Wilma Rudolph - Athlete

Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) earned the title "World's Fastest Woman" after winning the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash and anchoring the 400 meter relay at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. She also was the first female American runner to win three gold medals in the Olympic Games. Those achievements alone are remarkable. However what makes it even more amazing is what happened in Wilma's life before becoming this world renowned champion.
As a child, Wilma suffered an attack of polio and scarlet fever that left her unable to walk without the help of leg braces or orthopedic shoes until she was twelve years old. Her accomplishments are credited with helping remove barriers to women's participation in track and field. During her lifetime, Wilma received many honors and awards, including being named the Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year and the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Award. In 1974, Wilma was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Patricia Roberts Harris - Attorney, Ambassador, Cabinet Member

Patricia Roberts Harris (1924-1985) had a lifetime of firsts. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Howard University in Washington, DC. After graduating with honors from Washington University's Law School in 1960, she was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the District of Columbia bar. Patricia was granted tenure as a professor of law at Howard University in 1963. In 1969, she was named the Dean of the university's School of Law, becoming the first African American woman to head a law school in the United States.
Patricia was appointed as the Ambassador to Luxembourg by President Lyndon Johnson, becoming the first African American woman to be chosen for an ambassadorship. In 1977, President Jimmy Carter appointed her as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Patricia was the first African American woman to hold a Cabinet post. She would eventually become the Secretary of Health and Human Services in 1979.

Bessie Coleman - Aviator

Bessie Coleman (1893-1926) must have been a true woman of courage. Her nickname was Brave Bessie and she earned every bit of it. Bessie was the first licensed African American pilot! And she didn't let her race or gender stop her dream. Can you image her courage of even daring to have a dream of wanting to be a pilot in America in the early 1900s? Not even being denied to enter flight school in the United States would stop her. Bessie trained in France and received her license in 1921. A year later, she earned her international pilot's license  When she returned to the United States, Bessie planned to open a flight school so other African Americans could become pilots too, but she needed money. She used her skills performing aviation stunts in air shows all around the country to raise funds. And Bessie wasn't just an aviator, she was also an activist. She would refuse to perform unless African Americans were allowed to use the same entrance to her shows as white attendees.  Eventually, Bessie earned enough money to buy three airplanes and she was getting closer to fulfill her dream of owning her flight school. Tragically, Bessie Coleman was killed in a plane crash while performing in an air show on April 30, 1926 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bessie Coleman was an inspiration to all future African American pilots. For more information on Bessie Coleman, go to your local library.

Getting Started in 2020

Happy 2020!
It's so hard to believe that we're not only beginning a New Year but a New Decade; Wow! I remember New Years eve 2000 when so many fatalistic people were predicting the end of the world; ridiculous. The New Year is when most of us get ready for a fresh start. So if you want to be more physically or fiscally fit, here are some useful tips I suggest for success!
Set Your Goal:  Put some serious thought into what you want to achieve this year and make it realistic. You will not lose 20 pounds in a week, but you can do it over time. Stay positive as you work toward your goal.
Gather your Support: Most folks are more successful when they have a support system. Tell family and friends what you want to accomplish and ask them to help you stay on track.
Get Started: Procrastination is a terrible thing. The "I'll begin sometime" attitude can derail our plans. Not next week or next month, get started now. Don't delay; start today!
Keep the faith, stay focused and have a fun New Year!

Less Stress for the Holidays

I love the Holidays! It may be the 4th of July, Thanksgiving; Christmas is my favorite. Any excuse to celebrate brings me joy!  But sometimes trying to plan the "perfect" event can be stressful.  Being in such a hurry can lesson the happy.  But although we may be in a rush, we should still find ways to relax. As Christmas and New Year's Eve are quickly approaching, I want to share my personal  helpful tips with advice from BabyCenter.com too so you and your family will lesson the stress and really enjoy the holiday season.

Scale Back:  Unless you have a lot of household help, it can be difficult attempting the perfect Martha Stewart ambiance. I mean, who really needs a wreath made with fresh cranberries? Simple decorations can still be festive.

Simplify Gift Giving: Since my family is growing and our budgets are shrinking, we decided to draw names this year; literally picking names out of a hat. We're not spending a lot of money, but agree spending time with each other is more important.

Collaborate on Festivities:  Ask holiday guests to contribute to the party. Let them bring hors d'oeuvres or dessert to your holiday event so you won't be responsible with all the cooking.

See the Holidays Through the Eyes of a Child:  Singing Christmas Carols as a family can bring more delight than a fancy toy. Most children want your presence instead of a present anyway.

Give Yourself a Break: It may be difficult to find time for yourself, however, try. If you relax, your children, family and guests will be relaxed too.

Enjoy the Holidays!

Support the Next Generation

This past Halloween I got a little sad. Not because my children have outgrown their Trick or Treat season and now pass out the candy instead of receiving it. I was sad because of the number of houses in our neighborhood who don't even participate in the Halloween tradition. Very few homes follow what was a common occurrence during my childhood; standing next to the lighted jack-o-lantern on the front porch passing out candy to kids dressed as a princess or a super hero. But I've noticed that sense of apathy isn't limited to Halloween. So many people seem to have this lackluster feeling; not wanting to get involved in anything.

I'm a firm believer that when we show lack of concern for issues or activities that involve our children, it's the beginning of a downward spiral for our community. We stop going to our child's sport's events, don't attend parent/teacher conferences.  When we stop focusing on the needs of our children, they miss the connections and support they need to keep moving forward.

Find your way to support our next generation. Our children really are the future.

A lot to Give

A recent conversation with a Seasoned Sister left me surprised and sad. I've given the title "Seasoned Sister" to the women of a certain age who are usually labeled as Senior Citizens. These Grandmothers, Retirees, Pillars in the Community who are now in their Golden Years.  What made me sad after my conversation with this beautiful gray haired woman was she seemed totally down and depressed. She didn't feel she had anything to contribute and her knowledge and experience were not valued. That, in my mind, couldn't be further from the truth. There's a Scripture, Titus 2 that shares the importance of older women helping our young women; being a mentor to encourage our younger generation. These Seasoned Sisters have value, giving guidance and direction through there words and wisdom.
If you are a Seasoned Sister or if you know one, Be Encouraged! You Still have A lot to Give!