heard-of
Reference Image of Pauli Murray retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2015/02/19/387200033/the-black-queer-feminist-legal-trailblazer-youve-never-heard-of was used to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 29 – Super Skill: Sense of Purpose
Matcher, E. (February 27, 2019). Smithsonian Magazine. The First African-American to Hold a patent Invented ‘Dry Scouring.’ Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/first-african-american-hold-patent-invented-dry-scouring-180971394/
National Inventors Hall of Fame. (March 3, 1821). Recognizing the 200th Anniversary of Thomas Jennings’ Patent. Retrieved on March 28, 2024, from https://www.invent.org/blog/inventors/thomas-jennings-dry-scouring
Mikorenda, J. (January 21, 2016). A Bold Man of Color: Thomas L. Jennings and the Proceeds of a Patent. The Gotham Center for New York City History. Retrieved on March 28, 2024 from https://www.gothamcenter.org/blog/a-bold-man-of-color-thomas-l-jennings-and-the-proceeds-of-a-patent
Alleged portrait of Thomas L. Jennings was used as a reference for the illustration by Nichols, J. © 2024 Savannah State University. However, because no other images have been identified of Thomas L. Jennings, the selected likeness is meant to honor a real man with a real story. The controversy regarding the likeness is noted below.
Jamaica with Irie. (December 21, 2023). End of Controversy. Thomas L. Jennings vs Paul Bogle. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe5-_qif_eQ
Week 25-28 : Adaptability, Courage, Guardianship, Engagement
WEEK 28 – Super Skill: Engagement
Bauman, S. (March 15, 2022). WTOC. Women’s History Month: Virginia Jackson Kiah retrieved on March 26, 2024 from https://www.wtoc.com/2022/03/15/womens-history-month-virginia-jackson-kiah/
SCAD. (July 14, 2021). Virginia Jackson Kiah” ‘Live Your Vision’. Savannah College of Art and Design. Retrieved on March 26, 2024 from https://www.scad.edu/blog/virginia-jackson-kiah-live-your-vision
(October 29, 2021). Inside HSF’s Efforts to Save the Kiah House. Historic Savannah Foundation. Retrieved on March 26, 2024 from https://www.myhsf.org/inside-hsfs-efforts-to-save-the-kiah-house/
Photographic image from the collection at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) retrieved from https://www.wtoc.com/2022/03/15/womens-history-month-virginia-jackson-kiah/ was used as a reference to create the illustration by Nichols, J. © 2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 27 – Super Skill: Guardianship
Abdow, E. (July 21, 2021). Naval History and Heritage Command. Captain Donnie Cochran: From Farm Boy to Blue Angels Flight Leader. The Sextant. Hosted by Defense Media Activity. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Operations/Article-View/Article/2687029/captain-donnie-cochran-from-farm-boy-to-blue-angels-flight-leader/
Black Aviation Airline Pioneers (BAAP). Captain Donnie Cochran – US Navy Blue Angels. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from http://baap.info/?p=1526
Careers Communications Group. Twenty Years at the Top: Black Engineers of the Year. Chapter 3. Lt. Cmdr. Donnie Cochran 1989 Black Engineer of the Year. Retrieved on March 15, 2024, from https://issuu.com/rjkennedy/docs/black_engineers/s/11407942
Photograph of Blue Angels Commander Donnie Cochran with the No. 1 jet in 1995, retreived from https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Operations/Article-View/Article/2687029/captain-donnie-cochran-from-farm-boy-to-blue-angels-flight-leader/ was used as a reference to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 26 – Super Skill: Courage
Adler, M. (March 15, 2009). Before Rosa Parks, There Was Claudette Colvin. National Public Radio. Weekend Edition. Retrieved on March 8, 2024 from https://www.npr.org/2009/03/15/101719889/before-rosa-parks-there-was-claudette-colvin
Biograhy.com Editors. (Updated February 8, 2024). Claudette Colvin. Retrieved on March 8, 2024 from https://www.biography.com/activists/claudette-colvin
History. This Day in History / March 2, 1955. Fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin refuses to give up her seat on a segregated bus. Retrieved on March 8, 2024 from https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/claudette-colvin-refuses-to-give-up-her-seat
Photograph of Claudette Coleman was retrieved on March 8, 2024 from Encyclopedia Britannica at https://www.britannica.com/biography/Claudette-Colvin#/media/1/1847540/288506 and was used to create the illustration by Nichols, J. © 2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 25 – Super Skill: Adaptability
National Public Radio. (2010, December 12). A.G. Gaston: From Log Cabin to Funeral Home Mogul. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2010/12/21/132089160/a-g-gaston-from-log-cabin-to-funeral-home-mogul
Dickerson, R. (2019, January 31). The Birmingham Times. Businessman A.G. Gaston’s lasting legacy on Birmingham. Retrieved from https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2019/01/businessman-a-g-gastons-lasting-legacy-on-birmingham/
Photographic reference image is retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2010/12/21/132089160/a-g-gaston-from-log-cabin-to-funeral-home-mogul utilized through the courtesy of Birmingham Public Library and used to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2024 Savannah State University.
