Mahalia Jackson

October 26th, 1911-January 27th, 1972

Illustration by Brittanie Mitchell

Mahalia Jackson was a renowned gospel singer who grew up singing at Mount Moriah Baptist Church before she created hits like “Move On Up a Little Higher” and “How I Got Over”. She also sang “I’ve Been Buked and I’ve Been Scorned” at the March on Washington in 1963. Even before her successful music career, Jackson was incredibly entrepreneurial, having launched businesses for Black people, including a make-up line and food chain.