Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine Special Edition 2018

THE MAGAZINE

February/March 2018 - Issue 15

Special Edition Jeannette Smith Page 12 Ruby Wilson Page 17

Mississippi Legends Ball Page 25

Salmeilia Stewart Page 21

Highlight/ Spotlight Reel

Mrs. Peggy Connor Page 22 Jessica Homeyer Page 32

Page 40

Rebecca Steen Page 36

Leola Dillard Page 5

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Joanne’s

Desk

CEO, Publisher & Editor Joanne Bell Cover Photo Joanne Bell 4 Girls 1 Boy/Adobe Stock Contributing Writers Jessica Homeyer Rebecca Steen Salmeilia Stewart Layout Design Michelle Zischke Facebook Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine Subscribe!

Visit: bit.ly/joannemag Contact us at: woman2woman.joanne@ yahoo.com

BY JOANNE BELL, FOUNDER

I

n this special edition we wanted to combine Black History Month and Women’s History Month together to take a look at some of Mississippi’s own Legends that fought during the Civil Rights Movement and made a difference not just in their community but in the state of Mississippi as a whole.

I am elated to have had the opportunity to sit down and talk with these Mississippi Jewels as they enlightened me in so many

ways. My true pleasure was meeting our 106 year old jewel from Yazoo City, MS and I am so happy to be able to share a part of her story with you.

Take a minute to read the stories and highlights of these women as they allow Woman To Woman With Joanne The Magazine to share a part of their story with the world.

Love ya much!

In This Issue

Joanne

●● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 601-398-6733 P.O. Box 2031 Ridgeland, Ms 39158 All rights reserved. No portion of Woman to Woman with Joanne may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Woman to Woman with Joanne is not responisble for opinions expressed by its writers.

Woman to Woman with Joanne maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material.

All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Woman to Woman is funded by advertising and sponsorship.

Cover Story: Leola Dillard..............................................................................5-8 Spotlight: Jeannette Smith......................................................................12-14 Spotlight: Ruby Wilson.................................................................................17-18 Time Is Up: S. Stewart...........................................................................................21 Remembering Mrs. Peggy Jean Connor..........................................22-23 Second Annual MS Legends Ball...........................................................25-30 Four Little Princesses: Jessica Homeyer.........................................32-33 Movie Review - My Wakanda: Rebecca Steen.............................36-37 Beautiful AND Black: Rebecca Steen........................................................38 Highlight/Spotlight Reel...........................................................................40-44 Upcoming Events for 2018...............................................................................45

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Cover Story:

Leola Dillard

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W

oman To Woman With Joanne had the pleasure of

sitting down with Mrs. Leola Dillard, the gem of Yazoo City. She is 106 years young and still ticking along. Her beautiful spirit made my spirit smile and I am so happy to be able to share a part of her history with you.

Leola Dillard was born in Yazoo County on February 6, 1912 and was raised in Liberty, MS where she attended Liberty Baptist Church.

better themselves. I also encouraged them to stay there so that they could help them find a job. I was able to work after school since my husband was a farmer and could be at home with the children. I was 20 years old when I married my late husband and together we had 9 children. Now I have 7 living children, 6 girls and 1 boy.

I remember when I lived on the

plantation and it was time for school to open. I told my children to put their work down so they could get ready to go to school, because they worked “I grew up very good because it on the farm as well. I remember was just one me and I had very good support from my parents. I think my real work having to tell the owner I went to school in Yazoo started after retiring. of the plantation that my children were going to City through 12th grade. school and they would finish the crop I worked as a teacher on an emergency on Saturdays, but they were going to license for a while until I completed school. He told me that I was ruining college. I went to Alcorn State University for a while then I transferred his people because it was tradition that the kids stayed and worked the farm to Jackson State University. I taught until the crop came in. So we had to school for 27 years. move and find another place to live.

I was the first black person to

work at the Mississippi Employment Office housed in Yazoo County. While working there I was able to help so many blacks find jobs. And I was able to help a lot of the troubled children get out of jail and into Job Corps. I would go to their homes at night to talk with their families about sending their children to Job Corps to help

necessities. People brought all types of clothes and furniture to give away.

