Black from the Past | Honoring Phyllis Hyman

In this week’s minisode of Black from the Past we’re shining a
light on the breathtakingly beautiful and amazingly talented
Phyllis Hyman. 


Phyliss Hyman was a Philadelphia native best known for her
contributions to the music world during the late 1970s through
the early 1990s. 


She had this sultry, velvety and smokey gorgeous voice that
absolutely could not be mistaken.


In her own words, she liked songs that talked about the the
emotional side of people, which is evident in her album,
Living All Alone.


There was this sparkling presence about her that was simply
unforgettable. But she also had this dark struggle with
depression that wasn’t common knowledge into later on in her
career.



Click HERE for a few Phyllis Hyman facts
and  HERE for some Phyllis Hyman Favs.


A few things to ponder while listening:


The many ways Phyllis Hyman’s music helps us to tap into our
vulnerabilities

How often what we’re feeling and experiencing doesn’t mirror
how others see us

The importance of being aware of our mental and emotional
well-being and seeking support when we need it



And be sure to check out her interview with
Ebony/Jet where she talks about her insecurities
and what it was really like working in the music industry and
grab her biography, Strength of a Woman: The Phyliss
Hyman Story written by Jason A. Michael available in
paperback and Kindle versions.


Phyllis Hyman has not only made a significant contribution to the
music industry, but also to the Black female experience as a
whole and today we celebrate her legacy, her
vulnerability, her humanness.


This episode is part of the Shades of Strong archive —
the original home of the Support Languages framework. What
started as a conversation about how Black women carry it all has
grown into a full movement, helping us rest, receive, and reclaim
strength without the struggle.


Do you have a family member or know of someone you would like to
see us shine a light on?  Send us an email at
hi@shadesofstrong.com with the subject line Black
from the Past suggestion or hop over to our website
at shadesofstrong.com and leave us a voice message and
we’ll do our best to make it happen.



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Margaret Garner