Our Muse

Lucia Harris is a trailblazer in women's basketball, often regarded as one of the sport's most influential figures. Standing at 6'3", Harris dominated the court at Delta State University, leading her team to three consecutive National Championships from 1975 to 1977.

She was the first woman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, and scored the first-ever points in Olympic Women's Basketball at the 1976 Montreal Games. In 1977, she became the first and only woman officially drafted by an NBA team.

Lucia Harris's legacy is one of breaking barriers and setting new standards for women in sports. Her remarkable achievements continue to inspire across the globe.

Margaret Wade was a pivotal figure in women's basketball history, often hailed as the "Mother of Women's Basketball." After reviving the Delta State program in 1973, Wade led the Lady Statemen to three consecutive National Championships from 1975 to 1977.

Wade's legacy lives on through the Wade Trophy, presented to the best player in women's college sports to this day. Her coaching record of 157–23 makes her one of the most successful coaches in women's basketball history.

Early Life

Janelle Penny Commissiong was born on June 15, 1953 in Trinidad and Tobago to Lucy Maria Joseph and Ruel Commissiong. She has one older sister, Gail Commissiong. Growing up, Janelle enjoyed many sports, including track and field. As a young girl, Janelle dreamed of becoming a flight attendant — but that job was not attainable for people of color.

When Janelle was five, her mother and father moved to Venezuela and she lived with her aunts. Her aunts taught her to be independent, honest, and hardworking. Janelle would visit her parents once every two to three years when they visited for Carnival.

After a few years in Venezuela, Janelle's parents moved to the states. Her sister Gail joined them shortly after. Being separated for the first time from her only sister was very hard on Janelle. She learned to be resilient and patient. Once in the states, the family moved to Brooklyn, where she attended Erasmus High School.

Miss Universe

When Janelle was 23 she moved back to Trinidad to open a boutique. She thought that a good way to promote it would be to get involved in the local beauty pageant. Janelle never considered herself to be "pageant material," but entered the pageant anyway, and won.

While at Miss Universe, Janelle competed against 76 other women and won awards for Best Costume and Miss Photogenic. Her most memorable experience was when Miss Bermuda Connie Frith complained that none of the contestants of color were being promoted. Shortly after, contestants of color began to see their images in print and media. The lack of promotion did not impact her performance. Janelle won Miss Universe. She was the first Black woman to receive this international award.

Legacy

In 1977, Janelle was awarded Trinidad and Tobago's highest honor — the Trinity Cross. Her pageant photos were later used on the country's postage stamps. A street in Port of Spain was named after her. Between 2012–2015, she served as Vice Chair of a Tourism Development Company in Trinidad and Tobago.

When you think you can do something, just go ahead and do it.

— Janelle 'Penny' Commissiong

Whether she was dealing with the separation from her older sister, gracing the stage for the first time in a beauty pageant, or learning to build boats with her hands — Janelle has always been determined to succeed, even if it meant being the first to do something.

Janelle 'Penny' Commissiong was selected as HOMMEWRK's first Muse because she represents that anything can be achieved if you believe it in your heart and try. She was the first to do many things and paved the way for others to follow.

Now that you have read about Janelle 'Penny' Commissiong — it's time to DO YOUR HOMMEWRK.

Till the next curriculum, students — remember to always DO YOUR HOMMEWRK!