I was doing the make a difference day and I used my own money to do it.

It started small but it turned out to be a big thing. People from all over Yazoo County and other states started donating and giving things for the free flea market. People mailed things from Washington DC and Tennessee, and it just grew and grew. I was just surprised at all the nice things that people donated and the people couldn’t believe it was free. They would line up early. I remember I had to put a line up to keep them from coming in before prayer. But we never had any major incidents at all.

The people from Washington DC, USA Magazine were made aware

of it and I was selected as one of the top 10 people in the country. USA Magazine flew me out to Washington, DC and I was honored with Senator Ted Kennedy, and Oran Hatch. They had tall banner pictures of me up there Like I said earlier, I was a teacher with the big people. Usher the singer for 27 years but I was also honored there I was just surprised at all think my real work but I was older and started after retiring. the nice things that people had no clue who he donated and the people was. I thought he was I started a free flea market in Yazoo to couldn’t believe it was free. an usher at the door help people who and I thought it was so were less fortunate. I used to give away nice that the usher wanted to take a school supplies, bibles and personal picture with me. So Usher and his big

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entourage comes over taking pictures and he was real sweet. He was talking with me and being so sweet. I finally told him that he better get back to his door, we didn’t want him to lose his job.

He just smiled and said, yes ma’am.

They also gave me 10k to help with charitable organizations.

When I first moved to town in

Yazoo City, MS, that was an interesting thing to me. All down the street we had outside toilets. So I got a cesspool (septic tank) built, and it got messed up in a year. So I went down to the Mayors meeting. They wouldn’t let me come up to the audience so I had to stay in the back and they sent someone back there to ask what did I want. I told them we needed sewage down Ethel Street. He told me to get a book and go to everybody on the street and ask them if they want an indoor toilet. I would have to get them to sign it. So I asked a few people and they said no because they had signed one thing

before and they couldn’t buy food or anything.

So when I went back there I told

them that the people were afraid to sign for fear of not being able to buy food and goods. They said that’s alright we will just leave a slot at everybody’s house and if they decide to they could build an indoor toilet. So they started the next day building the toilets. I was so proud and happy about that.

The next incident happened

when a little girl got hurt while playing in the street. I decided we needed a safe place for the children to play, so I went back to the Mayors meeting and had to sit in the back again. When I told them what happened and what we wanted to do, they told me to find a spot and they would pay for a playground to be built. So we found a spot for the playground and they came right on and put nice equipment in and fixed it up really nice for the children. They even gave me money

to hire someone to clean the park up, they also gave me money to hire some children. Even now some of those children, now adults, come and tell me how thankful they are for me giving them their first job.

I also started a club where I

took the at risk kids all over the United States so that they could have different experiences. Some people had never even been to Jackson, MS.”

We asked Mrs. Dillard what

advice she would leave behind for anyone looking to make a difference and she shared a poem that she learned when she was a little girl.

“I hear the clock ticking as it sits up on the wall. Tick, tick, ticking time away from us all.

As it ticks you dream dreams.

But that dream gets you nowhere unless you get up and do something about it.”

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Spotlight: Jeannette

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Smith

M

rs. Jeannette Smith was

born and raised in Jones County, in Soso Mississippi.

Her Great Grandfather was Newt Knight and they were a part of the mixed Negros in the Free State of Jones.

“We weren’t taught race.

other African-Americans.

“I met many people whose

names do appear in history books, the same books that omit the stories of other local activists’ who worked in the struggle.”

Mrs. Smith has continued

We were taught about people and we her service in the NAACP and as a were taught to look after our people. community servant. She partnered We were a talented with her husband in We weren’t taught race. and smart people. We his years of service We were taught about were hard working, we and as a leader in knew how to can and people and we were taught the civil right causes to look after our people. of our community. preserve food and my Great Grandmother She led the Forrest even knew how to stuff animals.

