this episode, Jolie dives into more historical firsts in her “Reading Hour” that include the First Lady of American Samoa and her daughter’s political life and influence, a group named The Chestnut Ridge People, or CSD, as well as the trailblazer who formed the Association of MultiEthnic Americans, aka AMEA.Ramona E. Douglass (d. 2007) was a notable American activist focused on multiracial advocacy.Activism: She co-founded the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and later...
this episode, Jolie dives into more historical firsts in her “Reading Hour” that include the First Lady of American Samoa and her daughter’s political life and influence, a group named The Chestnut Ridge People, or CSD, as well as the trailblazer who formed the Association of MultiEthnic Americans, aka AMEA.
Ramona E. Douglass (d. 2007) was a notable American activist focused on multiracial advocacy.
- Activism: She co-founded the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression and later joined the Biracial Family Network in 1986. This network led to the formation of the Association of MultiEthnic Americans (AMEA), where Douglass held various leadership roles. She was a key voice in advocating for a multiracial category in the 2000 U.S. Census, testifying before Congress and serving on the Census Advisory Committee.
- Heritage: Douglass was of African American, Native American (Oglala), and Sicilian descent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramona_Douglass
The Chestnut Ridge people (CRP) of West Virginia are a mixed-race community, primarily of African, European, and Native American descent. Often referred to as "Mayles" and pejoratively as "Guineas," they have faced significant racial discrimination.Racial Identity:
- Tri-racial Isolate: Historically labeled as "mulattos," indicating African heritage.
- Claims of Native Ancestry: Some identify as Native American but lack formal tribal recognition.
History:
- Colonial Origins: Descended from mixed-race unions in colonial Virginia, their ancestors were free people of color.
- Civil War Integration: By the 1860s, many intermarried with whites and identified as white. Some men served in the Union army.
Discrimination:
- Persistent Racism: They have endured social ostracism and racial segregation in education and commerce well into the 20th century.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chestnut_Ridge_people
Aumua Amata Radewagen is a significant political figure as the first woman and first Republican to represent American Samoa in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her heritage is diverse, combining Samoan, Chinese, German, Native Hawaiian, and Scottish ancestries, reflecting a rich racial background. She has broken barriers as the highest-ranking Asian-Pacific federal officeholder in the Republican Party. Elected in 2014 and winning subsequent re-elections with historic margins, Radewagen's tenure showcases the growing political influence of mixed-race and Asian-Pacific Americans in U.S. politics. Her political career is noted for bipartisan efforts and significant contributions to the representation of Pacific Islanders at the federal level.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amata_Coleman_Radewagen
Nora Kawailiula Stewart Coleman (1920-2005) was a pioneering figure of mixed Chinese, German, Native Hawaiian, and Scottish heritage. As the first Pacific Islander to serve as First Lady of American Samoa in 1956, she broke racial and cultural barriers. Her role spanned five decades, supporting her husband, Peter Tali Coleman, the first Samoan governor, through multiple terms. Born in Hawaii, she actively engaged in educational and children's issues while serving as First Lady. Her legacy includes her daughter, Aumua Amata Radewagen, who represents American Samoa in the U.S. House of Representatives, continuing the family's trailblazing contributions to political representation and leadership for Pacific Islanders.
