Seventy Years of Sisterhood

Hi, Y’all!

Yes, I am back with another gooden for y’all—and I promise that it is a real gooden!

There is a very special milestone that my Gramma Jewel is celebrating today. You see, it was on this day in 1946 that my Gramma Jewel became best friends with one Ms. Millie Vanderkellen. As the story goes, these two ladies grew up in the Mississippi Delta, and though they grew up in different backgrounds, their friendship has always remained strong and steadfast through these seventy years. As a matter of fact, Gramma Jewel has made it clear on several occasions—and I can quote her on this—that long before Auntie Gladys and Auntie Thel, there was Ms. Millie Ann Vanderkellen.

The sisterhood that Gramma Jewel and Auntie Millie share was inspired by the foundation of friendship and trust laid down by my great grandparents and Auntie Millie’s mom and dad. Both ladies shared how they were somewhat sheltered by the evils and hatred of the world, yet they noticed how their respective parents boldly stood out against bigotry and prejudice. Of course, their actions led them to be relatively exiled, but it was Auntie Millie’s dad who stated that he would rather lose a lot of phonies than lose “one damn good friend in Gregory Otis Coleman.”

And as you can see in the picture, Gramma Jewel and Auntie Millie have continued to keep that legacy alive to this very day.

In closing this blog post, I would like to say that I am grateful to have Auntie Millie as part of my family. She is such a fun lady, and she’s got some spunk in her, too… but then again, that’s from years of hanging around Gramma Jewel!

Congratulations, Ladies—and may God bless y’all with many more years.


Smooches,
Natasha

Remembering Silver Belle

Hi, Everyone!

 

Today’s very special blog post is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas—today would be her 88^th Birthday today, but we all know that she is celebrating in style up in Heaven.

Mrs. Douglas is the reason why the Joneses and the Douglases have formed such a strong union; as a matter of fact, my Gramma Jewel christened Mrs. Douglas as “Silver Belle” on account of her beautiful silver grey hair. I have it on great authority that Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel had christened each other as sisters, considering that they didn’t officially meet until 1991. When they finally did meet, it was all over but the shoutin’! Mrs. Douglas and Gramma Jewel immediately clicked, with the common bond being centered around one Mr. D.

I also was thrilled to learn that Ms. Silver Belle had a great love for school, so much so, that she pretended to be a teacher of her dolls and stuffed animals. I guess it’s safe to say that Ms. Silver Belle found her calling at a young age! Oh, and Mr. D told me personally that Ms. Silver Bell was the first in her family to be class valedictorian in elementary, high school, and college.

Ms. Silver Belle was as a Third Grade teacher at Gopher State Elementary School for 40 years, and within those years, she treated her Third Graders as though they were her very own children. Her love for teaching stretched far beyond the four walls of the classroom; Ms. Silver Belle was a Sunday School teacher for the Women’s Class, and she was a choir director for about ten years or so.

Ms. Silver Belle passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, but she left behind such a great legacy that cannot even be remotely emulated, much less matched. She actually comes from a generation of teachers; her father was a teacher, her youngest son [Mr. D] is entering his twenty-second year as a teacher, and her youngest granddaughter Nicole is working as a substitute teacher for the Culver City School District.

I find it amazing that, even though she’s in Heaven now, Ms. Silver Belle taught me some valuable lessons, and they’re pretty much the same lessons that my Grampa Clark taught me. For one thing, Ms. Silver Belle taught me—reminded me, if you will—that I should continue to be the best that I can be, in whatever I do.

In closing today’s blog post, there’s just one thing that I would just like to say:

Long Live The Legacy of Mrs. Sylvia Douglas!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Very First Blog Post of the New Year

Happy New Year, Everybody!

Well, we made it into a brand-new year, thank The Lord! Here it is—January 1, 2015, and I would just like to say:

 

 

 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?