County Chapter of the NAACP following the death of her husband Dr. C. E. Smith and she continues Growing up we were taught the true value of people and not about the to work with the local branch. She color of their skin. Racism is taught and chaired the Life Membership and that’s a shame. I hated the way negroes originated the Golden Heritage Membership of the State of were being treated and the limits that Mississippi Chapter of the NAACP as racism placed on us.” well. She was also the first African American Election Commissioner in She was 24 years old when Ward 2 in Hattiesburg, Ms. she married her husband, C.E. Smith.

“My husband was a doctor, he was “We didn’t come down here actually the first black to integrate Forrest General Hospital in 1959. When from outside Mississippi representing he came to Hattiesburg in 1958, he churches…organizations. We weren’t established a general practice in the documenting any history. We were black community. He We were fighting because fighting because we was also the President we wanted our rights. wanted our rights. of the Forrest County We were tired of Chapter of the NAACP. He was also being treated like less than a firstone of the founders of Francis Street class citizen. It’s hard to be a black Apartments. I was so proud of him.” person and not fight for your rights.

It’s important to talk about the past injustices so they are not repeated. If Mrs. Smith says she fought for you don’t know where you’ve been, our voting rights and civil rights in you don’t know where you’re going.”

Hattiesburg, Mississippi because she wanted a different life for herself and

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R

uby Jewel Burkett Wilson

was born in Prentiss, MS to Mr. Lanier and Mrs. Garretta (Norwood) Burkett, the middle child of five siblings. When she was only two months old, her parents moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi where she grew up. She attended the Hattiesburg Public Schools, and Piney Woods School.

She completed her undergraduate

work at Tougaloo College, and received her Master’s Degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York. She taught school in the Hattiesburg Public Schools for 12 years and 21 years in Spring Valley, New York before retiring and returning to Hattiesburg for a slower pace and warm weather!!!

The late Peggy Jean Gould

Connor, who was Ruby's beautician at the time, was instrumental in persuading her to go and register to vote. Just a note that Peggy Jean Connor has been honored numerous times for her stand on Civil Rights.

Ruby was active in pushing to get people out to vote, stressing to her students to insist that their parents go and register to vote. She took the test that had been prepared just for “Blacks” to fail, and of course Theron Lynd who was the Chancery Clerk

Spotlight: Ruby Jewel Burkett Wilson

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •17

at that time said that she had failed, and let her know she can come again to take the test. The Department of Justice intervened in 1964 and asked if she and her husband, along with other professionals would be willing to testify against Lynd and they agreed to do so.

After the Judge listened to what Ruby had written, he told the United States Attorney General (John Doar) that he could not have given a better answer himself, and granted Ruby and Samuel the right to become registered voters.

While at Piney Woods School,

Ruby played clarinet in the school band, and served as Student Director.

She sang in the school’s Glee Club, and traveled Ruby was active in pushing throughout the to get people out to vote, United States stressing to her students to with a group insist that their parents go and of girls known register to vote. as “the Piney Woods Sextet” and nationally known as “The Cotton Blossom Singers”. They spent several summers on the road raising funds for the school. These six young girls ranging in age (13-15 years old) were the youngest group to tour, and they raised the most money than any group that went out from the school, thereby enabling many underprivileged students to attend Piney Woods, graduate and become productive citizens in society.

Through the years, Ruby has

played piano and organ for several churches in Hattiesburg and New York.

For the last 58 years, she

has been married to Samuel Earl Wilson, III. Ruby is a member of Zion Chapel AME Church, where she serves as a stewardess, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, NAACP, and Kappa Silhouettes.

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Call : 601-398-6733 or email : woman2woman. joanne@yahoo.com for more info.

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“TIME IS UP” By: Salmeilia Stewart

O

n the night of the 2018 enough was enough. She refused to Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey remain silent and wanted the entire captivated the hearts and world to see what they had done to minds of women everywhere when she her son. Mamie Till’s stance inspired gave a compelling speech in support another lady to refuse to get up from of the “Time’s Up” movement. A her seat on a bus during the rebellious movement that has taken a bold stance Jim Crow Era, that lady was Rosa against sexual harassment, sexual Parks. Mamie Till’s act of boldness and assault, and inequality in the workplace. truth changed an entire generation.

