Delois Blakely facts for kids
Delois Blakely, also known as Queen Mother, is an American leader, writer, and activist. She used to be a Catholic nun. Now, she works to help people and promote peace.
She is a special helper, called a goodwill ambassador, for Africa at the United Nations. She speaks up for millions of Africans whose ancestors were part of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. She believes they should receive "reparations," which means making up for past wrongs. Queen Mother Blakely has written books and articles about being self-reliant, getting good education, and enjoying culture.
She took over from another important leader, Queen Mother Audley Moore. She also attended a special event at the United Nations in 2015. This event was for a memorial called “The Ark of Return.”
Early Life and Education
Delois Blakely started her journey in 1958. As a teenager, she joined a group of nuns called the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary. She was known as Sister Noelita Marie for ten years.
In 1965, she earned a degree in Religious Education. This degree was from a college linked to The Catholic University of America.
After her time as a nun, in 1969, Queen Mother Blakely started an organization called the New Future Foundation Inc.
She continued her education later in life. She earned a Master's degree from Harvard University in 1982. Then, in 1990, she received a Doctorate degree from Columbia Teachers College.
Her Work and Activism
Queen Mother Blakely has written many books and articles. These writings focus on important topics like self-reliance, education, fun activities, and culture.
She often talks about unfairness in the world's economy. She believes that billions of people face challenges because of this. She works hard to find solutions. These solutions include improving education and offering basic business training. She also promotes science, technology, and starting new businesses. She believes that being kind and understanding can help solve many problems. These efforts aim to create a better world for everyone.
Her two main books are "The Harlem Street Nun: Autobiography of Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely (Volume 1)," published in 1987 (ISBN: 978-1492289678). The second book is "Pilgrimage to Goree Island (The Harlem Street Nun) (Volume 2)," which came out in 2016 (ISBN: 978-1502370167). In 1995, she was given the special title “The Community Mayor of Harlem.” She has also been known as “Ambassador of Goodwill to Africa” since the late 1970s.
Sister Act Movie Lawsuit
In 2011, Queen Mother Blakely filed a lawsuit against the Walt Disney Company and Sony Pictures. She believed that the 1992 movie Sister Act was based on her life story. She claimed that they used her story without permission or a proper agreement.
She first dropped the lawsuit in early 2012. Then, she filed a new, stronger lawsuit in August 2012. She asked for a large amount of money from Disney.
However, in February 2013, the New York Supreme Court decided against her. The court dismissed the lawsuit, meaning she was not awarded any money.
