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.

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST NIGHT...

Holiday Photo Shoot @ Tes Barnett Studios in Queens

***This blog entry is not to be read by children and is intended for a mature audience & viewers.  Simply Said***

This entry is for all the Husbands & Wives, Kings & Queens, Emperors & Empresses, Ladies & Gents.  If you took off today, that's good because at least you have time to re-cooperate from all the festivities of last night.  Now if you're getting up & going to work, great you are a trooper and you can troop on with a great big smile on your face as you reminisce on all the fun you had.

Now If you did not plan how you were going to spend Luv Bug Day with that significant person and went on last minute, you either spent too much money trying to cut on time & bumping other folks reservations or you didn't spend enough & your night was kinda cheesy & she was slightly disappointed.  If she was able to see through all of your BS but still went along for the ride, it's ONLY because she loves you and really regards "for better or for worse, for richer or for poor."  If you are one of those THAT REALLY LOOK @ LUV BUG DAY AS A PAGAN HOLIDAY, BUN DAT! Then of course last night was just like any other night in your household.  So she expected nothing but the norm.

People who conceive in February are born in November - early December.  That would be me :) and others - so let's break it down.  If you didn't wear a jimmy hat & know yourself well enough - well then LADIES PLAN B ONLY WORKS WITHIN 72 HOURS OF UNPROTECTED SEX.  That being said, I won't begin to tell you how by taking PLAN B it can definitely knock you off your cycle, but you should expect that when you are swallowing high dosages of hormones & such.

LADIES - did he get it right this time?  Did you train him well enough that he finally caught on to how you like to spend Valentines? Were you surprised @ work with roses? Did you get them on the way home?  How many of you were proposed to last night?  (by the way Happy Anniversary to Elsie & Clive Ho Sang for over 10 years of wedded bliss)

I'm sorry for the emergency rooms that had an influx of patients due to erections that lasted longer than 4 hours due to Viagra and other performance enhancement drugs.  The local OB/GYN doctors will be happy for the increase of patients that they will have in a few days because of the different bacteria that will soon visit you as a result of all those special flavored liquids that probably shouldn't have been in certain places.  I don't know - you guys gotta be careful with all those things.  FYI - If you love with everything purely - everything just flows naturally.  I'm not saying don't spice up your love life - just be careful - women we are special creatures & sensitive so buyer beware when you buy certain products.  Quite personally in my opinion, I'd rather a MAN blow my hair back than - I have no idea what's on the market right now.

For the single ladies & gents I pray you did not go to bed angry or depressed.  I hope you did something sweet for yourself.  I hope you didn't drown yourself into something destructive because that will not solve the problem only mask it.  Use this time alone for self-discovery and cleanse your body anew so that you will be ready for the next relationship AT THE APPOINTED TIME.

If you are not ready to be a Dad or Mom again or for the first time I SURE HOPE YOU ENGAGED SAFELY.  Who wants the emotions of an unwanted pregnancy; and any dude that has sex with a girl raw is saying - "you know what it's aight you could be my next baby momma."  Even if he verbally doesn't say it, his actions say otherwise.  There were break ups last night, arguments last night, proposals gone bad last night; and there was lots of love last night and expressions of love in all its forms all night long.  I hope your Luv Bug Day was awesome and that you had a great day and that your special someone can repeat it.  Not just on February 14th but each time you two lay eyes on each other.  Love is what bonds this entire world.  Spreading it's energy is the best gift one can give to another.

If you want to know what I did last night - you'll have to read my next entry - and that's if I go there, or just ask me @ my party on Saturday 2/18/12 @ Upper Deck Lounge 234-04 Merrick Blvd.  It's my mix-tape CD release celebration - C U there!

Comments are welcomed, be sure to leave one!

TODAY'S BLACK HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS

"We have the material, the brains, and the ambition in our men and women to accomplish the highest results in any line of work."  Daniel Hale Williams

Simply Said Media gives a 21 Gun Salute to Dr. Daniel Hale Williams for his outstanding contribution to society and the vision he had for himself and others.  Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was born January 18, 1856, in Hollidaysburg, PA to Daniel and Sarah Williams.  Daniel's ancestors had African American, Native American and European backgrounds.  He married Alice Johnson in 1898, she died in 1924.  Dr. Daniel Hale Williams attended school at Haire's Classical Academy in 1878 and Chicago Medical College in 1883. The following lists just a few of his accomplishments:

1883: He received his M.D. from Chicago Medical College

1889: He was appointed to the Illinois State Board of Health

1893: He performed the world's first successful heart operation

1894-98: He was appointed Surgeon-in-Chief of Freedmen's Hospital in Washington DC

1895: He helped form the inter-racial Medicochirurgical Society of Washington and also helped in organizing the National Medical Association and served as its first vice-president

1913: Founding member of the American College of Surgeons

What I love most about this remarkable Dr. is that in 1891 he opened up Provident Hospital, both black & white doctors were on staff and it also had a nurses' training school.  This was the FIRST inter-racial hospital in the United States.  At this hospital Black people were treated with the utmost care & dignity.