Women across the country believed Emmett Till was the catalyst that the price to remain silent was far started the Civil Rights Movement. greater than the price to pay to speak Susan B. Anthony was the driving force out. I too, can attest that I have held of the women’s suffrage movement. my head down, turn the other cheek, She decided not to remain silent or turn a blind eye against not only the You matter, your ideas discriminating of white in moments where and talents matter, and women, but injustice I felt compelled to speak up and simply the essence of and discrimination of say something. Far who you are matters. race and gender of too long I have all people. She was forsaken the truth for the comfort and deeply self conscious of her looks and convenience of a lie, but time is up! speaking abilities but she persevered inspite of her fears and shortcomings.

Time is up for us as women to ask for permission. A wise person once Soujner Truth, Ida B. Wells, said it’s better to ask for forgiveness Mamie Till, Rosa Parks, and than to ask for permission. As women, Susan B. Anthony were all women we can support our families, our who refused to ask for permission husband, even our neighbor’s cat and to be heard. They knew they had to dog, everybody but ourselves. We stand in the gap for all the women can be the biggest decision maker whose voices couldn’t be heard. The and cheerleader for everyone but magazine you are reading today is a ourselves. Our voice must be heard! contemplation of women who insist When we liberate ourselves, we on allowing their voices to be heard. give other women permission to be Joanne Bell decided to create a themselves. History has repeatedly magazine entitled Woman to Woman shown that when one person stands with Joanne to help tell the stories of other people will follow. women in Mississippi who were often overlooked. She wanted to change Mamie Till could have allowed the narrative of a state that is haunted the tragedy of her son to have just with the ghost of racism, poverty, been one name added to a long list and illiteracy to showcase women in of lynched black men in the south.

Mississippi who embrace creativity, Instead she used the death of her son innovation, and growth. Stories of to serve as a notice to the world that women who have endured tragedy but

have found a way to triumph. Stories of victory and defeat, with many surprises along the way. You don’t have to look to the New York Times Best Seller List to find compelling stories from women. From cover to cover of this magazine is filled with women who are making a difference, building bridges, and creating a better tomorrow for the next generation to come.

I believe life truly begins when you recognize that your life is not your own. You matter, your ideas and talents matter, and simply the essence of who you are matters. We have to fight for women who can’t be heard.

In America, women still get paid less than their male counter parts. Our voice must be heard. Unarmed black men and women are being killed by the police, our voices must be heard.

In America we have the liberty of the first amendment, freedom of speech but that is not the case in countries like India. In the words of Fannie Lou Hammer “You are not free until we all free.” As we continue to lift our voices we will empower other women around the world to stand up and lift their voice.

Salmeilia Stewart Photo Credit: sergign/Adobe Stock WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •21

Remembering Mrs. Peggy Jean Connor

M

rs. Connor attended

Eureka High School, Alcorn Extension at Royal Street High School, and Garrett’s Beauty School. She graduated from Garrett’s in August of 1946, becoming a licensed beautician by age fourteen. At twentyone, Mrs. Connor was owner and operator of Jean’s Beauty Shop in

Hattiesubrg. Peggy Jean Connor held office in two Mississippi-based Civil Rights Organizations in the 1960’s, serving as Secretary Treasurer of the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO) in Hattiesburg and as Executive Secretary of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP).

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Mrs. Connor co-founded the

MFDP with two other activists, Victoria Jackson Gray and J.C. Fairley. While serving as Executive Secretary, Mrs. Connor attended the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey and offered her name to the Peggy Jean Connor et al. vs. Pau B. Johnson, Jr. suit in favor of legislative

reapportionment in the state of Mississippi. Paul B. Johnson, Jr. was the Governor of Mississippi at the time of the trial. The suit was filed in 1965 and a verdict was reached fourteen years later.

