Hyde Park High School in Chicago, Illinois has produced many accomplished alumni over the years, including a number of impressive women. From politicians to artists to business leaders, these women have made their mark in a variety of fields. Here are just a few of the notable women who have attended Hyde Park High School: Minnie Riperton: Riperton was a singer and songwriter known for her hit song “Lovin’ You.” She was also an accomplished vocalist who worked with artists like Stevie Wonder and Rotary Connection. Riperton graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1960. Valerie Jarrett: Jarrett is a lawyer and businesswoman who served as a senior advisor to President Barack Obama. She is also a former chair of the board of the Chicago Stock Exchange. Jarrett graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1974. Carol Moseley Braun: Moseley Braun is a former United States Senator who was the first African American woman to be elected to the Senate. She has also served as the ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Moseley Braun graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1965. Kathryn Stockett: Stockett is a bestselling author known for her novel “The Help,” which was also adapted into a successful film. Stockett graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1987. Phylicia Rashad: Rashad is an actress best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show.” She has also appeared in films and on stage. Rashad graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1966. Chaka Khan: Khan is a Grammy-winning singer known for hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Ain’t Nobody.” She attended Hyde Park High School for a time before transferring to another school. Gwendolyn Brooks: Brooks was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and the first African American to serve as the Poet Laureate of the United States. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1936. Susie Garrett: Garrett was a television actress known for her roles on shows like “The Facts of Life” and “Punky Brewster.” She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1957. Ellen Langer: Langer is a psychologist and professor at Harvard University known for her research on mindfulness and the illusion of control. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1963. Abena Joan Brown: Brown is a poet, writer, and performer known for her work addressing race, gender, and identity. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1968. Jeanne Gang: Gang is an architect known for her innovative designs, including the Aqua Tower in Chicago. She graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1982.
These women, along with countless others, have left their mark on their communities and the world. We are proud to count them among the alumni of Hyde Park High School.