Week 21-24: Collaboration, Determination, Cultural Awareness, Bravery
WEEK 24 – Super Skill: Bravery
1 McCammon, S. Forgotten Women Part 5: Addie Byrd Byers. Georgia Public Broadcasting. May 14, 2015. Updated July 17, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.gpb.org/news/2015/05/15/forgotten-women-part-5-addie-byrd-byers
Savannah Morning News. Obituary. Addie Byrd Byers. Retrieved from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/savannah/name/addie-byers-obituary?id=29900705
Howard-Oglesby, P., Roberts, B. (2020). Savannah’s Black “First Ladies”, Vol I. Addie Byrd Byers. Ourskirts Press, Inc. Retrieved on February 19, 2024 from https://www.google.com/books/edition/Savannah_s_Black_First_Ladies_Vol_I/xo8VflhKStAC
Photographic image of Addie Byrd Byers was retrieved from City of Savannah Government onn February 19, 2024 from https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/xo8VflhKStAC?hl=en and was used as a reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 23 – Super Skill: Cultural Awareness
Grundberg, A. (March 8, 2006). Gordon Parks, a Master of the Camera, Dies at 93. The New York Times. Retrieved on February 16, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/08/arts/design/gordon-parks-a-master-of-the-camera-dies-at-93.html
National Gallery of Art. Uncovering America. Retrieved on February 16, 2024, from https://www.nga.gov/learn/teachers/lessons-activities/uncovering-america/parks-photography.html
The Gordon Parks Foundation. Retrieved on February 16, 2024, from https://www.gordonparksfoundation.org/gordon-parks/biography
International Center of Photography. Artist Gordon Parks (1912-2006) American. Retrieved on February 16, 2024, from https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/gordon-parks
MoMA. Gordon Parks American, 1912-2006. Museum of Modern Art. Retrieved on February 16, 2024, from https://www.moma.org/artists/8083
Image of Gordon Parks used by Gordon Parks Academy. History of Mr. Gordon Parks was retrieved on Fabruary 16, 2024, from https://www.usd259.org/Page/3615 and used to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 22 – Super Skill: Determination
(2016). Georgia Women of Achievement. 2018 Inductee. Mamie George S. Williams. Politician. Suffragette. Community Activist. Retrieved on February 12, 2024, from https://www.georgiawomen.org/mamie-george-williams
Nwogu, L. (May 26, 2023). New historical marker honors Savannah native and civic leader mamie George S. Williams. Savannahnow. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved on February 12, 2024, from https://www.savannahnow.com/story/news/local/2023/05/26/mamie-george-s-williams-honored-with-historical-marker-in-savannah/70257626007/
Georgia Historical Society. (2023). Mamie George Williams. Retrieved on February 12, 2024 from https://www.georgiahistory.com/ghmi_marker_updated/mamie-george-williams/
Photo of Mamie George Williams was retrieved from https://www.savannahtribune.com/articles/historical-marker-unveiling-for-mamie-george-williams-african-american-suffragist/ and used as a reference to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 21 – Super Skill: Collaboration
(2024). Charles Richard Drew. A pioneer in blood banking, Drew did extensive original research in blood chemistry. Science History Institute. Retrieved on February 2, 2024, from https://sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/charles-richard-drew/
(September 28, 2023). “Father of the blood back” – Charles R. Drew’s story. Retrieved on February 2, 2024, from https://bloodcancer.org.uk/news/charles-r-drew-the-father-of-the-blood-bank/