Mrs. Connor contributed on a

more personal level to the struggle for Civil Rights in Hattiesburg. In 1962 and 1963, Mrs. Connor taught citizenship classes at True Light Baptist Church under the auspice of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). She was arrested in April 1964 for picketing for the voting rights at the Forrest County Courthouse. She was also the plaintiff in a suit filed in her favor against Owl Drug Store, who refused her service due to the color of her skin. Mrs. Connor spoke on the life she remembered as a Freedom Summer activist. Mrs. Connor was in charge of running a precinct in Hattiesburg, there were 12 precincts in Hattiesburg at the time.

Eighteen African Americans paid poll taxes at age 21. Connor’s seventh-

grade teacher, who taught her citizenship told the class, “Go register to vote when you turn 21.” Connor said she figured out later the reason the teacher was telling the class to go vote at 21, it was because she couldn’t go vote herself.

Mrs. Connor was involved in

numerous educational, civic, social and religious organizations in the Hattiesburg Community. Her service was not unnoticed. Mrs. Connor had a unique ability to connect with and unite people. Her legacy will live on in the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & the future The Historic Eureka School Museum.

It was the total privilege of

Woman To Woman With Joanne to honor and remember Mrs. Peggy Jean Connor during our Second Annual Mississippi Legends Ball. May her legacy live on forever.

Mrs. Connor had a unique ability to connect with and unite people. Her legacy will live on in the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum & the future The Historic Eureka School Museum.

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PRESENTS THE SECOND ANNUAL MISSISSIPPI LEGENDS BALL Honoring Women who fought for our Civil Rights and who made an impact in the community March 9, 2018 7 pm - 9pm

Photo Credit: Phillip Washington

Background Image: sherricrystal/Adobe Stock

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Special Performance by world-renowned

Opera Singer Bridget Bazile

Special Tribute to

Mamie Till, mother of Emmett Till

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Honorees

Mrs. Ruby Wilson

P Mrs. Leola Dillard

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Photo Booth

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“Four Little Princesses”

By Jessica Homeyer

“I am a princess. All girls are.”

— Sara Crewe, “A Little Princess”

T

he warm August breeze blew in through the window of Room 14 at Saint Paul’s as I stood in the doorway, supplies in hand. I’d worked there three weeks under supervision, and it was time to fly on my own. Two women sat at a low table in the center of the room.

“Good morning!” the older one greeted me warmly.

“Hi,” I answered, glancing around awkwardly. “I’m here to teach Sunday School.”

“Well, come on in!” the woman replied, smiling. “We don’t have any kids right now, but you’re welcome to set up anywhere.”

I ventured further inside.

“Thanks,” I smiled. “I’ll just be over here.”

I set my bag on a low table near the play area and unpacked my Bible, notebook, and story board. With everything laid out, I surveyed the nursery to check that

everything was in its place. In the corner, the costumes lay in wait to adorn my students. Along the back wall, the child’s kitchenette stood laden with play food fit for a queen, for that was why we were there.

I scanned my notes and tried to swallow a lump in my throat. I didn’t have long to ponder, for soon the door opened and four girls ran in, followed by their parents. The instant they shed their coats, they made a beeline for the dolls.

With only forty-five minutes to teach my lesson, I sat on the floor and gathered the children in a semicircle around me.

“Today we’re going to learn about Esther,” I began. “Has anybody heard her story?”

“No,” the children replied.

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“She was a young girl just like you who God used to save her people,” I said.

“The king searched far and wide for a queen, but couldn’t find one.

Then he met Esther. Soon after, they fell in love and were married.

They grew to love and trust each other and the king took to heart the things Esther told him.”

I opened the trifold and revealed a picture of Esther bringing food to the king.

I frowned and pretended to be sad. “Rats!” I said. Dejected, I went to see the two girls at the table.

“What are you going to make the king?” I asked.

“Because of this, over an important dinner, Esther could tell him the bad situation her people were in and the king helped her. In the end, Esther was able to save her people.” I closed the trifold. “Today, we get to pretend to be princesses and make a feast of our own!”

