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TheGrio Keeping Black History Alive is a series that delves into the rich tapestry of Black history, both past and present, to shine a spotlight on often overlooked gems and unsung heroes. Highlights from the iconic “Negro Kiss” to the revolutionary impact of Sesame Street, and the trailblazing achievements of contemporary figures like Marques Brownlee and Jackie Aina.

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel’s Vanguard

Feb. 29, 2024 – 01:38 – This year for Black History Month, theGrio honors the legacy of Black Pioneers whose groundbreaking achievements left profound impacts on American culture. We continue Keeping Black History Alive by spotlighting the vanguard of gospel music, Twinkie Clark. Twinkie Clark was four years old when she learned to play the piano and 12 when she learned the organ. By 13 she made her recording debut and began touring nationally alongside her sisters Karen, Jacky, Denise and Dorinda. Together, they were known as the Clark Sisters. To this day the Clark Sisters stand as the most decorated gospel group. With 7 Grammy nominations to date and 2 Grammy wins for Best Gospel Performance and Best Traditional Gospel Album. Her music has been sampled by Xscape, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles. #KeepingBlackHistoryAlive

Keeping Black History Alive

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel's Vanguard

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel’s Vanguard

Bass Reeves Was the Original Lone Ranger

Bass Reeves Was the Original Lone Ranger

Marshall Walter Taylor Broke Tread to Be A World Champ

Marshall Walter Taylor Broke Tread to Be A World Champ

Donyale Luna Forever Redefined Fashion

Donyale Luna Forever Redefined Fashion

Pat McGrath is the Mother of Makeup

Pat McGrath is the Mother of Makeup

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel's Vanguard

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel’s Vanguard

Jackie Aina Is the Face of Online Glam

Jackie Aina Is the Face of Online Glam

Marques Brownlee is the Ultimate Voice of Tech

Marques Brownlee is the Ultimate Voice of Tech

Issa Rae Carved Her Own Path to Stardom

Issa Rae Carved Her Own Path to Stardom

Michael W. Twitty Preserves Culture Through Food

Michael W. Twitty Preserves Culture Through Food

Willi Ninja is the Godfather of Vogue

Willi Ninja is the Godfather of Vogue

Gladys Bentley Broke Boundaries in Music & Fashion

Gladys Bentley Broke Boundaries in Music & Fashion

Anne Lowe Was Fashion's Best Kept Secret

Anne Lowe Was Fashion’s Best Kept Secret

The Rise of Bert Williams in Showbiz

The Rise of Bert Williams in Showbiz

The First

The First “Negro Kiss” on Film

Floyd Norman Is Disney's First Black Animator

Floyd Norman Is Disney’s First Black Animator

The Cultural Origins of Sesame Street

The Cultural Origins of Sesame Street

Jerry Lawson: Inspiring Gaming Pioneer

Jerry Lawson: Inspiring Gaming Pioneer

How Marie Van Brittan Brown Shaped Home Security

How Marie Van Brittan Brown Shaped Home Security

How Lonnie Johnson Innovated the Toy Market

How Lonnie Johnson Innovated the Toy Market

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Celebrating Black History

TheGrio Heroes Promo

TheGrio Heroes Promo

Fighting Systemic Racism in Medicine with Dr. Uché Blackstock

Fighting Systemic Racism in Medicine with Dr. Uché Blackstock

Patricia Banks-Edmiston Broke Skyward Barriers

Patricia Banks-Edmiston Broke Skyward Barriers

Bass Reeves Was the Original Lone Ranger

Bass Reeves Was the Original Lone Ranger

Marshall Walter Taylor Broke Tread to Be A World Champ

Marshall Walter Taylor Broke Tread to Be A World Champ

Donyale Luna Forever Redefined Fashion

Donyale Luna Forever Redefined Fashion

Michael W. Twitty Preserves Culture Through Food

Michael W. Twitty Preserves Culture Through Food

Anne Lowe Was Fashion's Best Kept Secret

Anne Lowe Was Fashion’s Best Kept Secret

Gladys Bentley Broke Boundaries in Music & Fashion

Gladys Bentley Broke Boundaries in Music & Fashion

Pat McGrath is the Mother of Makeup

Pat McGrath is the Mother of Makeup

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel's Vanguard

Twinkie Clark is Truly Gospel’s Vanguard

Jackie Aina Is the Face of Online Glam

Jackie Aina Is the Face of Online Glam

Marques Brownlee is the Ultimate Voice of Tech

Marques Brownlee is the Ultimate Voice of Tech

Issa Rae Carved Her Own Path to Stardom

Issa Rae Carved Her Own Path to Stardom

Willi Ninja is the Godfather of Vogue

Willi Ninja is the Godfather of Vogue

Floyd Norman Is Disney's First Black Animator

Floyd Norman Is Disney’s First Black Animator

The Rise of Bert Williams in Showbiz

The Rise of Bert Williams in Showbiz

The First

The First “Negro Kiss” on Film

Celebrating Queer Black History with Dr. David Johns

Celebrating Queer Black History with Dr. David Johns

Celebrating Queer Black History with Dr. David Johns

Celebrating Queer Black History with Dr. David Johns

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