Black History Month: Highlighting Inspirational Figures Who Overcame Divorce

By: Elizabeth Vaz, Esq.

Date: February 12, 2025

As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to reflect on the stories of resilience, strength, and perseverance that have shaped the Black community. While history often highlights figures for their groundbreaking achievements in the arts, politics, and civil rights, the personal challenges they’ve faced—particularly in their relationships—are sometimes overlooked. Divorce, is a deeply personal and difficult experience, and has impacted many influential black figures. Yet, many of these individuals have used their experiences to advocate for change, demonstrate resilience, and inspire others to navigate their own challenges. And while my focus is educating people about the Collaborative Divorce Process, and I don’t know the process options any of these individuals chose, there is inspiration found in their stories.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight the stories of black individuals who have not only overcome divorce but have used their experiences to fuel their advocacy for social justice, emotional healing, and personal empowerment. These stories are powerful reminders that even in the most difficult of times, growth, transformation, and advocacy are possible.

I want to acknowledge that I am not black. I do not speak for the black community. However, I believe in justice and understanding and I see Black History Month as an important time for all of us to recognize the impact, contributions, and resilience of black communities. This month is about amplifying voices, not taking up space. Today, I want to highlight the personal struggles of Black individuals who have faced divorce—how they navigated the challenges and overcame them. Divorce can be especially complex when systemic barriers are involved, and by sharing these stories, we can better understand the strength and perseverance within these journeys. Let’s take this time to listen, learn, and uplift these voices.

1. Maya Angelou: Overcoming Personal Losses with Wisdom and Grace

Maya Angelou is one of the most beloved poets, writers, and activists in American history. She experienced multiple divorces throughout her life, including one during her first marriage at a young age. Although her personal life was filled with challenges—domestic violence, complex relationships, and significant loss—she rose from these experiences with grace and wisdom and she created her own future, in private and as a public figure.

Her experiences with divorce, like many other struggles in her life, provided Ms. Angelou with deeper insights into human strength, love, and resilience. Her life became a testament to the power of reinvention, a theme that is also central to many of her works. Ms. Angelou once said, “We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” This message resonates deeply with anyone navigating a difficult chapter like divorce or separation.

Angelou’s ability to turn personal adversity into artistic brilliance and her commitment to social justice left a lasting legacy, showing that challenges, including divorce, are part of the fabric of the human experience. Instead of letting those experiences define her, Angelou used them to propel her toward a mission of upliftment for others, especially marginalized communities.

2. Tina Turner: Rising from the Ashes of Abuse

Tina Turner's story of overcoming her tumultuous and abusive marriage with Ike Turner is legendary. After years of enduring physical and emotional abuse, she left him in 1976 and went on to become one of the greatest musical icons of all time. I clearly remember the first time I heard her powerful voice in my early teens and being completely blown away by that strength. Her divorce was not only a personal liberation but also a symbol of resilience, as she rebuilt her career, found personal happiness, and later opened up about her experiences in interviews and her autobiography. Her story inspires people worldwide, particularly women, to overcome personal hardships and reclaim their power.

Turner’s transformation from being trapped in an abusive marriage to becoming a globally recognized superstar exemplifies the power of stepping out on your own and about reinvention. She showed the world that, even in the face of tremendous hardship, it's possible to rise from the ashes and achieve greatness. Turner’s narrative has been a beacon of hope for those suffering from abuse or struggling with the emotional toll of divorce, proving that it's possible to reclaim one's life and find freedom, happiness, and success again.

3. Toure: Advocating for Mental Health After Divorce

Toure Neblett, the celebrated journalist, author, and commentator, is known for his work in the media and music industry. He has been open about his own experiences with divorce and how it affected his mental and emotional health. After going through a painful separation, Toure used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly within the Black community.

In his podcast, The Toure Show, and his various public speaking engagements, Toure has discussed the emotional complexities of divorce—everything from the self-doubt it can foster to the feelings of isolation. He highlights how black men, in particular, are often conditioned not to show vulnerability, which makes navigating the emotions surrounding divorce even harder. We believe strongly in educating as many people as possible, about the importance of mental health for anyone in a relationship- not just those going through divorce.

