Black History Corner

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23 OCTOBER 22 LIBRA - The Harmonizer Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic and very social. Hate to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

- by Adelaide Abdur-Rahman [e-mail]

The Sapphire is the stone for the month of September

An ancient Persian legend states that the earth rests on a large sapphire and the blue of the sky comes from the gem's reflection. Medieval priests and monks wore sapphire believing they would prevent evil impulses and thoughts. It was once thought that, if a poisonous snake were put into a container with a sapphire, the rays from the gem would kill it. Sapphire was believed to turn evil sorcery and negative spells back against the sender and provide advance warning of hidden dangers. Ancient writers claimed the Ten Commandments were written on sapphire, making this gem most sacred. Sapphire has long symbolized truth sincerity and faithfulness. If its luster dulled when worn by a spouse, it was believed that person had been unfaithful.

September 26

You have literary ability and read a great deal. You are ambitious, energetic, positive, and quite often stubborn. You will do a lot for love, but will not be driven. You have many friends and are popular with them. Your love is deep and steadfast.

1795 Alexander Lucius Twilight, the first African American to earn a bachelor's degree from an American college or university (Middlebury College), was born in Corinth, VT.

1889 John Lee Love, the inventor of the pencil sharpener, was born in Fall River, MA.

1899 Elijah J. McCoy was awarded patent 631,549 for a lawn sprinkler design.

1899 William Dawson, a composer, musician, and developer of the Tuskegee Choir, was born in Anniston, AL

1906 Ellen Tarry, an author of literature for children and young adults, and the first African American to publish a picture book, was born in Birmingham, Alabama.

1924 Volma Overton, former president of the NAACP's Austin, Texas chapter, was born in Maha, TX.

1928 (Elvia) Vi Reed, a jazz saxophone player, vocalist, and educator, was born in Los Angeles, CA.