“Hooray!” the girls cheered.

They dashed off to prepare their feast. Meanwhile, the nursery workers made the girls crowns.

I peeked over the shoulder of the girl who stood at the toy stove.

“What are you making?” I asked.

“Macaroni and Cheese,” she said.

I licked my lips. “Can I come to your house for dinner?” I asked her.

The girl giggled. She stared hard at me, then said, “Mm, no.”

“I’m making peanut butter and jelly,” one said.

“I’m making cupcakes,” said the other.

I nodded. “Looks like you have it under control,” I said. “I’ll leave you to it.”

I sat back and watched the princesses at work. While they bustled about the kitchen, I asked, “What kinds of food do you think Esther served the king?”

“Hamburgers!” One girl yelled.

I tried to smother a laugh. “Mm, I don’t think they had hamburgers back then,” I told her. “What else?”

“Cake!” Another offered.

“There wasn’t pizza back then,” I said. “But those are all good ideas.

What would you serve the king if you could?”

“Candy,” a girl said.

“I’m sure they had their own candy back then,” I replied. “They’d save it for after the meal, though.”

The preparation complete, it was time to get dressed. Giggling, the girls ran about, pulling out skirts, dresses, a doctor’s coat that was used as a cape, and headwear.

The mandatory mirror check was made to see that everything was perfect and before long, the four “Esthers” were ready to meet their king.

Adorned in dresses fit for royalty, and a gold crown decorated by their own hand, the girls sat down to their feast. Never before had such beautiful, kind, generous ladies graced the kingdom with dignity and servitude.

“They could have,” I said.

“Pizza,” the two-year-old chimed in.

Jessica Homeyer Photo Credit: ellenamani/ Adobe Stock Vector Art: vecteezy.com WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •33

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By Rebecca E. Steen

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MOVIE REVIEW “Why are black people so excited for this movie?”

Growing up...my skin color was my shame.

Black was not beautiful or desirable.

And it most certainly wasn’t powerful, intelligent, or compelling.

I had no black women to admire on the big screen - only sassy stereotypes who worked their necks for a cheap laugh.

I remember crying when I was given a black Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas because the white one was so much prettier, and I could have styled her hair.

I wondered what man would want a girl like me - a girl who was never portrayed as beautiful. So I longed for pale skin that would surely make me more becoming.

I was fourteen when Princess Tiana was introduced to the world, and I felt such joy knowing little girls would get dress up like her. Tiana was beautiful, determined, and passionate. That’s what I had missed out on - what I had longed for so dearly.

But I got my princess.

MY VALIDATION. MY INCLUSION. So why the big fuss over Black Panther?

Because black men are not often portrayed as strong. The black man

BLACK PANTHER is the wisecracking sidekick who is always the butt of the joke. He’s the stereotype and he’s loud and proud about it. He’s the one who dies first or the one announcing that he didn’t die first. His entire identity is Token Black Friend.

He is not eloquent.

He is not a leader.

And a black cast that’s not telling the story of slavery or drug warfare... never heard of it.

So there’s a reason why black people are flocking to this movie - because it's unique. The same reason why the theater was sold out and we had to drive back and forth across town trying to buy tickets. The same reason why the line curled around the inside of the building - people eagerly awaiting an experience at 10pm. The same reason why I dressed in the brightest colors I owned and walked confidently into the building. Because rarely are black people captured on the screen in a way that makes you proud to share their color. That’s a sad fact.

Black Panther was everything I ever wanted. Strong black men and women, proud of their African heritage, kicked butt on the big screen. The women were dignified, but fierce. Everyone commanded respect and received their due. They weren’t yelling at the police. Or setting buildings on fire. And much as I enjoyed myself, ten minutes into the film, I felt overwhelming sadness. For the first time in years, I mourned a culture I would never know. The country and customs that I would never call my own.

The dances, and colors that continued to yield little meaning to me...because I’m Black and nothing else.

