INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: BESSIE COLEMAN "QUEEN BESS - DAREDEVIL AVIATRIX"

 "I knew we had no aviators, neither men nor women, and I knew the Race needed to be represented along this most important line, so I thought it my duty to risk my life to learn aviation and to encourage flying among men and women of our Race."

Simply Said Media puts the International Women's History & Black History Spotlight on Bessie Coleman a.k.a. Queen Bess.  Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892 in Atlanta, Texas to Susan and George Coleman.  Bessie spent much of her childhood working in the cotton fields.  When work was slow Bessie along with her siblings went to school.  Bessie was good with numbers so on the cotton plantation she was given a job as a bookkeeper.  She also did laundry to earn enough money to go to college.  Bessie first had dreams of becoming a teacher, she enrolled at Langston Industrial College, a school for African Americans.  After 1 year of attendance she had to leave because she didn't have enough money to further her education.  She moved to Chicago and took a course in manicuring, Bessie began working as a manicurist at the White Sox Barber Shop.

You maybe asking yourself how does one who dreamed of being a teacher, become a manicurist, but then gets inspired to become a pilot?  Well after World War I the talk around town was about these new flying machines & how important they were within the war.  Bessie had the desire to fly IN an airplane just as much to pilot one.  Here is a list of a few of her accomplishments:

1915: Trained as a manicurist in Chicago

1920:  She went to France to train as a pilot

1921:  She was awarded her pilot's license in France

1922:  She was awarded her international pilot's license

1922-26:  Bessie performed at many air shows and carnivals

1926:  Bessie forced the Orlando Chamber of Commerce to admit African Americans to their air show.

In the 1920's it was almost impossible for any woman, black or white to obtain employment as a pilot in a passenger airplane.  So Queen Bess became the "Daredevil Aviatrix" her first appearance was at an air show at Curtiss Field, near New York City, in 1922.  In 1926, while her mechanic was piloting her plane, it spun out of control - Bessie was not wearing a seat belt and was thrown from the plane at 2,000 feet.  She died on April 30, 1926 at the age of 34 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bessie Coleman is a role model for women of all colors, especially African American Women.  She wanted to help other African Americans overcome racial discrimination and her example inspired many women to learn how to fly.  She is honored each year on Memorial Day by African American pilots who fly in formation over Lincoln Cemetery and drop flowers on her grave.  After her passing "Bessie Coleman Aero Clubs" were formed and in 1975 the Bessie Coleman Aviators was formed by black women pilots in Chicago.

We are proud of Bessie Coleman and what she achieved in her life, she dared to dream.  A dream is nothing but a distant reality.  You can achieve it amongst all odds and obstacles.  Bessie's determination is what really stands out.  The will to do, the will to be, the desire to make a difference and live out your life's deepest desires.  Bessie Coleman did that and so much more for African Americans in her time and is a reminder for us not to give up on our dreams in our time.  "Queen Bess"  the Queen of Aviation - Simply Said Media salutes you!  You can learn more about Bessie by visiting your local library or just use google :)

PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN THAT IMPACT YOUR LIFE

Mary Harley, in front of her home in Lillington, NC

My fellow readers the picture that you see is that of Mary Harley, a southern African American women who is now in her sweet 80's living by herself in a lovely home in Lillington, North Carolina.  I meant this lovely women at the tender age of 5.  My first acquaintance with her was at a private ceremony whereby I got 2 sets of God Parents.  My mother selected her Aunt & Uncle the Fevrier's & the Harley's to be my God Parents.  I remember being dressed in all white & my hair had a fresh professional press.  The priest was getting ready to pour I suppose holy water on me.  He lifted my veil, I had to bend some for this process to take place near this basin of sorts.  I am not catholic so pardon me for not giving you the appropriate names of items for such an important ceremony.  Well when I noticed that this priest was getting ready to pour water on my head, and we all know what happens to natural hair when water touches it.  I looked at my Mom sitting in the pews like "I know this man is not about to put water on my head, I just got my hair done!"  My Mom already knew what I was thinking and gave me the "Look"  the look that said "I dare you to even try to ruin this occasion"  the look that said "try me cause I'll just dip your head in the water for you."  Well with looks like that I knew I couldn't move and just go with the flow.

After the ceremony there was a light reception at my Godmother's right on Brooklyn Ave. & Clarendon Rd. & I got to meet my God brother, he too was dressed in all white.  Pictures were taken, I was showered with sweet gifts & I got to spend time with new people.

Over the years, and with my Mom's passing in 1983.  My God Parents tried their best to comfort me and to keep their doors open if need be.  My Godmother taught me how to smile even when situations appeared extremely bleak.  She taught me to be clean, treated me like her princess.  She always lent her shoulder & her ears whenever I needed her.  She till this day continues to give me advice, love & support.

My Godmother, Mary Harley is now the soul survivor.  All of my Godparents have passed except for her.  She relocated back to her hometown to take care of her Mom, when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.  Although she left Brooklyn, when I can I try & visit her.  Leaving the hussle & bussle of NY to the quiet suburban town of Lillington instills a much needed peace & tranquil vacation.  Now as an adult, I try & spoil her and put a smile on her face when I see her.

Last month was International Women's History Month.  The type of contributions that women in society have made at home, on the job & in their communities are so numerous.  Untold stories throughout history and present.  

My Godmother's love helped me to be a stronger person while facing adversity.  I'm sure there are women or just one woman that has impacted your life in such a way that our mere words don't suffice in the type of gratitude we have for them.  I have no problem highlighting them, in March, April, May - it doesn't matter the month.  Families are the backbone of any community.  Our broken families need mending, our women need healing and strength to continue to wear the many hats that we wear & still manage to look good.

I pay tribute to Mary Harley today.  In May you get to see a shot of the woman who bore 7 children for my Dad, I being the last.  Just about each month the U.S. has something going on, some kind of recognition; some sort of holiday.

As Easter weekend approaches, make those calls, contact those women that play a special role in your life.  Let them know you care.  Mary Harley - Thank you for caring for me :)

MY PASSION FOR FASHION SUNDAY 4/22/12 & SUNDAY 4/29/12

It's that time of year where runway divas are on the front lines with today's hottest styles.  My experience on the runway goes as far back as 1987 or so.  What I enjoyed most really was putting on a designer's clothes & selling every stitch of it on the runway.  By the early 90's I was helping the family business, I recruited, trained, coordinated & produced fashion shows.  Now it's time for "Irie Fashion Rave" on Sunday, April 22nd 2K12.  You have the opportunity to experience the best in fashion by designers who are caribbean or of caribbean descent.  We also plan to honor Reggae Soldiers, Heavy D & Joel Chin and Life Time Achievement Award Recipients, Pat McKay & Robert Livingston.  I have to say behind the scenes with the preparation for this event takes lots of hard work & long hours, but it's all worth it.  So get your tickets fast buy online at www.iriejamradio.com  you can always try & win your way in, just listen to Irie Jam Radio on WVIP 93.5FM.


Other projects for the month is "Rip the Runway" on Sunday, April 29th 2K12.  I will be your host & commentator for the evening & it's not your ordinary fashion show.  The designers are edgy & bold and the production - sweet! You can win a 40" Plasma TV so get your tickets now!!! Just go to Upper Deck Lounge to purchase your tickets for the show.  Save the dates - 4/22/12 & 4/29/12 get your fashion fix @ LQ in Manhattan & @ Upper Deck Lounge in Queens.