Balzer, D. (February 22, 2022). Black History Month: Honoring Dr. Charles Richard Drew. Mayo Clinic News Network. Retrieved on February 2, 2024, from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/black-history-month-honoring-dr-charles-richard-drew/
Photo of Charles Drew in the lab at Howard University, 1942. From Scurlock Studio Records, ca. 1905–1994, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution was retrieved from https://sciencehistory.org/education/scientific-biographies/charles-richard-drew/ and used as a reference to create the Illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
Week 17-20: Faith, Self-starting, Conflict Resolution, Empathy
WEEK 20 – Super Skill: Empathy
(2014). Calhoun, T. Alice Woodby McKane. Sponsored by Wertheimer Family Foundation. Georgia Women of Achievement and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Retreived on January 26, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZZniJuwOOw
(2016). Georgia Women of Achievement. 2005 Inductee. Alice Woodby McKane. Retrieved on January 26, 2024, from https://www.georgiawomen.org/alice-woodby-mckane
(2004, Summer). Elmore, C.J., Charles J. Elmore, The Georgia Historical Quarterly Vol. 88, No. 2 (Summer 2004), pp. 179-196. Georgia History Festival. Retrieved on January 26, 2024, from https://georgiahistoryfestival.org/a-legacy-of-leadership-dr-alice-woodby-mckane-and-pioneering-healthcare-in-georgia/
(2019, March 11). Marker Monday: Charity Hospital. Georgia Historical Society. Retrieved on January 26, 2024, from https://www.georgiahistory.com/marker-monday-charity-hospital/
WEEK 19 – Super Skill: Conflict Resolution
Gates, Jr., H.L. The African Americans Many Rivers to Cross with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 100 Amazing Facts About the Negro. Who Designed the March on Washington? PBS. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/100-amazing-facts/who-designed-the-march-on-washington/
(Nov 20, 2023). National Park Service. Civil Rights. Bayard Rustin. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/civilrights/bayard-rustin.htm
Morgan, T. (Jan 2, 2024). Bayard Rustin: Why MLK’s Right-Hand Man Was Nearly Written Out of History. History. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.history.com/news/bayard-rustin-march-on-washington-openly-gay-mlk
Smithsonian. National Museum of African American History & Culture. Bayard Rustin 1912-1987. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://nmaahc.si.edu/bayard-rustin
Photograph of Bayard Rustin from U.S. News and World Report, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., Warren K. Leffler, negative number LC-DIG-ppmsc-01272 was retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bayard-Rustin and used to create the Illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 18 – Super Skill: Self-starting
Michals, D. (2015). National Women’s History Museum. Mary McLeod Bethune. (1875-1955). Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-mcleod-bethune
National Park Service. Mary McLeod Bethune. Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.nps.gov/people/mary-mcleod-bethune.htm
Biography.com Editors. (April 23, 2021). Mary McLeod Bethune. Retrieved on January 12, 2024 from https://www.biography.com/activist/mary-mcleod-bethune
Photo of Mary McLeod Bethune from BlackHistoryNow. (May 1, 2013). Mary McLeod Bethune. Retrieved from https://blackhistorynow.com/mary-mcleod-bethune/ was used to create the Illustration by Nichols, J. ©2024 Savannah State University.