Now, y’all know that I had to look up the history behind this song. According to my research, this is the name of a Scottish tune, which was written by one Robert Burns in the 1700s. The title/term “Auld Lang Syne” is literally translated as “old long since.” To put it more plainly, the aforementioned term simply means “times gone by.” This song—which is known to be sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day—is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten.

Even though “Auld Lang Syne” is heavily associated with New Year’s Eve, it was never intended to be a holiday song. In doing more research (and I would like to cite my references from this website http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/12/auld-lang-syne-what-does-it-mean-again/), a gentleman named Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band used it as a segue between two radio programs during a live performance at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York in 1929. Just by a mere coincidence, they played “Auld Lang Syne” just after the clock hit midnight, and thus a New Year’s tradition was born.

And by the way: If this ain’t more proof that I am most definitely born to teach, then I don’t know how much more proof y’all need!

With that said, it is time to celebrate, because 2015 is here, and I am all psyched up to the max. I’ll holla at y’all later with another blog post, but until then… Happy New Year, Everybody!


Lotsa Love,

Natasha

 

 

Back To Where It All Began

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it certainly goes without saying, but I am having a terrifical time with my family… and yes, I did in fact say TERRIFICAL—that just shows you how great a time I’m having.

I’ll be sure to post some pictures in due time, but I at least had to deliver an updated blog post to let y’all know how things were going. First of all, this past Saturday’s get-together at Great Aunt Reesie’s was just freakin’ fan-great-tastic! I truly enjoyed myself… and for the record, Becky had an even greater time than I did (if that’s even possible). We ha already adopted Becky into our family last year, but after soaking in Nashville and Memphis, I am happy to report that Becky is officially an honorary Southern gal! How do I know this? Well, let’s just say that she’s beginning to talk like my Gramma Jewel. I ain’t lyin’, y’all—Becky messed around and dropped some Southern dialect on Cousin Lionel; she said: “Lionel, ya reckon you can be a dear and give a gal another glass of sweet tea?” Even my mom turned around and was like: “What the hell?!” Hahaha! And Becky had to giggle herself when she realized what she said.

We also finally took that trip to the Mississippi Delta—particularly Ruleville, Mississippi. It was quite surprising to discover that the house where my Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie grew up in, is still standing. I think Gramma Jewel was more impressed than the rest of us, mainly because that was her first home, “and heck—even the ol’ oak tree is still standin’ tall,” she marveled. I gotta admit that I was very impressed because I was looking at history. Come to find out, Great Gramma Lynn never sold the house; she bequeathed it to Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, both of whom pitched in to get the house restored to brand-new over the years. They also made a proclamation: “This house is part of your history—this house belongs to all-a-y’all. This house was bought, paid for, and owned by your great grandfather Gregory, especially during an era where so much was going on back in the day.”

And y’all probably know me by now—I am so honored to be a part of family history. I mean, to think that my great grandfather actually bought and owned property during the era of segregation and the Great Depression… that is just so phenomenal!

Okay, y’all—I gotta close it up for today, but I’ll be catchin’ up with you on tomorrow. Peace Out!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Birthday Blog Post for the People's Champion

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Seeing as how today is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s 42^nd Birthday, I would like to dedicate today’s blog post to the trailblazin’, eyebrow-raisin’, step off the brake and put your foot on the gas, always ready to whup some candy-ass—the People’s Champ himself!

I think I mentioned that I started watching wrestling when I was five years old. To give you a backstory, it was right around the summer of 1999. I remember it all too well because The Rock was laying down some serious smack in a heavy feud with one Hunter Hearst-Helmsley, who we’ve now come to know better as Triple H. Thanks to all of my uncles and a few of my cousins, I knew that Rock and Hunter had had a rivalry that dated back just a year prior, but things were really heating up between these two legends. You see, Rock had already become a three-time WWF (now WWE) Champion and was looking forward to a fourth reign, but Triple H was looking to make a name for himself and prove that he was World Championship material. These two titans exchanged wins, losses, and championships throughout their feud, and they even teamed up at one point in time. If I recall, it was an episode of SmackDown in which the People’s Champion and the Cerebral Assassin instigated a competition of “Can You Top This,” much to the chagrin and dismay of one Kurt Angle. Both Rock and Hunter were actually fighting over who could slam Kurt Angle’s head the hardest into the announcers’ table.

