“First Lady of the Black Press”
Community, business and political leaders will gather on Monday, October 31, 2011 as the city of Milwaukee dedicates a street in memory of Mattiebelle Woods, “First Lady of the Black Press” at 3:00 p.m. at the intersection of 27th & Center Streets.
Mattiebelle Woods was believed to be the oldest working journalist in the nation when she died in 2005 at the age of 102. Woods wrote for the Chicago Defender, Milwaukee Defender, Milwaukee Star and Milwaukee Globe over the course of her long career, and freelanced for Ebony and Jet magazines. However, she is best known for her society column, ‘The Party Line’ for the Milwaukee Courier Newspaper, where she followed the social events of the African American society in Milwaukee, a post she held for 40 years until her death.
“Mattiebelle Woods was a committed and award-winning journalist who also embraced being a socialite. She was vibrant and spirited, possessing more energy in her 90’s than many people in their 60’s can muster. Her distinguished career of more than a half-century chronicling the social life of the African American community in Milwaukee will not soon fade. Very simply, Mattiebelle Woods will forever be a part of Milwaukee,” said Common Council President Willie Hines.
A community birthday celebration will take place immediately following the street dedication at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum 2620 W. Center Street.
The community is invited to join the celebration.