WEEK 17 – Super Skill: Faith
Biography. Richard Allen. (May 10, 2021). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/religious-figures/richard-allen
Allen, R. (1833). Martin & Boden, Printers, Philadelphia. The Life, Experience, and Gospel Labours of the Rt. Rev. Richard Allen. Retrieved from https://docsouth.unc.edu/neh/allen/allen.html
Pope-Levinson, P. BlackPast. (October 18, 2007). Richard Allen (1760-1831). Retrieved from https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/allen-richard-pennsylvania-1760-1831/
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. (1800 – 1899). Richard Allen, Bishop of the first African Methodist Episcopal Church. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dc-8fc6-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 and was used to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
Week 13-16: Creative Vision, Risk-Taking, Problem Solving, Goal-setting
WEEK 16 – Super Skill: Goal-setting
Georgia Women of Achievement. Alice Coachman. Track and Field Olympian. 2023 Inductee. Retreived from https://www.georgiawomen.org/alice-coachman
Biography. May 6, 2021. Alice Coachman. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/athlete/alice-coachman
Photograph of Alice Coachman by John Rooney/AP, retrieved from https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/07/19/332665921/why-an-african-american-sports-pioneer-remains-obscure was used to create the Illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 15 – Super Skill: Problem-solving
George, L. (February 1, 1999). Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Innovative Lives: Lewis Latimer (1848-1928): Renaissance Man. Retrieved from https://invention.si.edu/innovative-lives-lewis-latimer-1848-1928-renaissance-man
Lewis Latimer House Museum. History: Lewis Howard Latimer. Retrieved on November 16, 2023, from https://www.lewislatimerhouse.org/about
Lemelson-MIT. Lewis Latimer: Improvement to the carbon-filament used for light bulbs. Retrieved on November 11, 2023, from https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/lewis-latimer
Photograph of Lewis Howard Latimer from 1882, owned by the Queens Borough Public Library, retrieved from https://invention.si.edu/innovative-lives-lewis-latimer-1848-1928-renaissance-man was used to create the Illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 14 – Super Skill: Risk-taking
PBS.org. American Experience. Fly Girls. Bessie Coleman. Retrieved on November 10, 2023, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/flygirls-bessie-coleman/
National Air and Space Museum. Bessie Coleman. Smithsonian. Retrieved on November 10, 2023, from https://airandspace.si.edu/explore/stories/bessie-coleman
Slotnik, D.E. (December 11, 2019). Overlooked No More: Bessie Coleman, Pioneering African American Aviatrix. Retrieved on November 10, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/11/obituaries/bessie-coleman-overlooked.html
Photographic reference used to create the illustration of Bessie Coleman is from PBS, retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/flygirls-bessie-coleman. Illustration was created by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 13 – Super Skill: Creative Vision
Massie, C. (February 12, 2015). Architect Robert Robinson Taylor Honored in Black Heritage Stamp Collection. Architect Magazine. Retrieved, Nov. 3, 2023, from https://www.architectmagazine.com/design/architect-robert-robinson-taylor-honored-in-black-heritage-stamp-collection_o
MIT. MIT Black History. Robert R. Taylor: First Black Student at MIT. Retrieved on Nov. 3, 2023 from https://www.blackhistory.mit.edu/story/robert-r-taylor
Photographic reference used to create the illustration is from the MIT Collection. Illustration was created by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
Week 9-12: Critical Thinking, Tenacity, Teamwork, Advocacy
WEEK 12 – Super Skill: Advocacy
Norwood, Arlisha. (2017). Ida B. Wells-Barnett. National Women’s History Museum. Retrieved from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/ida-b-wells-barnett
Nyhistory.org. Women & the American Story. Life Story: Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931). (Adapted from the New-York Historical Society’s Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow curriculum). Retrieved from https://wams.nyhistory.org/modernizing-america/fighting-for-social-reform/ida-b-wells/#resource
