'Freedom's Sisters' Honored In Florida

DEARBORN, MI — In recognition of Women’s History Month, Ford Motor Company announced the 20 women who were honored as South Florida Freedom’s Sisters at a commemorative luncheon last weekend. The event was held at the Hollywood Marriott one of the host hotels for Jazz in the Garden weekend activities.

Ford selected the honorees after conducting a citywide search for exceptional women who exemplify dedication to social causes and humanitarian efforts—attributes possessed by the 20 phenomenal ladies who are part of the original Freedom’s Sisters national exhibition.

“We were amazed by the inspirational stories of the extraordinary women who touched the lives of people in the South Florida community,” said Pamela Alexander, director, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “It was a challenge to select just 20 South Florida Freedom’s Sisters as all of the nominees truly embodied the spirit of the nationally recognized Freedom’s Sisters."

The Freedom's Sisters national exhibit features 20 African-American women who fought for justice and freedom during the civil rights movement. Currently in the midst of a four-year, 12-city tour, the exhibition features African America women ranging from key 19th century historical figures like Ida B. Wells to contemporary leaders such as poet and activist Sonia Sanchez, whose stories of courage, commitment and struggle in the name of freedom helped shape the spirit and substance of civil rights in America.

The recognition luncheon which was supported by the local efforts of the Embrace Girls Foundation will feature Sanchez who is one of the living legends highlighted in the national Freedom's Sisters exhibit. South Florida Freedom’s Sisters honorees are a combination of activists and philanthropists working in the trenches—known for making a difference in their communities. Ford received numerous entries, highlighting stories about mothers, daughters, community leaders, professionals and other remarkable women who have positively impacted their community. South Florida is the fifth celebration to honor local women for their service in their respective communities.

The interactive, multimedia Freedom’s Sisters exhibition was launched in 2008 through funding from Ford Motor Company Fund and in partnership with the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The exhibition, recently featured at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, will travel to Jackson, Miss., Los Angeles and New York City this year.

South Florida Freedom’s Sisters Honorees

Nichole Anderson

Karen Andre

Alison Austin

Georgia Jones Ayers

Marleine Bastien

Felicia M. Brunson

Armenthia Dozier-Hodge

Audrey M. Edmonson

Dorothy Jenkins Fields

Persephone Taylor Gary

Shirley Gibson