In just a short lifetime, Ms. Billie Holiday overcame the challenges of a poverty-stricken childhood to become one of the nation's most famous female African American jazz musicians. During the 1930's and 40's, she famously asserted her talents to raise the social and political consciousness of black society, particularly with her melodic protests against domestic violence and lynching practices across the south...

Source: Maryland Women's Hall of Fame Online

http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/educ/exhibits/womenshall/html/whflist.html