It was hilarious—y’all just had to see it!

One thing that I can say about The Rock: He has truly lived up to his moniker of being “the most electrifying man in sports and entertainment.” Whether he’s blazin’ across the movie screen in an action-packed thriller, or droppin’ the spine on the pine with a Rock Bottom and following it up with the People’s Elbow, there’s no denying that The Rock is simply the man!

By the way: Do y’all remember that time when The Rock forgot that he wasn’t wearing his wrestling boots? It was an episode of SmackDown, and Rock had just bounced off the ropes and literally slid across the center of the ring, where he dropped British Bulldog with the People’s Elbow! Here’s a clip of it right here!

Yes, I’ve followed Rock’s career from 1999 up to now, and I will admit that over the years, he won my respect, my love, and my admiration for him. Whether he wins or loses, Rock will always be the champion of my heart, if ya smelllllllllllll… la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la, la… what the Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s… is cookin’!

Smooches!

Natasha

The Streak Has Officially Ended!

Hi, Everybody!

A wrestling fan always remembers where they were when certain pivotal moments take place. Well, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing when I found out that the Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak was broken just last night.

Although I didn’t watch WrestleMania at all last night, I was kept up to speed by round-the-clock updates. I was on my laptop refreshing my browser every fifteen minutes, and I seem to remember around 8pm CST, Undertaker was about to face Brock Lesnar. Well, I knew it would be a pretty lengthy match, so I waited about twenty minutes, then I hit F5 to refresh my browser. Much to my surprise, I received an error message, and for some reason, I had a feeling that it was bad news. I closed my screen and reopened the website I was on, and I received another error message. Five minutes later, Neo Theo called.

“Tasha, you and Ruby are not gonna believe this,” he said, almost despondently. “Are y’all sittin’ down?”

I was already lying down on my bed, so I just sat up. I told Ruby to brace herself for some shocking news—and what a shock it was!

“Well, y’all, Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak is officially broken,” Theo lamented. “Brock Lesnar has defeated the Undertaker.”

Ruby and I were shocked, to say the least—after all, up until yesterday evening, Undertaker’s undefeated streak was unbreakable. The Streak in and of itself is legendary, and now, it has a blemish.

Theo went on to tell Ruby and me that from what he read, thousands of wrestling fans were thoroughly pissed off behind this decision. Well, to be honest, I’m more shocked than anything. First of all, regardless of what others believe and perceive, the bottom line is that the streak is broken. It doesn’t matter who broke it—all that matters is that an historic event has taken place in the annals of professional wrestling. No true wrestling will ever forget where they were and what they were doing when they saw 21-1 flash across the screen. I know I certainly won’t.

One last thing in closing: There have been talks about Undertaker having his last hurrah in the wrestling business. Well, even at the ripe age of twenty, I know that Mr. Booga Red (as my Gramma Jewel loves to call him) has had one helluva career. The very first time I saw Undertaker wrestle, he was in a First Blood Match against Stone Cold Steve Austin in the summer of 1999. Overall, though, my favorite Undertaker moment is WrestleMania 23, when he defeated Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. If this truly is Undertaker’s last hurrah, then I just want to say: Thanks for entertaining me, Taker! You will forever be known as the conscience of the WWE.

And lest I forget: Long Live The Streak!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

This Day in My Family's History

Auntie Cherri and Ms. Summer Bloom, the grateful woman
whose life was saved just one year ago today.

Happy Saturday, Everybody!

