Lady Wrestler - The Amazing Untold Story of African-American Women In The Ring

Lady Wrestler: The Amazing, Untold Story of African-American Women in the Ring according to film Producer - Director Chris Bournea chronicles the story of trailblazing African-American women Babs Wingo, Ethel Johnson, Marva Scott and Ramona Isbell who broke racial and gender boundaries as globe-trotting professional wrestlers in the 1950s, '60s and '70s.

Hugh Smith from BlackHistoryPeople.com talks with Chris Bournea about how these pioneering young African-American women from Columbus, Ohio USA stepped into the wrestling ring with the bright spotlight of the squared circle on them.

The documentary film follows the timeline from the late 1940’s revealing how wrestling promoters challenged the toxic social order to give Black women the opportunity to make history.

Watch our conversation below in the video, then watch the full length movie to learn much more as these African-American women pioneers tell their story in their own words. You'll also see in-ring action film footage along with photos illuminating their historic journey.

They say that any publicity is good publicity! Here's an article we found in our Black History People archives while preparing for our conversation with Chris Bournea. Featured in Wrestling Revue September, 1969 is one of the heroes in the documentary film. Marva Scott was 25 years old at the time. This is a special bonus for you. Enjoy.