"She just seemed magical to me." -Monica Wisdom about Alice Windom, April 2025

Monica Wisdom  is a multifaceted creative, educator, and advocate whose work centers on amplifying the voices and experiences of Black women. She hails from a lineage deeply rooted in education and community leadership. Her mother, a dedicated public school educator, and her great-grandfather, Dr. C.C. Jones, who served as the principal of the historic Lincoln School in Edwardsville, Illinois, instilled in her a profound appreciation for learning and service. Monica's familial connections extend to her second cousin, Alice Windom, a renowned Pan-Africanist and social worker, whose legacy continues to inspire Monica's commitment to Black liberation and empowerment. 

Monica's reflections on Alice reveal deep admiration and an importance of family. She described Alice as “magical,” recalling her first vivid memory of seeing Alice in a striking African dress and headwrap, likening her cousin to a queen. Though Alice wasn’t positioned as a central or exalted figure in the family - since, as Monica emphasized, their family didn’t operate on hierarchy - she was deeply respected and valued simply for being “Cousin Alice.” Monica’s mother, who was very close to Alice, often spoke of her with great fondness, which helped foster Monica’s own reverence. Over time, Monica and Alice developed a meaningful bond, especially after discovering they shared the same birthday - a coincidence that led to shared celebrations and a more personal connection.

Education was a cornerstone in Alice's life, both personally and professionally. According to Monica, Alice came from a family deeply rooted in educational values - her mother was a teacher, as were many members of their extended family. This emphasis on education wasn’t limited to formal schooling; it was also about instilling a sense of identity, pride, and purpose. Alice’s commitment to education extended into her work within the St. Louis Public School system, where she not only taught but also collaborated with other educators. Her dedication reflected a broader family philosophy: education was not just a means to advancement but a vehicle for empowerment, especially for Black children growing up in environments that often failed to affirm their worth. Alice carried these values with her throughout her life, grounding her activism and advocacy in a belief that informed, educated individuals could effect meaningful change in their communities.

Alice was deeply committed to uplifting Black women - especially in politics, recognizing the systemic barriers they faced and intentionally working to open doors that had long been closed. Though Alice was a private person who did not seek recognition, her behind-the-scenes efforts had a lasting impact. At her memorial service, numerous Black women politicians from St. Louis shared that they owed their positions in part to Alice’s early guidance and support. She made it her mission to ensure that Black women not only had a seat at the table but were also prepared to lead and influence change. Her work laid a foundation that empowered future generations of Black women to step into political roles with confidence and purpose.

The legacies of Alice Windom and Monica Wisdom are deeply intertwined, rooted in a shared commitment to community, justice, and the empowerment of Black women. Alice’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her activism, education work, and political advocacy, especially her efforts to create space for Black women in leadership roles without seeking the spotlight. Monica has carried the torch forward in her own way - as a storyteller, podcaster, and advocate who raises the voices of Black women through her platform Black Women Amplified. While Alice believed in doing the work regardless of recognition, Monica sees legacy as creating spaces where others feel seen, loved, and valued. Together, their legacies reflect a multigenerational commitment to lifting others up, ensuring that both history and humanity are honored and preserved.

"Alice is always on a mission." -Monica Wisdom about Alice Windom, April 2025