Black History Corner

VIRGO August 23 - September 22

- by Adelaide Abdur-Rahman

VIRGO The Perfectionist Dominant in relationships. Conservative. He always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

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 16

Your tastes are simple, but excellent. You are domestic and require pleasant and harmonious surroundings, in which you can love and be loved. Demonstrative, impulsive, and somewhat jealous, you are easy to please and should take care in choosing your mate.

1861 Miriam E. Benjamin, a schoolteacher and inventor (Gong and Signal Chair for Hotels), was born in Charleston, SC.

1867 William Othello Wilson, a recipient of the Medal of Honor, was born in Hagerstown, MD.

1884 (Edward Goodwin) E.G. Tatum, an actor (Within Our Gates), was born in Vidalia, LA.

1889 Claude A. Barnett, founder of the Associated Negro Press, was born in Sanford, FL.

1896 Lester Blackwell Granger, an organizer of the Los Angeles, California chapter of the National Urban League, was born in Newport News, VA.