Celebrating Legacy and Love: A Tribute to Alice Windom

Hello Diamonds,

This past weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating my birthday alongside an extraordinary occasion—the kickoff of the Alice Windom Initiative. It was a magical event filled with warmth, joy, and a deep sense of purpose. As we gathered around the birthday cake, the sweetness of the moment mirrored the deliciousness of the event itself. To honor Alice in such a meaningful way was emotional and uplifting, reminding me of the power of love, resilience, and human connection.

I want to take this opportunity to share with you the speech I delivered during this momentous occasion, a speech that reflects the essence of Alice’s legacy and the profound impact she has had on my life and on humanity as a whole.

Alice was more than a cousin to me; she was a beacon, a guiding star, and one of the most impactful people in my life. Whether I am recording a podcast or fighting for justice, the common thread is my deep love for black people. Alice’s thoughtful conversations added depth and context to Malcolm X’s poignant words about the neglected black woman in America. Through her guidance, I learned the importance of nurturing, empowering, and uplifting black women. So I did and continue the work of giving a voice to those who often go unheard. That is the legacy of my family—we don’t mind speaking up when necessary. And not always with fancy words, but always with confidence and a commitment to what is right.

Alice magnificently carried the family legacy around the world and empowered everyone in her presence. The beauty of this moment is that she archived her work, thoughts, and ideas, giving us an expanded view of black ingenuity. Alice did not suggest that we embrace our greatness; she demanded it. There are many people more qualified to talk about Alice’s impact around the globe; I can offer the perspective of what it means to be her baby cousin.

I was born into a dynamic, vibrant family, with lots of education and strong, opinionated black women. When people ask where I got my education, I tell them I got a Ph.D. from Jones University—my family. My mom always spoke of her cousins like they were siblings. From her cousin Ralph Bunche to Jack and John, whom she loved dearly, the Jones girls, Nola, and her sisters, she had a special spark when it came to her cousin Alice. I believe Alice had the freedom she always desired. She put pictures of kings and queens around to let me know my story did not begin with slavery. I read the books of Alice’s friends, including Maya Angelou and W.E.B. Du Bois. I remember when “All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes” came out; my mom was so excited to read about her cousin Alice. There are many times in my life that I can pinpoint a direct line of impact to Alice.

Because of Alice, I traveled around the globe over 19 times. Because of Alice, I developed a deep passion for the liberation of black people. Because of Alice, I started a company that empowers black women to share their stories. And because of Alice, I started sharing the stories of other incredible black women via my podcast. Because no matter how many times I asked Alice to write a book, she told me she was not interested. Yes, I would ask Alice anything; I am just as bold as she is.

I remember one day Jack pulled me aside and told me not to challenge Alice. I said, “Who is challenging Alice? I agree with her.” He looked at me strangely and said, “Oh.” We never had the conversation again. It was not until Alice and I discovered we had the same birth date that we began to spend more time together. For 8 birthdays, she asked me to join her for our birthday. Just like today. Today is special because we get to share her birthday in such a monumental way.

We have been gifted with the opportunity to preserve her legacy so that she can continue to impact, empower, and deeply love black people. Her work is beyond a building or a plaque on a bench. Her work shows us who we are and what is possible with courage, curiosity, determination, and love.

As we celebrate Alice’s legacy, we honor the resilience, the passion, and the love that she embodied. We carry her torch forward, ensuring that her impact continues to shape lives and communities. The Alice Windom Initiative is not just a tribute; it’s a call to action, a commitment to building a better future for black people everywhere.

Sending love and light,

Monica Windom

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