Episode 2: A Twin Bond, Hollywood & Making Medical History

:: DROPPING EVERY TUESDAY SUMMER 2023 ::

In our second episode, Xernona Clayton reveals the story behind her nickname “Biggie” and tells stories about her identical twin sister, Xenobia or “Little.” One of the great loves of her life, Xernobia even joined Ms. Clayton and her new husband, editor of Jet magazine, Edward Clayton, on their honeymoon. Life in Los Angeles was glamorous. In white Hollywood, Ms. Clayton made history by fundraising for The Cause and appealing to white movie stars of the day for major donations. Her philanthropic and cause-driven prowess caught the attention of Dr. King and led her to Atlanta. There, she instantly noticed the city’s discrimination against blacks and access to equal medicare care. In 1966, she coordinated the Doctors’ Committee for Implementation and took a stance against the segregation of Atlanta hospitals. A visit to the White House and audience with President Johnson in 1966 resulted in desegregation of hospitals nationwide.

For more, don’t miss Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black & White, airing on Brown Sugar, featuring the largest catalog of classic Black cinema. Go to brownsugar.com.