Pathienia Simmons

> *not confused with Parthenia Simmons*
>
>

1964

### Known for

Renowned Terranovan socialite, author, civil rights and women's rights activist, feminist, and philosopher.

### Education

* Carverton Area High School (SAHS) - (1951)
* University of Hilltop - (1955)
* Blackwood University - (1958)

### Awards

* Two Platinum Performance Awards (1980 and 1995)
* Yvonne Fortcester Aid Award (1999)
* Women's Studies Honorary doctorate from Blackwood University (2002)

## Profession

### Occupation

* Chancellor of the Terranovan Women's Rights Council
* Co-founder of the National Association for African-American Women's Rights
* Co-founder of the Terranovan Institute for Women's Studies

### In office

July 15, 1975 (Terranovan Women's Rights Council)

### Assumed office

* February 5, 1973 (National Association for African-American Women's Rights)
* March 10, 1977 (Terranovan Institute for Women's Studies)

## Relationships

### Parents

Elijah R. Dougherty VIII (father)Leticia S. Simmons Dudley Dougherty (mother)

### Siblings

* Justus Dougherty (brother)
* Solomon Dougherty (brother)
* Anastasia Dougherty (sister)

### Children

* Alezandrya Simmons (daughter)
* Elijah Dougherty X (son)
* Titus Blackwood Simmons (son)
* Estrada Blackwood (daughter)

### Grandchildren

* Ayden Bowers (grandson)
* Kyan Bowers (grandson)
* Adalynn Dudley (granddaughter)
* Elijah Dougherty XII (grandson)

### Other Relatives

* Elijah Dougherty VII (grandfather)
* Adelia Livingston Dougherty (grandmother)
* Reginald "R.W." Simmons (grandfather)
* Betancita Dudley Simmons (grandmother)
* Michael Blackwood (father-in-law)
* Iris Ferreira Blackwood (mother-in-law)
* Ivana Blackwood (sister-in-law)
* Sam Blackwood (brother-in-law)

## Biographical Information

### Death

June 7, 2008Blackwood Palace, Lawrenceville, D.T.

## Physical Description

### Eye color

Brown

**Pathienia Teresa "Resa" Blackwood** (née **Simmons**; July 12, 1933 – July 7, 2008) was a Terranovan socialite, author, civil rights and women's rights activist, feminist, and philosopher who served as the first person to hold the position of Chancellor of the Terranovan Women's Rights Council. She dedicated her life to advocating for equality and significantly contributed to women's rights legislation, including the Equal Pay Act of 1975, inspiring future activists and leaders to strive for a more equitable world. Her speech, "Breaking Barriers: Paving the Way for Women's Empowerment," delivered at the 1975 Terranovan Women's Rights Conference, instantly won her fame and recognition. In 1972, she co-founded both the National Association for African-American Women's Rights and the Terranovan Institute for Women's Studies in Aelston, Atlantica, with her long-time best friend, Araceli McCoy.

Born in Carverton, Hilltop, on July 12, 1933, she grew up within a family with a strong legacy of public service and involvement in the founding of Terranova. Resa pursued education in Women's Studies at the Hilltop State University and continued her studies in sociology and psychology at Blackwood University. Resa's educational journey began at Carverton Area High School (SAHS), where she graduated in 1951.Her intellectual pursuits continued at Blackwood University, where she studied sociology and psychology, graduating with honors in 1958. It was during this time that she conducted groundbreaking research on the intersectionality of gender and race, challenging traditional feminist notions and laying the groundwork for her future advocacy.

In 1961, Resa moved to Lawrenceville, D.T., where she crossed paths with Francis Blackwood, an emerging pastor. Their collaboration on workshops and discussions aimed at promoting inclusivity and equality within their congregation eventually blossomed into a marriage on January 25, 1966. Resa and Archbishop Francis became a dynamic duo, channeling their combined influence to make significant strides in social justice within their community. Their union bore four children: Alezandrya Simmons, Elijah Dougherty X, Titus Blackwood Simmons, and Estrada Blackwood.

In 1972, Resa's commitment to both African-American equality and women's rights manifested in a meeting with President Lyam Henri and First Lady Marisa Pereira. This encounter led to the establishment of the National Association for African-American Women's Rights, addressing the unique challenges faced by African-American women in society. Despite facing hate messages and threats, Resa maintained her stance on unity and solidarity. With the unexpected death of President Lyam Henri in 1972, Noelia assumed the presidency, further supporting Resa's initiatives. This period also saw the establishment of the Terranovan Institute for Women's Studies in Aelston, Atlantica, emphasizing a more inclusive understanding of women's history and promoting intersectional feminism.