PBS Learning Media. Ida B. Wells: A Lifetime of Activism | The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. Retrieved from https://gpb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/bf09.socst.us.const.antilynch/ida-b-wells-a-lifetime-of-activism/
National Library of Scotland. Struggles for Liberty. African American Activists in Scotland. Ida B. Wells-Barnett. Retrieved from https://digital.nls.uk/learning/struggles-for-liberty/themes/african-american-activists-in-scotland/ida-B-wells-barnett/
Photographic image from the Chicago Tribune Historical Photo collection was used for reference to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University. Retrieved from https://digital.tnconservationist.org/publication/?i=686783&article_id=3837106&view=articleBrowser
WEEK 11 – Super Skill: Teamwork
Diemer, A. (November 9, 2022). Smithsonian Magazine. The Forgotten Father of the Underground Railroad. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-forgotten-father-of-the-underground-railroad-180981088/
Underground Railroad Freedom Center. (2020). William Still. Retrieved from https://freedomcenter.org/heroes/william-still/
Diemer, A. (January 13, 2023). TIME Magazine. The Unsung Hero of the Underground Railroad. Retrieved from https://time.com/6237066/underground-railroad-william-still-history/
Reference photograph used to create the illustration is the property of Swathmore College and was retrieved from https://hiddencityphila.org/2022/11/finding-freedom-in-the-footsteps-of-william-still/ . Illustration was created by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 10 – Super Skill: Tenacity
Michals, D. (2015). National Women’s History Museum. Shirley Chisholm. Retrieved from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/shirley-chisholm
History.com editors. (April 13, 2002). Shirley Chisholm. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/us-government-and-politics/shirley-chisholm
African American Heritage. (March 22, 2021). Shirley Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005). Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/research/african-americans/individuals/shirley-chisholm
Gender on the Ballot. (Nov 30, 2019). 5 Shirley Chisholm Quotes that will Inspire and Empower You. Retreived from https://www.genderontheballot.org/5-shirley-chisholm-quotes/
Photograph by O-Halloran, T. from the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs division retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/item/2003688123/ was used to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 9 – Super Skill: Critical Thinking
(May 3, 2021). Benjamin Banneker. Benjamin Banneker was a largely self-educated mathematician, astronomer, compiler of almanacs and writer. Biography.com. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/scientists/benjamin-banneker on October 6, 2023.
Banneker’s letter to Jefferson. 1791. Public Broadcasting System. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2h71.html on October 6, 2023.
Benjamin Banneker’s Almanac. 1795. Public Broadcasting System. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2h68.html on October 6, 2023.
Photograph of Benjamin Banneker was retrieved from https://www.farmersalmanac.com/benjamin-banneker and was used as a reference to create the illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
Week 5-8 : Entrepreneurialism, Resilience, Innovation, Attention to Detail
WEEK 8 – Super Skill: Attention to Detail
Shetterly, M.L. (February 24, 2020) NASA. Katherine Johnson Biography. Retrieved on September 28, 2023 from https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography.
Katherine Johnson and the Mathematics of the Space Race. National Women’s History Museum. YouTube video. Retrieved on September 28, 2023 from https://www.womenshistory.org/resources/video/katherine-johnson-and-mathematics-space-race
Women’s History Minute: Katherine Johnson. National Women’s History Museum. YouTube video retrieved on September 28, 2026 from https://www.womenshistory.org/resources/video/womens-history-minute-katherine-johnson
WeAreTechWomen Team. (October 3, 2020) Inspirational Quotes: Katherine Johnson — NASA mathematician. We are Tech Women. Published October 3, 2020. Retrieved from https://wearetechwomen.com/inspirational-quotes-katherine-johnson-nasa-mathematician/ on April 25, 2023.