The last five minutes of the movie were obscured by my tears. I had not allowed myself to be that sad in years. Michael B. Jordan’s character says, “Bury me in the ocean with my ancestors who jumped from ships, cause they knew death was better than bondage.” That’s when I lost it.

My tears flowed freely through all of the end credits scenes, before I stood up quietly to leave the theater.

Black Panther wasn’t afraid to be real or uncomfortable or intense.

Yet, I didn’t feel an agenda being shoved down my throat, instead I felt a painful longing to be apart of something so much bigger than myself.

A LAND. A PEOPLE. A CULTURE. This will be my quest - to find my place as a Black American.

MY WAKANDA. FOREVER.

Photo Credit: Leonid Tit/Adobe Stock

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BEAUTIFUL AND BLACK

By Rebecca E. Steen

Words don’t typically get under my skin.

Really?

Its a pretty big point of pride with me,

Was it so hard to look at me?

To not care how a person reacts or thinks.

Was my dark complexion so unworthy of the term...pretty?

Yet, one little word got under my skin

That was what this woman seemed to think.

And into my blood like an infectious disease.

As she patted her small daughter's hand

Spreading, taking over, and devouring

And instructed her to be kinder to those dark-skinned freaks,

With every beat of my aching, weary heart.

The Word “but”...

That’s what I hear everyday.

Small, but powerful enough to divide

CHANGE (and maybe they'll love you)

sentences and contradict phrases.

CHANGE (and maybe you'll fit in)

Yet alone, seems so harmless

Talk softer, look meeker,

BUT, when I heard it inch its way

Tame your hair and imitate their words

Out of that pale woman’s mouth,

And demeanor, and still MAYBE...just maybe

suddenly...it was the longest, largest word

They’ll love you.

Ever uttered as it divided The Us and Them so definitively.

But no...I was raised to serve a mighty God

“They’re black, BUT they’re beautiful.”

Who called my worth far more than gold.

I went cold inside.

My God who found a treasure in the field - ordinary me -

Black but beautiful...

And preceded to sell everything so that I could be His own.

Black but beautiful...

The God who knew me,

Black BUT beautiful!

Foretold me, before my mother’s womb, He drew me, and called me “Very good.”

It was as if I’d been born with a terminal disease

I am the “very good creation” for which my Savior died

That was stealing my days in secret.

All so that I would never have to leave his side.

The woman had pointed out my horrible affliction,

I am the handiwork that pleases the Father.

That, if I managed to show resistance,

Fearfully He made me and called me Wonderful

would not stop me from rising up

So I call myself, Black AND Beautiful.

And going to the distance to “Acceptable Looking”

38 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 15•February/March 2018

Highlight Reel On The Cover (In order by appearance)

Joanne Bell

2017

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40 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 15•February/March 2018

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2017 Spotlight (In alphabetical order by first name)

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •41

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42 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 15•February/March 2018

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Guest Writers (In alphabetical order by first name)

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WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •43

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Photo Credit: nobeastsofierce/Adobe Stock 44 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 15•February/March 2018

Upcoming Events for

2018 Woman To Woman With Joanne’s Let’s Talk Sessions provide a safe environment for women to come and share whatever is on their heart - burdens, struggles, joys. We invite women to share openly without fear of being judged, talked about, or broadcast all over social media.

Let’s Talk Sessions are held at the Mantle once a month.

April

April 27th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

July

July 19th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

May

May 24th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

August

August 16th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

June

June 28th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

September

September 20th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

August 31st - A Night Of Worship Through The Arts (Time and Location coming soon)

October

October 18th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

November

November 15th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

December

December 14th - Let’s Talk Session, 7pm - 8pm 622 Duling Ave, Jackson, MS 39216

WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •45

46 • WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE • Issue 14•January 2018

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS State Bank & Trust Renasant Bank Allstate Steven James Agency DMD Event Planning & Design Rashida Long Photography John Gooch Kenny Crews Dr. Timothy Quinn Sanjo Security Systems CNC Integrated Payment Systems WOMAN TO WOMAN WITH JOANNE: THE MAGAZINE •47