Source: Vintage and Iconic African American Anything/ AI confirmed.

America’s Oldest Living Person: 115 Years of Black History in One Woman

Born in 1910 on a Georgia farm, Naomi Washington Whitehead was here before traffic lights, commercial radio, and sliced bread.

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She has lived through Jim Crow, the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, the internet, and now social media – all in one lifetime.​

Today, at 115 years old, Naomi is officially recognized as the oldest living person in the United States and the oldest person in North America.

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She lives in Greenville, Pennsylvania, surrounded by generations of family who’ve watched her turn everyday resilience into legendary longevity.​

Her “secrets” to a long life?

Strong faith and prayer.

No smoking, no drinking, no drugs.

Hard work, love of family, and staying busy with simple joys like cooking, baking, and music.

Naomi became America’s oldest living person after the passing of 115-year-old Elizabeth Francis in 2024, a status later confirmed by the Gerontology Research Group and multiple news outlets.

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At 115, she is also among the three oldest verified living people on Earth.

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If you’re seeing this, you’re living in a world where a Black woman born before World War I is still here to tell the story.

Drop a 🖤 in the comments to honor Ms. Naomi Whitehead and SHARE so more people know her name.