Ethel Waters: A Black History Profile

Ethel Water was one of Chester’s famous natives. She became a famous singer and actress. She even had a park dedicated in her honor 1972. I remember going to the park years ago, a very beautiful park located off Third Street. Ethel Waters week was observed in Chester from April 24 to 30, 1972, a plaque placed in the park on May 1, 1972 reads: "dedicated to the city of Chester for the enjoyment of its people." 

For Black History Month, we wrote biographies on African Americans from A-Z. I usually end up doing my own projects as an example to show. I chose Ethel Waters. I just wanted to learn more about her and that was the reason most of us picked our subjects. I already knew she was born in Chester, October 31, 1896. I did not know the date, Halloween. I wanted to showcase her as a famous citizen from Chester, to show that good people came out Chester also and to show a positive role model. 

There was a list of requirements that came with the biographies. Along with the requirements were struggles as well as achievements. I was amazed to find out the struggles of Ethel Waters. The information was eye opening. She was conceived when her 12 year old mother was raped at knifepoint. She was raised by a grandmother and two alcoholic aunts, who abused her physically. She was a lookout for prostitutes and pimps. She had neither a bed nor a bathtub. She had memories of opening closet doors only to come face to face with a rat on numerous occasions. We all have struggles and most of our biographies did as African Americans.

One of the best things about struggles is when you can overcome them. Ethel Waters overcame her struggles. Her achievements are numerous and too lengthy to mention here. Among some of her achievements are: in the 1930s she was a big star on Broadway; 1949 nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actress in the film "Pinky"; and the next year she won the New York Drama Critics Award for best actress; 2^nd African American to be nominated for an Academy Award; and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

A List of some of her works:

Music: All The Time, Back Bitin' Mamma, Georgia Blues, I Got Rhythm, His Eye is on the Sparrow, and more

 

Movies: On With The Show, Rufus Jones For President, Gift of Gab, Bubbling Over, Cairo, Tales of Manhattan, Stage Door Canteen, Pinky, and more

Wow! Her story would make a great one woman show. Her later years were spiritual as she toured with the Billy Graham’s Crusade. She died in 1977 at the age of 80. There is so much more to her life than what I have written here. Her story is a great inspiration to all those who have struggled. Bad things happen to us sometimes but that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome them. Let’s try to turn a bad thing good even if you need a little help to do it. Thanks Ms. Ethel Waters for being my 100^th posting today.