We are a great people, we've done great things.  What kind of mark do you want to leave?  For each day that you are given, you have another opportunity to enhance your life & others.  Be proud & celebrate this month & every day of the year!

Simply Said Media acknowledges Dr. Daniel Hale Williams & every other Black person in the field of Medicine.  KUDOS!!!  You can learn more about Dr. Daniel Hale Williams by visiting your local library or just use "google" :)

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING, THE OFFICIAL COLOR OF 2012

My Birthday Celebration 12/3/11 @ Magnet w/Neice & Sister beside me.  Photo Credit: Sam Cox

I am proud of my roots & culture and my parents taught me at a very young age who was born where, from what Islands and to embrace the diversity and languages in my family.  That being said, in the words of Jay Z "All Black Everything" and in the words of the CB4 Rapper "I'm Black y'all, cause I'm black Y'all, I'm black, da black, cause I'm black y'all" YES I'M A BLACK WOMAN and quite proud.  Black History Month is designated as February, but you can celebrate it in your own way every day.  You do without even knowing it, like when you take out your ironing board to get ready each day - that credit goes to a BLACK person. (look them up the names not coming to me right now)  When you jump in your ride and obey the traffic light - credit goes to a BLACK man (his last name is Morgan)  Yeah we have a deep heritage and WE contributed so much to society in the advancement of the U.S. and beyond.

I have filed lots of interesting Black History Facts that I could share with you throughout the 29 days of Black History Month.  From Engineers, to million dollar hair dressers, to peanut butter inventors to washboard scrubbers and more.  Even in the "Laibhen" family (that being my last name which is German meaning Life/love & also to work) I found registered patents for machinery used to help the process of grains flow more quickly when the Agricultural boom was big in the U.S. and the need for slaves in the West Indies to till the ground an integral part of economic growth for the land of the free & the home of the brave.

I deemed the color black the official color of 2012 because you can't go wrong with the color BLACK.  Black is classic, we all know you can wear it with anything.  Black is a dominant color, even within race relations you have Black in you then that would be the square to check.  I would have to say that over the years that government has tried to accommodate other races outside of Black, White & Latino on their paperwork.  There is always "other" and now "Pacific Islander" or "Asian Pacific"  Sometimes I crack up at the different classifications the Gov't wants you to adhere to.  What about the bollywood specials that come into this country their skin is just as dark as the pavement outside but would hold an argument with you that they are not black - OKAY, uh I guess you're white?

My mom taught me to love myself & respect others no matter what their race, creed, religion, or economic status. Those precepts made me a more well rounded person and I definitely wasn't raised with a closed mind.

I was born & raised in Brooklyn!!! Sak Pase, Wah Gwaan? Que hora es? & what's good? Yeah I'm from the hood, you never know what language will fly out my mouth. My cultural diversity is part of my make up.  Don't be ashamed of your heritage embrace it & walk upright!  Cause I'm BLACK Y'ALL!  (lol)

 

GOOD TIMES WITH THE AMBASSADOR

DJ Roy & I @ The New Year's Eve Ball 1/1/2012. Photo Credit: Allyson Ione

As we enter the 2nd week of 2012, I wanted to touch on mistakes.  You can't change any mistakes that you may have done last week or last year.  You are suppose to learn from them.  For example, did you celebrate just a tad bit too much when you rang in the new year?  Was your head still ringing in the morning or afternoon depending on the time you actually got up?  Here's a good one, did you attempt to go to a church, mosque, synagogue you know what I mean on the first day of the new year?  Now those questions I wouldn't call mistakes, it's just the actions that may have left you quite uncomfortable as a result thereof.

How many of you gave her cab fair to go home?  How many of you decided to give him a ride home and as he was putting his keys through his door you were right along side of him?  A mistake can cost you your life in one shape or form. Physically by some fatal end or mentally,  especially if you didn't learn from the mistake your bound to repeat it.  In respects to how you celebrate EVERYTHING in moderation; that way by maintaining balance your decision process would be more transparent to you.  As you gain confidence with your choices you become more responsible and respectful towards yourself & others.

DON'T dwell on your mistakes and beat yourself over the head with out even giving yourself the opportunity to forgive, let go & find solutions.  Do reflect, then seek to change from within.  Progress is essential for sustainable growth.  In order for you to grow from your mistakes you must first identify it, examine it, and learn from it so you don't fall into it again.  

I rang in the new year in God's house by sunset, holding my son's hand @ midnight then celebrating with family @ Mangoville Ballroom in Queens.  I had a "Good Time" with my brother from another mother, DJ Roy and a host of other radio peeps and massive.  If you haven't already heard - DJ Roy & Road International are the official Ambassadors of Digicel.  That's a good look on their part & Digicel's for choosing a multiple award winning sound such as Road International.  By the way you can always catch Roy hosting "Irie Mawnings" @ 10AM on WVIP 93.5FM everyday & in the evenings on Irie Jam Radio on selected days as scheduled.

Whatever you do MAINTAIN a POSITIVE perspective it will help you steer better through your trials, mistakes and day to day living.  Till my next entry...