Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
It could be your mother, a friend or a teacher. Have they expressed themselves artistically? Worked to better their community? Achieved academic success? Empowered others and embraced diversity? Share their stories here.
* required
  • I agree to the submission terms and conditions
  • By submitting this form (your “Submission”), you represent, warrant and agree that (i) the information you have provided is truthful to the best of your knowledge, (ii) THIRTEEN may share your Submission with its affiliates, WNET, WLIW, and PMNJ, and licensees including without limitation PBS (collectively, “WNET”), (iii) WNET may use your Submission, in whole or in part, in all manner and media, including but not limited in connection with American Masters - Inspiring Woman (the “Project”), companion materials and ancillary platforms for the Project, and Project and institutional promotion and outreach, (iv) your Submission may be edited for brevity or inappropriate content, and (v) you possess or have obtained all rights necessary to grant the foregoing permissions – including without limitation privacy or publicity rights with respect to any individual(s) depicted in the Submission, and copyright in the Submission.

Sheri Raleigh

Waco

Viola Mary Broussard, my Mama taught me a sense of community. She tokd me stories.Stories of courage, pain, injustice, victory and love. These stories propelled my life into areas I never thought I would go. But go I did, taking all of those stories with me. Viola was also an avid reader. She traveled the world in her books, so I could actually do it! She showed to me how to serve. In the church, home and community. Most importantly by registering people to vote. She worked the polls well into her 70’s. Her commitment to the grass roots movements in Lake Charles were vital. Her passion for life contagious. She always said she was a pessimist. But looking back on her life, her enthusiasm for change was optimistic. Mama always said, “Action speaks louder than words” and “this too shall pass”. Her deep abiding faith in the Lord saw us through difficult times. Encouraging me to step out, step in and step up. To be the change. Thank you Mama.

© 2024 WNET. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.