My name is Elizabeth Fontano. I am an undergraduate history major at UTA, working towards my bachelors.
This is a U.S. Women's History creative research project which I have dedicated to Mahalia Jackson,
highlighting her role as a black woman in gospel and civil rights. I specifically take a look at
how the
church has historically shaped the african-american woman's experience, serving as both
her oppressor
and her liberator.
I would like to give a special thanks to my U.S. Women's History professor, Dr. Stephanie Cole,
for her support and guidance, and being a wonderful rolemodel. I would also like to thank the staff at
UTA Special Collections:
Kera Newby, Heather Claney, Kathrynn Slover, Rachel Clark, Erica Rousseau,
Madeline Lowry, Sara Pezzoni, Sarah Dixon, Evan Spencer, and Priscilla Escobedo for allowing me to
spend my free work hours
on this assignment, as well as my wonderful coworkers Ryan, Ash, Alyssa,
and Katelynn for their understanding. Specifically, I'd like to shoutout Katelynn for reminding me of
what I can realistically accomplish,
and what was too ambitious.
Additionally, I'd like to give a more personal thanks to my mother for continuing to support
my ambitions and reminding me that I do not have to face college alone. Your voice of reason
and grace has allowed me to be more kind and reasonable to myself, as well as others around me.
A special shoutout to my sister in her high school pursuits, for being so awesome and loving,
despite how busy her older sister got when she moved to university.
My sister is the coolest,
a woman in STEM AND an artist. Lastly, I'd like to thank my boyfriend and best friend, Brandon,
for always being there for me. You've been such a large support, soothing my anxieties, reflecting
deeply with me, and reminding me of my goals. Without you, I would have lost sight of what really
matters. Thank you for reminding me not to kick myself when I'm down and to put my energy towards
what I love.