Catherine Foster
B.A. in Political Science
Catherine D. Foster (“Kay”) received her B.A. in Political Science from St. Martin’s College (now University) in Olympia, Washington in 1976. Previously, she attended Western Washington University, where she was in the Honors Program.
She has an extensive background in editing and proofreading, with a number of organizations and agencies including the Washington State Supreme Court. She has edited and copyedited for BlackPast since its inception.
Daughter of a history teacher, she is an amateur historian with a special interest in Pacific Northwest African American history, and the history of jazz. She has served on a number of boards and worked on numerous political campaigns, actively volunteering in her community.
Articles by
Oprah Winfrey (1954- )
Repeatedly on Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world, Oprah Winfrey is a television host,...
Charles Mingus (1922-1979)
Mercurial and gifted bassist and band leader Charles Mingus is considered by many to be one of the jazz greats...
Dizzy Gillespie (John Birks Gillespie) (1917-1993)
Jazz great Dizzy Gillespie had a long and distinguished musical career as a trumpeter, composer, and bandleader. Unlike many jazz...
Andre Watts (1946- )
Andre Watts is the subject of one of the more memorable stories in American music. In 1963, the 16 year...
Augusta Savage (1892-1962)
African American sculptor, teacher, and advocate for black artists Augusta Savage was born Augusta Christine Fell in Green Cove Springs,...
Oliver W. Hill (1907-2007)
Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, attorney Oliver White Hill spent more than 60...
Sissieretta Jones (1869-1933)
Sissieretta Jones was a world-famous soprano who in June 1892 became the first African American to perform at Carnegie Hall...
Ernestine Anderson (1928-2016)
The career of Seattle-based jazz vocalist Ernestine Anderson is noteworthy both for its prolific output of more than 30 albums,...
Maxwell Lemuel “Max” Roach (1924–2007)
Drummer, composer, and percussionist Max Roach was noted for his innovative contrapuntal polyrhythms, and was one of the founders of...
Jessye Norman (1945-2019 )
Best known as an opera singer, Jessye Norman also lent her rich, dramatic, and powerful voice to recordings and recitals...
George Bridgetower (1780-1860)
Eighteenth and nineteenth century classical violinist George Augustus Polgreen Bridgetower is perhaps now best remembered for his association with Ludwig...
William Allen (Count) Basie (1904-1984)
A jazz pianist and bandleader, Count Basie was one of the leading musicians of the Big Band “Swing” era. His...
