Episode 327: Hoes of History: Mary Ellen Pleasant

Anna Der-Vartanian was a true trailblazer in the U.S. Navy and beyond. From her early days of service during World War II to making history as the first woman to achieve the rank of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer in 1959. Anna shattered glass ceilings in a male-dominated field, but her dedication to serving her country didn’t stop there—after retiring from the Navy, she embarked on a second career with the CIA. We explore her resilience, leadership, and the legacy she left behind for future generations of women in the military and intelligence communities. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Naomi Feil was the pioneer behind Validation Therapy for dementia care. Born in 1932, Naomi dedicated her career to improving communication with older adults experiencing dementia, challenging traditional caregiving approaches with empathy and understanding. Raised in a nursing home where her father was an administrator, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of elderly residents, shaping her lifelong mission to bring dignity and connection to those often forgotten. We’ll dive into how her groundbreaking Validation Method empowers caregivers to meet dementia patients in their reality rather than forcing them into ours. Through personal stories, key principles, and the lasting impact of her work, we’ll uncover how Naomi’s compassionate techniques continue to shape dementia care worldwide. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Mary Ellen Pleasant was an entrepreneur, abolitionist, and one of the most powerful women of the 19th century. From her early years navigating the Underground Railroad to amassing a fortune in San Francisco, Mary Ellen used her wealth and influence to fight for civil rights, challenge racial injustice, and shape the future for Black Americans. But history hasn’t always been kind to her legacy—was she a fearless activist, a savvy businesswoman, or something more? Join us as we unravel the fascinating, and often overlooked, story of the woman known as the "Mother of Civil Rights in California." Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Clarice Cliff was a pioneering British ceramicist who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the Art Deco movement. Born into a working-class family in 1899, Clarice’s artistic talent and relentless ambition propelled her from a factory apprentice to an internationally celebrated designer. We explore her groundbreaking “Bizarre” ware, the bold colors and geometric patterns that revolutionized pottery in the 1920s and ‘30s, and how she carved out a space for herself in a male-dominated industry. Her journey wasn’t just about creating beautiful ceramics—it was about innovation, resilience, and breaking societal norms. Listen to the story behind the woman who turned everyday tableware into collectible works of art.  Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Marie Van Brittan Brown was the visionary inventor behind the first home security system. A Black woman living in Queens, New York, during the 1960s, Marie was determined to protect her home and community in an era when emergency response times were unreliable. Alongside her husband, she developed a groundbreaking closed-circuit television system that laid the foundation for modern home security. But Marie's story is about more than just innovation—it’s about resilience, ingenuity, and the often-overlooked contributions of Black women in technology. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Rosa Parks' quiet act of defiance on a Montgomery bus ignited the Civil Rights Movement. But there’s more to her story than that historic moment in 1955. We explore her early life, the years of activism that led up to her famous stand, and the challenges she faced long after the boycott. From her work with the NAACP to her fight for justice in Detroit, Rosa Parks’ legacy is one of resilience, strategy, and unwavering courage. Join us as we uncover the full story of the woman often called the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Madam C.J. Walker was the first self-made female millionaire in America. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Walker transformed her life through determination, innovation, and an entrepreneurial spirit that changed the beauty industry forever. From her early struggles with hair loss to creating a groundbreaking line of haircare products for Black women, Walker not only built an empire but also uplifted her community, championing financial independence and civil rights. Join us as we explore her journey, the challenges she overcame, and the lasting impact of her work on generations to come. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

Octavia E. Butler was a groundbreaking science fiction writer who defied genre conventions and societal expectations to become one of the most influential voices in speculative fiction. From her early struggles with dyslexia to her journey as a self-taught writer crafting Afrofuturist masterpieces, Octavia's work explored themes of power, race, gender, and survival in ways that continue to resonate today. We'll explore her iconic works like Kindred, Parable of the Sower, and Dawn, and discuss how her prescient storytelling still shapes the way we think about the future. Plus, we’ll talk about how her predictions of the future in Parable of the Sower have become reality in 2025.  Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the controversial and haunting story of Shirley Mason, better known as Sybil, the woman whose case brought dissociative identity disorder (DID) into the public spotlight. Her life became the basis for the bestselling book Sybil and its famous film adaptations, but how much of her story was real? We explore Shirley’s childhood, the alleged abuse that shaped her psyche, and the role her psychiatrist, Dr. Cornelia Wilbur, played in shaping the narrative of her multiple personalities. Was Sybil an authentic account of a woman struggling with DID, or was it a case of manipulation and suggestion? Join us as we separate fact from fiction, uncover the ethical dilemmas in her treatment, and discuss how her story continues to shape conversations around mental health today. 🔎 Was Shirley Mason truly a woman with 16 personalities, or was she a victim of a flawed system? Tune in to find out. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]

As teenagers in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, sisters, Freddie and Truus Oversteegen, along with thier friend, Hannie Schaft, joined the Dutch resistance and risked everything to fight for freedom. With courage and cunning, they carried out sabotage missions, helped Jewish families escape, and even assassinated Nazi targets—all while maintaining their secret lives. We'll explore their motivations, the challenges they faced, and the unbreakable bonds that tied them together in the face of unimaginable danger. This is not just a story of war, but of resilience, sacrifice, and the profound impact of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Follow us on IG: @homance_chronicles Connect with us: linktr.ee/homance Send us a Hoe of History request: [email protected]