Olive Lee Benson
Olive Lee Benson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1932 Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | 2005 (aged 72–73) |
Olive Lee Benson was a hair stylist and businesswoman in Boston.[1]
Life
Benson was born in Cambridge, MA and attended Cambridge High & Latin School.[1] She then earned a diploma and certification in hairdressing and styling from the Wilfred Academy.[2] She opened her salon in North Cambridge where she served primarily African American women.[3]
In 2004, Benson was a director of styling for the Democratic National Convention in Boston.[3] She became the director of Education for Soft Sheen, L'Oreal and developed the first universal relaxer.[4][5]
Benson was the first African American inducted into the National Cosmetology Association's Hall of Renown and was awarded the National Hairstyle Award.[3] She was a board member of Intercoiffure Mondial.[2] In 2023, she was recognized as one of "Boston’s most admired, beloved, and successful Black Women leaders" by the Black Women Lead project.[6][7][8]
References
- 1 2 "Olive Lee Benson's Biography". The HistoryMakers. Retrieved 2025-05-20.
- 1 2 Donahue, Kelley (2005). "DIED: OLIVE LEE BENSON". American Salon. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Olive Benson". Cambridge Black History Project. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ "Olive Benson". www.modernsalon.com. Retrieved 2025-05-21.
- ↑ Edwards, Pamela (1 November 2003). "Straighten up!". Essence. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
- ↑ "Black Women Lead". Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. Archived from the original on 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Sullivan, Mike (2023-10-04). "Portraits along Blue Hill Avenue honor Boston's Black women leaders". CBS Boston. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
- ↑ Gaskin, Ed (10 April 2025). Black Women Lead: Boston's Most Admired, Beloved, and Iconic Leaders, 1700 - Present. Independently published. ISBN 979-8317465209.