As we celebrate the national day ending slavery, these songs by Black women artists symbolize the importance of what freedom means.
Claretta J. Bellamy
Claretta Bellamy is a journalist who enjoys covering topics ranging from health, homelessness, Black culture and human interest. Her professional journalism career includes working for NBC News, where she reported for NBC BLK and the NBC News medical unit. She earned her B.A. in journalism with a minor in video production from Rutgers University-Newark and was granted the Journalism Excellence Award in 2019. Claretta was also honored with the International Day of the Girls Award by Girls; Live, Love, Laugh Inc. in 2022, an honor that celebrates young women of color making a difference in their communities. In 2023, she was also nominated for an award under the National Association of Black Journalists' sports category for her story on the lack of tone-appropriate tights for Black figure skaters. In her spare time, Claretta enjoys painting, spending time with her friends and her cat, Charlotte.
Posts by Claretta J. Bellamy
11 Sweet Songs Dedicated to Mothers
These sentimental tunes by Victoria Monét, Tupac Shakur and more pay tribute to the important women in their lives.
During Stressful Times, These Women Help Women Heal Through Art
We interview three New York women whose art studios and practices assist women dealing with grief, trauma and loss.
Live, From Social Media – It’s the News
As more young people than ever get news from social media, a growing number of ‘news influencers’ are sharing content. Only a third are women.
Amanda Gorman’s New Children’s Book Celebrates the Power of Girlhood
In “Girls on the Rise,” the poet prodigy empowers young girls to use their voices to inspire positive change.
Women Are (Still) Underrepresented in Hollywood, New Data Reveals
Representation for women behind the scenes remained largely stagnant in 2024 – but in some cases, it notably declined from the previous year.
A List of Influencers Sharing News and Shaping Public Opinions
News influencers have emerged as an alternative to traditional news, especially among younger people. We look at a mix of women with big followings.
6 Bright Moments in Women’s Health Throughout 2024
This year, new research, significant investments and other initiatives led to major milestones in the betterment of women’s wellbeing.
Inspiring Quotes from 15 Iconic Women We Lost in 2024
Many accomplished, noteworthy women left us this year, but their inspiring words will live on.
Feeling Unheard by Doctors, Many Black Women Are Opting for Home Births
We spoke to Black women who say home births provided feelings of solace and safety after traumatic hospital experiences.
Women’s Sports Scored Record Numbers of Fans in 2024
The “Caitlin Clark Effect” had basketball viewers’ eyes glued to their TV screens in unprecedented numbers. Other women’s sporting leagues saw similar bumps this year – and they’re looking to capitalize on the momentum.
A Seemingly Tiny YouTube Update Altered Users’ Behavior Toward Women, Study Shows
New research indicates that a minor tweak to the video platform’s functionality yielded major improvements for women content creators.
Former Planned Parenthood President Receives Presidential Award
A private ceremony honored Cecile Richards, a leader for women’s reproductive rights, as well as social and economic justice.
New Report Reveals the Rise of Social Media Influencers as News Sources
Pew Research Center finds a fifth of Americans — in particular, those under 30 — get their news from social media personalities. And most of them are men.
This Legendary ‘Golden Girl’ is Getting Her Own Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service released a partial list of new stamps coming next year. One of them will feature celebrated actress Betty White.