By sharing his own struggles, Toure has contributed to a larger conversation about the importance of emotional healing, therapy, and community support after divorce. His advocacy for mental health has been a source of inspiration for many, showing that it’s possible to grow and heal from painful life experiences, including divorce.

4. Taraji P. Henson: Speaking Out About the Challenges of Divorce

Academy Award-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson has been candid about the challenges she has faced in her personal life, including her past relationships. Despite her public persona and success, Ms. Henson has openly discussed the emotional toll that heartbreak and struggles in relationships have taken on her self-esteem and sense of identity. Woman often experience this but it is rarely talked about in such an open and meaningful way.

Rather than keeping these feelings hidden, Ms. Henson used her platform to speak out about the importance of mental health and therapy. She has become an advocate for emotional well-being, especially for black women, emphasizing that healing from personal setbacks requires self-compassion and seeking help when needed.

Ms. Henson’s resilience through adversity is a powerful example for others who may be struggling with similar challenges. By being open about her own pain and vulnerability, she encourages others to embrace their healing journeys and breaks down the stigma surrounding mental health, specifically in the black community.

5. Michelle Williams: Faith, Reflection, and Healing

Michelle Williams, one of the members of Destiny's Child, was previously engaged to Chad Johnson, but their engagement ended in 2018. While the breakup was painful, Williams has been incredibly open about her personal journey of recovery and self-discovery. Instead of letting the breakup, and the publicity surrounding it, define her, she used it as an opportunity for deep reflection and spiritual growth.

In interviews and her public statements, Ms. Williams has shared how her faith played a central role in her healing process. Turning to her spirituality, she sought solace in her relationship with God and focused on her personal growth. By embracing her faith, she was able to move forward with a renewed sense of inner peace and purpose.

Her story of growth and transformation resonates with many who have experienced similar heartbreak, showing that healing is not only possible but can also lead to a stronger, more centered self. Ms. Williams has also become an advocate for mental health, especially within the black community, encouraging others to seek healing and support during difficult times like breakups. Her commitment to faith and self-love continues to inspire those looking for ways to navigate certain emotional turmoil.

6. Diana Ross: Reinvention After Divorce

Diana Ross, the legendary singer and actress, has been through two high-profile marriages and divorces. Her first marriage was to Robert Ellis Silberstein, a music executive, in 1971. They divorced in 1977, but despite their separation, Ms. Ross has always maintained a strong relationship with Silberstein, especially regarding their daughter, Rhonda Ross Kendrick, whom Silberstein raised as his own daughter. The two continue to have a supportive co-parenting relationship, showing that even after divorce, mutual respect and collaboration are possible.

Ms. Ross's second marriage was to Norwegian businessman Arne Naess Jr. in 1985. They had two children together before divorcing in 2000. Despite the challenges of these two personal separations, Diana Ross has always maintained her focus on her career and family. While she hasn't been open about the emotional details of her divorces and has maintained grace and poise throughout, her determination and ability to reinvent herself have been evident throughout her life and career.

Diana Ross used her personal challenges, including both her divorces, as a catalyst for continued success. She remains an icon of resilience, showing that even in the face of personal upheaval, it's possible to stay focused on one’s career and passion. Her ability to turn adversity into strength continues to inspire future generations, and she is a shining example of perseverance.

Conclusion: Divorce as a Catalyst for Growth and Change

While divorce is often viewed as an ending, for many, including the influential black individuals mentioned here, it can be a true catalyst for growth, advocacy, and success. Whether through their artistic work, personal journeys, or social justice advocacy, these figures have demonstrated that life after divorce can be filled with renewal and transformation. As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor their strength, vulnerability, and determination to turn personal adversity into a source of empowerment for others.

Their stories remind us that, no matter the challenges we face in our personal lives, we all have the potential to rise, rebuild, and continue to fight for justice, equality, and well-being—for ourselves and for our communities.