Black History Corner

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

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 23

You have an alert mind, and you learn quickly. You are observant and can readily do what you have seen others do. You lack originality, but you are careful and prudent. You are honest, considerate, and friendly. You enjoy attention, and when the attention is not forthcoming, you do not complain.

1795 Alexander Lucius Twilight, the first African American known to have earned a bachelor's degree from an American college or university, was born in Corinth, VT.

1863 Mary Eliza Church Terrell, the first African American woman to earn a college degree, was born in Memphis, TN.

1884 Judy W. Reed became the first African American woman to be awarded a patent (305,474) for a dough kneader and roller.

1906 (Bahadur) Bardu Ali, a bandleader and Redd Foxx's manager, was born in New Orleans, LA.

1907 (Myron Carlton) Tiny Bradshaw, a rhythm and blues composer and singer (notably "Well Oh Well"), was born in Youngstown, OH.

1907 Albert Ammons, a boogie-woogie and bluesy jazz pianist, was born in Chicago, IL.