I think it’s pretty obvious to you all that my family is known for immortalizing certain milestones, especially if we played a role in the moments.

Well, this day is no different.

Today marks exactly one year that my Auntie Cherri became a hero. Although the fanfare, the publicity and the accolades have died down, none of us will ever forget the random act of kindness and senseless act of beauty that Auntie Cherri displayed on that fateful day. As a matter of fact, when interviewed by the Culver City Gazette (I read the article online), Auntie Cherri was quoted as saying that all of the recognition she had received doesn’t mean much to her, she stands firm and strong in how she feels.

We all know about how my Auntie Cherri literally carried a semi-conscious pregnant woman across the street to safety, and then helped deliver the woman’s baby. Since that fateful day exactly one year ago, Auntie Cherri has been looked upon as a humble-hearted hero, despite continuously stating that that if there was no reward or recognition involved, she still would have reached out to the woman. Well, it seemed like everytime Auntie Cherri showed her humble side, she was awarded that much more. It began at a ceremony on March 2, 2013, when she received the Good Samaritan Award, and in from there, she was the very first guest of the premiering Dennis Hughes Show in late September 2013. However, Auntie Cherri says that the greatest accolade she received was when the woman showed her gratitude by naming her daughter Cheryl Lynn, and then asking Auntie Cherri to be her namesake’s godmother. I could tell by the look in Auntie Cherri’s eyes—she was more than honored to be chosen as a godmother!

And it shouldn’t surprise any of y’all (because it didn’t surprise us) that Auntie Cherri not only accepted the request, but she also volunteered to be a mentor to the woman.

So, on this very special day, I just want to express how good it feels to be the niece of Mrs. Cheryl Yvette Cunningham… and might I add: Auntie Cherri looks just darling in this photo right here; look at how she’s holding her little namesake so comfortably. And the little princess is resting so soundly, so sweetly.

As I close this blog, I have only one thing left to say:

CONGRATULATIONS, AUNTIE CHERRI—I SALUTE YOU, ONE MO’ GINN!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Legacy of Lynn Agnes Coleman

Happy Friday, Everybody!

As I promised on yesterday, I have a very special blog post for all-a-y’all, and just like mail carriers and pizza drivers, I do deliver. With that said, I am dedicating today’s blog post to a legendary figure in my family, my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

I’ve been wanting to dedicate a blog post to my Great grandmother for the longest time, and I also find it quite apropos that this is Black History Month—it’s amazing how things work out like that! You know, I’ve always admired the contributions of legends such as Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, and First Lady Michelle Obama, but it makes me that much more special to know that there are prominent figures in my very own family… and Great Gramma Lynn is one of those figures!

Great Gramma Lynn was born an only child on April 1, 1906 in Ruleville, Mississippi, to Horace & Bernice Brown. The other day, I made mention about the struggle of receiving a great education for African-Americans. Well, Great Gramma Lynn was a pioneer in her day, as she was the very first one in my family to not only further her education past Sixth Grade, but she also became the first family member in history to attend a higher learning institution. I know I have shared on countless occasions that Great Gramma Lynn planted the seed of furthering education; well, in so doing, she birthed the Rust College legacy, having graduated from Rust in 1928 with a degree in Sociology.

From the lovely reflections that I hear from Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, my mom, and my aunts and uncles, I can tell that Great Gramma Lynn was truly a legend in her own time. Allow me to be bold enough to make this statement: Long before there was the Vipress (LOL), there was Great Gramma Lynn! She was stern but sweet, hard-hitting but soft-spoken, and according to Gramma Jewel, she was quick with a wooden spoon… hahaha! I’ve even heard stories of how Great Gramma Lynn rarely got angry, but when she did, it was nothin’ nice. However, she was a devoted woman—to God first and her husband and two daughters second. She worked very hard to make sure that her family got the best of the best, and she was also a sharp dresser!