Resa returned to Lawrenceville to assist Archbishop Francis in the Blackwood Church, continuing her local advocacy work. In 1979, an investigation by the Bureau of International Security and Investigation (BISI) raised questions about Resa's connections to a radical feminist group, which Madam President Noelia Blackwood swiftly dismissed, highlighting Resa's respected community work. Resa's resilience was tested when she received a threatening anonymous letter in 1979. Unfazed, she shared it publicly, sparking a conversation about the challenges faced by activists and reinforcing the importance of community support.

She wrote several influential books on women's rights and feminism, with her most famous being "*The Power Within: Unleashing the Potential of Women in Society*." This book was published in 1997 and quickly became a bestseller, inspiring countless individuals to challenge societal norms and strive for gender equality. As a sought-after speaker, she traveled internationally while her husband was supportive of her career and took care of their children while being the Archbishop of the Blackwood family.

Resa Blackwood passed away on June 7, 2008, at the age of 74, leaving a significant void. Her legacy endures through the Resa Blackwood Foundation, established to support causes she was passionate about, and numerous accolades, including the prestigious Yvonne Fortcester Aid Award and an honorary doctorate in Women's Studies from Blackwood University. Resa's life remains a symbol of strength, compassion, and resilience, inspiring generations of women to break barriers and strive for equality in all aspects of life.

## Early life

Pathienia Teresa Simmons was born in Carverton, Hilltop, on July 12, 1933, to Leticia S. Dougherty (née Simmons Dudley), a prominent civil rights activist, and Elijah R. Dougherty VIII, the founder of Dougherty Enterprise, a respected lawyer. In addition to having Terranovan ancestry, Simmons's maternal grandfather, R.W. Simmons, is of African-American descent and was the first mayor of Carverton, serving from 1915 to 1923. She was also the granddaughter of Elijah Dougherty VII, the first chief justice of the Terranovan Court of Appeals and one of the founders of Terranova. When she was 3 months old, her grandfather Elijah started calling her Resa because he didn't like the name Pathienia and said the name was too difficult to pronounce. Resa quickly became her nickname, which stuck with her throughout her life. She was the eldest of four children, with her younger siblings being Justus, Solomon, and Anastasia Dougherty. Resa and her sister Anastasia were the only two girls in the family, so they were super close and shared a special bond.

Her family lived in the "Golden Hills" neighborhood, which was marked in the 1960s by racial segregation and discrimination in an attempt to drive out minorities from the area. Resa occasionally spent time at her best friend Araceli McCoy's house in Buckley. Araceli's house provided a safe haven for Resa, away from the racial tension and discrimination she faced in her own neighborhood. Despite the challenges they faced, Resa and Araceli formed a strong friendship that would last a lifetime.

### Education

#### Hilltop State University

After she graduated from Carverton Area High School (SAHS) in 1951, Resa was awarded a scholarship to the Hilltop State University in Laurelton, Hilltop, where she became increasingly engaged in feminist activism and advocacy. She encountered the pioneering work of the Association for Women's Studies during her time at Hilltop State University. Inspired by their efforts, Resa joined the organization and actively participated in their campaigns for gender equality and women's rights. She collaborated with other like-minded individuals to organize protests, raise awareness, and push for policy changes that would benefit African-American women in particular.  She worked part-time at the local women's shelter called Women's Haven, where she provided support and resources to survivors of domestic violence.

During her second year at HSU, Resa was accepted by the HSU chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), a prominent feminist organization. Through her involvement with NOW, Resa had the opportunity to attend conferences and workshops that further deepened her understanding of intersectional feminism and the various issues faced by women from diverse backgrounds. She took on leadership roles within NOW, organizing educational events and advocating for inclusive policies on campus. Resa's dedication to women's rights and her passion for creating positive change continued to grow throughout her time at HSU.

While completing her degree in Women's Studies, Resa realized that her primary interest was in reproductive justice and the intersection of race and gender. She wrote in her thesis about the importance of centering marginalized voices in reproductive justice movements and the need for intersectional approaches to address the unique challenges faced by women of color. Resa's research and activism in this area garnered attention from scholars and activists alike, leading to opportunities to present her work at national conferences and contribute to academic journals. In 1955, she graduated with a degree in Women's Studies and immediately started making plans to attend Blackwood University for graduate work in sociology and psychology.

