Juanita Hardy Wikipedia: The Life and Career of Sidney Poitiers First Wife

Juanita Hardy is a former American model, dancer, and businesswoman. She is most famously known as the first wife of Sidney Poitier, the legendary actor, director, and diplomat who passed away in 2022. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Juanita Hardy, as well as her relationship with Poitier and their four children.

Early Life and Education

Juanita Hardy was born in 1928 in Washington, D.C. She attended Dunbar High School, where she excelled in academics and athletics. She also developed a passion for dancing and joined a local dance troupe. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in Livingston College, a historically black college in North Carolina, where she majored in mathematics. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950.

Marriage to Sidney Poitier

Juanita Hardy met Sidney Poitier in 1949, when he was a struggling actor in New York City. They were introduced by a mutual friend, and they soon fell in love. They got married on April 29, 1950, in a small ceremony at the home of Poitier’s sister. They moved to Mount Vernon, New York, in 1956, where they raised their four children: Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, and Gina.

Juanita Hardy supported her husband’s career and accompanied him to many film premieres and award ceremonies. She also pursued her own interests and hobbies, such as gardening, painting, and reading. She was a devoted mother and a loyal wife, who stood by Poitier’s side through his successes and challenges.

However, their marriage was not without problems. Poitier had a nine-year affair with actress Diahann Carroll, which he later admitted in his memoir. He also faced racism and discrimination in Hollywood, which affected his mental health and self-esteem. He sought therapy for 11 years to cope with his guilt and depression. Juanita Hardy and Sidney Poitier divorced in 1965, after 15 years of marriage. They remained friends and co-parents until Poitier’s death.

Career and Achievements

After her divorce from Poitier, Juanita Hardy focused on her career and personal growth. She joined IBM in 1974, where she worked for 31 years until her retirement in 2005. She held various positions in the company, such as systems engineer, marketing manager, and executive consultant. She also received many awards and recognitions for her performance and leadership.

In 2006, she founded Tiger Management Consulting Group, a minority and woman-owned business that provides consulting services on creative placemaking, cross-cultural communication, and executive coaching. She is the founder and managing principal of the company, which has clients from various industries and sectors. She is also a published author, who wrote an article titled “Five Reasons to Target the China Market for Your Business” for Enterprising Woman magazine.

Juanita Hardy is also a philanthropist and a community leader. She serves on the board of directors of several organizations, such as the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the Washington Performing Arts Society, and the Smithsonian Institution. She also supports causes related to education, arts, and social justice. She has received numerous honors and awards for her contributions, such as the Women of Color Achievement Award, the Women Who Mean Business Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black MBA Association.

Personal Life and Legacy

Juanita Hardy is currently 96 years old and lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. She is a proud grandmother of eight grandchildren and a great-grandmother of four great-grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as traveling, golfing, and painting. She is also an avid reader and a lifelong learner, who keeps herself updated on current affairs and global issues.

Juanita Hardy is a remarkable woman who has lived a rich and fulfilling life. She is an inspiration to many people, especially women of color, who aspire to achieve their goals and dreams. She is also a part of the history and legacy of Sidney Poitier, one of the most influential and respected figures in American cinema and culture. Juanita Hardy Wikipedia is a tribute to her life and career, as well as her relationship with Poitier and their four children.

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