Working on two continents, McKinney was a triple threat who could act, dance and sing.  She did not always get to play the types of characters she wanted, but she worked. She was tenacious.

McKinney knew she wanted to perform. In 1928 she joined the chorus of a Broadway show.  In October of that year she landed a role in a Hollywood movie.

Knowing what you want to do and not letting others deter you from it is tenacious. When McKinney saw her career stalling out in the United States, she moved to a place where she thought would be better. She was right. If you know what your calling is, move toward it. Don’t let anything deter you.

Nina Mae McKinney was tenacious about her career. She was a performer who could dance, sing and act. Even though she encountered harsh racism, she spent her life performing even though at times it was impossible.

McKinney was so good at what she did, she was given a five-year contract by MGM which was unheard of for an African American actress.

This month the word is Tenacious. This is tending to keep a firm hold of something, clinging or adhering to it. It is being persistent and not being easily dispelled. We are more than halfway through 2024 and some of the things you plan might seem like a long shot. Be tenacious.