The portrait of Katherine Johnson, taken in 1983 at NASA Langley Research Center, is a public domain image credited to NASA and was used as a reference to create the illustration by Nichols. J. retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/katherine-johnson-portrait ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 7 – Super Skill: Innovation
Anderson, E. (March 3, 2007). Elijah McCoy (1843-1929). Black Past. Retrieved on September 22, 2023 from https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/mccoy-elijah-1843-1929/
Biography.com (April 1, 2021) Biography. Elijah Mccoy. Retrieved on September 22, 2023 from https://www.biography.com/inventors/elijah-mccoy
The RandomVibez. Top 10 Elijah McCoy Quotes. Retrieved on September 22, 2023 from https://www.therandomvibez.com/elijah-mccoy-quotes/
Photograph, courtesy of the Henry Ford Collection and a public domain image, was used as reference for illustration by Nichols, J. ©2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 6 – Super Skill: Resilience
Michals, D. (2017). National Women’s History Museum. Fannie Lou Hammer. Retrieved September 15, 2023 from https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/fannie-lou-hamer
Biography.com. (November 12, 2021). Fannie Lou Hamer. Retrieved September 15, 2023 from https://www.biography.com/activists/fannie-lou-hamer
Camacho, D.J. (June 3, 2021). Fannie Lou Hamer’s Fight for Civil Rights and Her Message for Today. Retrieved September 15, 2023 from https://therevealer.org/fannie-lou-hamers-fight-for-civil-rights-and-her-message-for-today/
Photo by Ken Thompson, The General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, Inc. retrieved from https://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2021/11/08/fannie-lou-hamer-voting-rights/ideas/essay/ was used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 5 – Super Skill: Entrepreneurialism
Tamblyn, G. (January 21, 2007). Robert Sengstacke Abbott 1870-1940. Retrieved from https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/abbott-robert-sengstacke-1870-1940/
Robert S. Abbott, Class of 1898. Founder of the Chicago Defender Newspaper. Chicago-Kent College of Law. Retrieved from https://alumni.kentlaw.iit.edu/alumni-distinction-robert-abbott
Robert Sengstacke Abbott. Inducted in 2017. Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Retrieved from https://chicagoliteraryhof.org/inductees/profile/robert-sengstacke-abbott
Photographic reference image was retrieved from https://chicagoliteraryhof.org/inductees/profile/robert-sengstacke-abbott utilized by the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame and used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.
Week 1-4 : Leadership, Diligence, Perseverance, Creativity
WEEK 4 – Super Skill: Creativity
Octavia E. Butler. Author Octavia E. Butler is known for blending science fiction with African American spiritualism. Her novels include Patternmaster, Kindred, Dawn and Parable of the Sower. Hearst Digital Media. (2021, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/authors-writers/octavia-e-butler.
Georgia, Alice. 2021, July 28. Pioneering Sci-Fi Writer Octavia Butler Joins a Pantheon of Futurists. Retrieved from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/pioneering-sci-fi-writer-octavia-e-butler-joins-pantheon-celebrated-futurists-180978255/.
Photographic image by MIriam Berkley, 1988, retrieved from https://huntington.org/exhibition/octavia-e-butler-telling-my-stories, was used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 3 – Super Skill: Perseverance
Matthew Alexander Henson, American Explorer. (March 5, 2023). Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/history-culture/matthew-henson
Mills, James. (February 28, 2014). The Legacy of Arctic Explorer Matthew Henson. This African-American explorer was the first man to stand on top of the world. National Geographic. Retrieved on April 26, 2023 from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/article/the-legacy-of-arctic-explorer-matthew-henson
Photographic image by Robert E. Peary, National Geographic, was used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 2 – Super Skill: Diligence
Alexander, Kerri Lee. National Women’s History Museum. (2019). Mae Jemison. Retrieved from www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mae-jemison on August 17, 2023.
National Aero Space Administration (NASA). Mae C. Jemison (M.D.) Biographical Data. (1993). Retrieved from https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/jemison_mae.pdf on August 17, 2023.
Photographic image from NASA was used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.
WEEK 1 – Super Skill: Leadership
November, 2005. Volume V, No. 3. Reflections. From Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth to Savannah State University: The Restoration of Hill Hall. Georgia African American Historic Preservation Network. A Program of the Historic Preservation division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved from https://www.dca.ga.gov/sites/default/files/2005_-_11_reflections.pdf
Photographic image from Asa A. Gordon Library at Savannah State University was used for reference to create illustration by Nichols, J. © 2023 Savannah State University.