### Blackwood University

As a student at Michael C. Blackwood University in Fortcester, D.T. Resa studied the work of sociology and psychology, which provided her with a strong foundation for understanding human behavior and societal structures. Resa's academic journey at Michael C. Blackwood University also exposed her to various theories and frameworks that further enriched her understanding of the complexities of gender and race. Through courses such as social psychology and critical race theory, she gained a comprehensive perspective on the ways in which these intersecting identities shape individuals' experiences and societal dynamics. This multidisciplinary approach empowered Resa to challenge existing paradigms and contribute groundbreaking insights to the field of feminist scholarship.

Resa conducted groundbreaking research on the intersectionality of gender and race with her thesis titled "*Intersectional Feminism: Understanding the Complexities of Gender and Race*." This research propelled Resa into the forefront of feminist scholarship as she challenged traditional notions of feminism by emphasizing the importance of considering multiple intersecting identities. Resa's research not only shed light on the experiences of marginalized individuals but also highlighted the need for a more inclusive and intersectional approach to feminist theory. Her work paved the way for a new wave of scholarship that recognizes the interconnectedness of various social identities and their impact on lived experiences. As a result, Resa's contributions have had a lasting impact on feminist discourse and continue to inspire future generations of scholars.

Many of her roommates were active in the feminist movement and were deeply influenced by Resa's research. They recognized the significance of intersectionality and started organizing workshops and discussions to raise awareness about the importance of considering multiple intersecting identities, and Resa participated in some of these events as a guest speaker, further amplifying the reach and impact of her scholarship. Events in Terranova, including the formation of the Terranova Women's Collective and the transformation of women's history courses to include intersectional perspectives, also contributed to the growing recognition of Resa's work. As her research gained more visibility, Resa received invitations to speak at conferences and universities across the country, solidifying her reputation as a leading scholar in the field. Her dedication to intersectionality continues to shape academic discourse and inspire future generations of scholars to explore the complexities of identity and social justice. She earned her master's degree at Blackwood University after graduating with honors from her undergraduate program.

## Career

As an advocate for both African-American equality and women's rights, Resa and Araceli McCoy sat down with President Lyam Henri and First Lady Marisa Pereira in February 1972 to discuss ideas for an African-American Women's Rights Movement. Their meeting led to the establishment of the National Association for African-American Women's Rights, which aimed to address the unique challenges faced by African-American women in society. This organization became a platform for advocating for equal opportunities, fighting against discrimination, and promoting empowerment for African-American women across the country. Former First Lady Noelia Blackwood was also a strong supporter of the organization, and Resa and Noelia became close friends, but Resa was getting hate messages and threats from individuals because they thought she should be friends with Noelia since she was a white person. Resa, however, told them, "*Friendship knows no color or race. Noelia and I share a bond based on mutual respect and understanding, and our friendship is not defined by societal expectations or prejudices. We stand together to fight for the rights and empowerment of all women, regardless of their background.*" Despite the hate messages, Resa continued to advocate for African-American women's rights and remained steadfast in her belief that unity and solidarity are essential to achieving true equality.

In July 1972, after the unexpected death of President Lyam Henri, Noelia assumed the presidency after the rush election and continued to champion the cause of equal rights for African-American women. With Noelia as head of state, she helped Resa and Araceli establish the Terranovan Institute for Women's Studies in Aelston, Atlantica, to provide a platform for research and education on the experiences and contributions of all women, not just African-American women. The institute aimed to foster a more inclusive understanding of women's history and promote intersectional feminism as a means to achieve true equality for all.

Resa then moved back to Lawrenceville, D.T., to help her husband, Archbishop Francis, with the Blackwood Church and continue her advocacy work within the local community. She organized workshops and seminars on gender equality and collaborated with local organizations to provide resources and support for marginalized women.

