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In honor of Women’s History Month, the ladies of Praise 102.5 pay tribute to the trailblazing women who have helped shape Gospel music. First off, Veda Howard pays tribute to the legendary Mahalia Jackson.

Born on October 26, 1911, Jackson is widely regarded as one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Despite immense pressure to record secular music, Jackson stuck to her faith, and it paid off immensely.

Jackson was the first Gospel artist to perform at the famed Carnegie Hall in 1950 to voluminous praise. The revue was so successful that it was made into an annual event, with Jackson headlining for many years.

Jackson was also known for her activism during the Civil Rights Movement. Befriending Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph Abernathy in the mid 1950s, she helped raise money for the United Negro College Fund and sang at the 1957 Prayer Pilgrimage Breakfast.

Her biggest platform came in 1963 when she performed at the March on Washington. She performed two songs before Dr. King delivered his now iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Jackson passed away on January 27, 1972, at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.