{"id":143054,"date":"2020-03-27T18:59:52","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T22:59:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/?p=143054"},"modified":"2020-03-27T19:03:48","modified_gmt":"2020-03-27T23:03:48","slug":"bessie-coleman-sissieretta-jones-among-women-spotlighted-in-american-masters-unladylike2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/bessie-coleman-sissieretta-jones-among-women-spotlighted-in-american-masters-unladylike2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Bessie Coleman, Sissieretta Jones, Among Women Spotlighted In American Masters’ Unladylike2020"},"content":{"rendered":"

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During this Women\u2019s History Month, American Masters has been illuminating the inspiring stories of little-known American heroines from the early years of feminism and the women who now follow in their footsteps with Unladylike2020<\/strong>, an innovative multimedia series launching in honor of the 100th anniversary of women\u2019s suffrage.<\/p>\n

Narrated by Julianna Margulies<\/strong> (The Good Wife; ER; Billions) and Lorraine Toussaint<\/strong> (Selma; Orange is the New Black; The Glorias), American Masters \u2013 Unladylike2020 spotlights 26 diverse changemakers, in 26 documentary shorts premiering Wednesdays, beginning March 4 through August 26, Women\u2019s Equality Day, on the American Masters YouTube channel. In addition, an hour-long American Masters \u2013 Unladylike2020 special will premiere as part of PBS\u2019 summer-long celebration of female trailblazers.<\/p>\n

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Only a century ago, women in America did not have the right to vote, and had only recently won the right to own property or get divorced. They faced limited career and educational choices, it was illegal for married women to work in some places, and women could even be arrested for wearing pants in public. Women who worked outside of the home were usually single, widowed, divorced, poor, or women of color who had to contend not only with sexism, but also severe racial discrimination.<\/p>\n

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Despite that, intrepid women managed to break into new professions, step into leadership roles, and fight for suffrage and an end to discrimination \u2013 challenging expected behavior for \u201ca lady.\u201d Presenting history in a bold new way, American Masters \u2014 Unladylike2020, produced and directed by Charlotte Mangin, brings the incredible stories of these pioneering women to life through rare archival footage and interviews with descendants, historians and accomplished modern women who reflect upon their influence. Original artwork and animation created by visual artist Amelie Chabannes adds visual texture, infusing black and white images with captivating color and action. The focus on modern-day trailblazers also enriches the content with dynamic juxtapositions of past and present.<\/p>\n