In 1979, Bureau of International Security and Investigation (BISI) agents investigated Resa for possible connections to a radical feminist group that was suspected of planning acts of civil disobedience. However, Madam President Blackwood shut them down as soon as she learned of the investigation, stating that Resa's work in the community was well-known and highly respected. She emphasized that Resa's efforts were focused on empowering women and promoting equality, not on any radical or unlawful activities. Madam President Blackwood praised Resa's dedication and encouraged her to continue making a positive impact in Terranova. Resa got a threatening anonymous letter, warning her to stop her activism or face consequences. The letter accused Resa of being a danger to society and urged her to abandon her feminist beliefs. Resa, undeterred by the threatening letter, remained steadfast in her commitment to advocating for women's rights. She recognized that such intimidation tactics were often employed to silence those fighting for equality and saw it as a sign that her work was making a significant impact. Resa shared the letter in the Terranovan Post and wrote an op-ed discussing the importance of standing up against intimidation and oppression. In her article, "Pathienia Blackwood Confronts Covert Adversaries with Professionalism," she highlighted the need for a supportive community that values and protects the voices of activists, ensuring that progress towards gender equality continues. Resa's bravery in sharing the letter sparked a public conversation about the challenges faced by activists and further galvanized support for her cause.

## Death

On June 7, 2008, Resa's youngest, Estrada, came to the Blackwood Palace to take her mother out to eat at her favorite restaurant, Charleston's, but realized that her mother had died in her sleep at age 74, with a smile on her face. Francis came home from the church to find his children gathered around the dinner table, crying and comforting each other. He joined them, tears streaming down his face, as they shared memories of Resa and expressed their love for her. President Kevin L. Blackwood-Vincent ordered all Terranovan flags lowered to half-staff throughout the world on June 9, 2008, in honor of Resa's passing. President Blackwood-Vincent delivered the eulogy for her funeral service at the Blackwood Church on June 11, 2008, which was attended by many other dignitaries and notable people. She was later buried at Legacy Hills Cemetery in Fortcester, D.T., along with other prominent figures in Terranova's history. The loss of Resa left a void in the hearts of not only her family and friends but also the entire nation. Her legacy would forever be remembered as a symbol of strength, compassion, and resilience.

Shortly after Resa's death, Medior Senator Julien Ortega and Senior Senator Kenya Duran encouraged the government to establish the "Simmons Memorial Fund" in her honor, which aimed to support causes that were close to her heart, such as African-American education and rights, women's empowerment and rights, and social justice initiatives. The fund quickly gained widespread support and became a driving force in creating positive change within Terranova. It continues to provide resources and opportunities for marginalized communities, ensuring that Resa's passion for equality lives on.

Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades and awards, including two Platinum Performances Awards, one in 1980 for her groundbreaking research on gender discrimination in the workplace and another in 1995 for her contributions to women's empowerment through education, the prestigious Yvonne Fortcester Aid Award in 1999 for her advocacy work in promoting equal opportunities for women in the corporate world, and an honorary doctorate in Women's Studies from the Blackwood University in 2002. She was also recognized as one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Terranova by the Terranovan Post magazine division in 2006. Despite her busy schedule, she always made time to mentor young women and inspire them to pursue their dreams. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women to break barriers and strive for equality in all aspects of life.

## Personal Life

In 1961, when Resa crossed paths with Francis Blackwood, a prominent pastor in Lawrenceville, D.T. Their initial connection was sparked by Resa's research and unwavering dedication to social justice causes. This shared commitment laid the groundwork for a collaborative effort between them, leading workshops and discussions within their local congregation to promote inclusivity and equality.

The culmination of their growing bond was their marriage on January 25, 1966, a significant event that took place at the House of Blaecwudus, the Blackwood family estate in Blackwood Village, Fortcester, D.T. This union not only solidified their personal relationship but also set the stage for a formidable partnership dedicated to driving tangible social change.

Resa, now married into the influential Blackwood family, gained access to a network of individuals eager to support their shared mission. Together, Resa and Archbishop Francis harnessed their combined influence and unwavering dedication to champion social justice causes. Their impact extended beyond their local community, reaching broader audiences and making significant strides in fostering inclusivity and equality.

As their family expanded, Resa and Francis welcomed four children into their lives: Alezandrya Simmons (b. 1966), Elijah Dougherty X (b. 1975), Titus Blackwood Simmons (b. 1791), and Estrada Blackwood (b. 1977). Recognizing the demanding nature of Archbishop Francis' role, Resa took deliberate steps to balance their responsibilities. She limited Francis' direct involvement in the social justice movement, acknowledging the importance of him focusing on his duties as an Archbishop while continuing to support their shared mission in other ways.

Their partnership became a cornerstone of their commitment to making a positive impact in society. Through their collaboration, Resa and Archbishop Francis not only navigated the complexities of their personal and professional lives but also created a legacy of social change that would endure for years to come.