Black History Corner

VIRGO August 23 - September 22 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.

- 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.

August 29

Cultivate your self-confidence and don't give way to moods so easily. You are impetuous, vivacious, sometimes unsteady in your judgment, and generally very interesting. You enjoy social excitement and pleasures, but you are also capable of being serious when necessary. You are winsome and loving.

1846 John Wesley Cromwell, a lawyer, teacher, journalist, and founder of the Bethel Literary and Historical Society and the American Negro Academy, was born in Portsmouth, VA.

1859 James H. Stewart, a teacher and member of the Texas Legislature, was born in Caddo Parish, LA.

1869 Harriet Wilson's novel Our Nig, became the first book published in the United States by an African American woman.

1877 (Thasunke Wilko) Crazy Horse, a Lakota war leader, dies in Fort Robinson, NE.

1883 L.C. Bailey was awarded patent 285,545 for a combined truss and bandage.

1889 E.H. West was awarded patent 632,385 for a weather shield.

1889 (Elwood) Bingo DeMoss, a Negro League Baseball player, was born in Topeka, KS.

1892 Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, a chef and inventor (hot biscuit mix), was born in Crockett, TX.