A SALUTE TO ALL OF THE UNSUNG 

CREATIVE HEROS AND HEROINES

  PAST AND PRESENT

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I recently read an article on Ann Lowe (1898-1981), the African American designer who created the acclaimed and much talked about wedding dress that Jacqueline Bouvier wore when she married John F. Kennedy (to this day, the dress is mentioned on every "most beautiful wedding dress list" featured in the media).  

Sadly, to this this day, few people have even heard of Ann Lowe and her major contribution as a designer (many of her clients included celebrities and some of the world's wealthiest women), business woman (she owned Ann Lowe Originals on Madison Avenue in New York City) and, although not credited, civil rights trailblazer.  Her quote that the passion behind her work was "to prove that a Negro can become a major dress designer"* says it all.

Reviewing Ms. Lowe's many accomplishments brings to mind the quote, "Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition."**  It would seem that Ms. Lowe knew this quote and took it to heart.

In celebration of Black History Month, we salute Ann Lowe along with each and every creative hero and heroine (regardless of race, color or creed) who did not receive the recognition he or she deserved during their lifetime.

More importantly, let's start - especially where young people are involved - giving deserved praise, encouragement and acknowledgement to those worthy in the here and now.

If you have something to say, say it now; if you have something to give, give it now; if you have something to do, do it now; before it's too late for he/she already found the courage of hearing it from someone else. - Unknown

http://si-pddr.si.edu/jspui/bitstream/10088/18615/1/Ann_Lowe_Thesis.pdf

*Said by Ann Lowe during an appearance on the Mike Douglas Show (December 1964)

**Don't worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition. - Abraham Lincoln