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The Only Black Woman in 1943 Able to Encourage a President to Sit Still just for Her
Who is Selma Burke? Unsung Black History Maker #7
Did John Sinnock use Selma Burke’s sketch to design the image on the dime or not? “This is the 64 million dollar question”.
A question for which we will never know the answer. However, while researching the life and contributions to the world of art of this incredible Black artist. There is one thing I know for sure.
The image on the dime looks pretty darn close to her sketch. Ahem.
But regardless of whether she ever receives the proper credit if it was used. Which as I stated, we will never know. It will never blot out the fact that this Black woman’s contributions to art are notable and worthy of broad recognition.
The style, grace, and talent of phenomenal Black women like Selma Burke never cease to amaze me. Especially when I consider what so many Black women are able to accomplish despite the many contrived limits and barriers to success they must face (past and present). It’s nothing short of what we refer to now as “Black girl magic”. And Selma Burke displayed it throughout her life.
I mean come on, how many women (let alone Black women) do you know who can get away with wearing a hat…