And I know I’ve shared this story numerous times, but I love it just as much: Everytime Great Gramma Lynn’s birthday came around, she would say: “I still find it ironic that I, a smart and educated woman, would be born on a day designed for fools!”

Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord on July 23, 1984, where she was surrounded by Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Grampa Clark. It was said that after she made a peaceful transition, her likeness was formed in the clouds, thus solidifying that she had truly made it over.

Today, Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live throughout all of the women in my family—and when I say “all,” I mean ALL! Y’all know that we adopted Becky last year... and that reminds me: Becky’s thinking about changing her name to either Jones or Coleman, as an homage to us.

I guess Great Gramma Lynn’s words of wisdom still ring true: “Goodheartedness produces goodheartedness—it gives above and beyond, and it never asks for anything in return, because it gives straight from the heart.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

More Profound Knowledge About Rust College

Hi, Everyone!

My great-great grandmother Bernice Brown was once quoted as saying: “The only way you stop learning is when The Heavenly Father calls you from earth to Glory.”

Well, as y’all know, we are in Black History Month, and as an aspiring teacher, I have gained this thirst for knowledge and trivia… you know, I really don’t know where I’m going with this introduction, so I’m just gonna cut right to the chase: Do y’all remember a blog post from September, in which I talked about the history of Rust College? I had made mention of and further explained why Rust was first to give some learning unto those who were set free… well, special thanks to a fellow Rustite who graduated Class of 1999, I learned something else.

Check this out, y’all: Before the Civil War, higher education for African Americans was darn near nonexistent. Those who did receive schooling, such as Frederick Douglass, often studied in clandestine and oftentimes hostile settings. Some were even forced to teach themselves, period! I was also surprised to learn that most historically black colleges and universities (or HBCUs for short) were established after the Civil War, and most are located in former slave states and territories. It’s no secret that HBCUs are the backbone of higher education for African Americans, and continue to produce present and future leaders, doctors, and educators.

And, in addition to everything else mentioned, Rust College is the oldest HBCU in the state of Mississippi—I’m talking about the overall state of Mississippi.

The NBC theme still rings true to this day: The more you know…

Until tomorrow, y’all have a gooden!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The History of Rust College

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’ve been here at Rust for about two weeks now, and I’ve done a little research. What can I say—there is a part of me that is a bit of a history buff.

Anyway, I may have a newfound understanding as to why my Gramma Jewel was so ecstatic when I accepted admission to her alma mater. You see, Rust College is more than just a family tradition—it has a very profound and rich history, dating all the way back to when it was founded in 1866.

I was quite surprised to learn that Rust was once a former slave auction. It was said that the area between the Administration building and the Leontyne Price Library was where they sold slaves. However, on November 24, 1866, just one year after the Civil War ended, Rust was “first to give some learning unto those who were set free,” thanks to Northern missionaries with a group called the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

I was also impressed to discover that my future alma mater was first known as Shaw University in 1870 in honor of the Reverend S.O. Shaw, until the name was changed to Rust University in 1882 as an homage to the Rev. Richard S. Rust, who was the secretary of the Freedman's Aid Society. The name was changed a third time to Rust College in 1915.

And how about this: Rust College birthed some famous celebrities, among them Dr. Ida B. Wells and Anita Ward (the lady who sings “Ring My Bell”).

As far as family history, the Rust College tradition began with my great-grandfather Gregory Otis Coleman (Class of 1927) and my great-grandmother Lynn Agnes Brown Coleman (Class of 1928)—both of whom incidentally met on the campus of the royal blue and white, and got married in 1928. Of course, you already know that my Gramma Jewel graduated Class of 1957, and my Great Aunt Reesie graduated Class of 1959.

And now, after fifty-three years, it’s my turn. If The Lord says the same, then in April of 2016, I—Natasha Renee Stewart—will have earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. And who knows? My children and/or grandchildren will follow suit.

Until next time, see ya later!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha