Just a few days ago, I spoke with a nice conservative black man about finding a mate. He told me what he wanted so I sent him my preliminary questions to begin. He did not get back to me, which made me raise an eyebrow. Finding that I was Facebook friends with a lady with the same last name as this man in the same town made me raise the other eyebrow. So I sent her an email to ask what this man was if anything to her. She replied with a simple question: “Why?” I told her that I was speaking to this man about possible matchmaking. I told them that I usually assist with swirling couples but was all to happy to help a nice brother out if he was available. What she sent me back made me fall over laughing. She told me that she and this man had been married for 21 years and had four beautiful children. That was not funny. What made me laugh was her next statement. The woman invited me to find somebody for him because he had just become available. I unfriended him right away and kept her. She was not mad at me, but I was mad for her. We all know many of the same people and it may make things a little awkward if others know what her husband was trying to do.

I know it is hard out there ladies, but you have got to be on your A game when vetting potential mates. Some you will know are playing games right away, some may take a little longer. You don’t have to hire a private investigator (unless you are so inclined and have the money), but there are clues and signs that you should always pay attention to in these matters. The main one is once again that funny feeling that you have that something is even just a tad bit off base. Family and societal pressures can influence us, the biological clock and heck, loneliness can help prevent us from going with our gut when we know deep down this man is not for you. You’ll only pay for it the end.

Watch the devastating story of my friend Joy Richardson who was featured on Monday’s episode of TvOne’s new show Deceived. Joy is a great woman doing well and is willing to share her story to help others avoid her mistake of not going with her first instinct about a man who turned her life upside down.

Dr. Misee Harris

We Were Ready

Although America was ready for a black Bachelorette, The ABC Bachelorette franchise passed on a grand opportunity to select Dr. Misee Harris who was poised to be the first. Oh well, its their loss. Dr. Harris launched a social media campaign that took her on a whirlwind tour of television and radio talk shows and a myriad of magazine and blog interviews. On the way to becoming a super reality (and actual) star, this beautiful dentist inspired many Americans and garnered some 50,000 Facebook and Twitter fans to cheer her on. As well, Dr. Harris got some hate mail but she always kept it real without breaking a sweat.

Not to be defeated by ABC’s decision without so much as even a tweet from them, Dr. Harris’ creative thinking serendipitously made her an instant celebrity. Dr. Harris’ new found status enabled her to reach what was actually her goal all along — to be in a position to better help children. Dr. Harris promotes the good dental hygiene in children and is dedicated to providing access to the highest standard of dental care. As a result Dr. Harris can provide some free care locally via a dental bus similar to the one operated by the University of Kentucky that goes into underserved areas. Dr. Harris also has plans to make more mission trips both nationally and globally.

Dr. Harris presents her research at a Kentucky Dental Association Meeting

Mobile Dental Clinic

Bachelorette Who?

What ABC passed on, sparked interest in others who flooded Dr. Harris’ inbox and left endless messages on her phone. Let’s see who came calling…. Steve Harvey,  is one of many who are still under wraps.  Dr. Harris got so many offers, she could not possibly accept them all, but she did accept one to do a major movie  — and they’re still coming. I ain’t mad at her. There is also talk of at reality shows, numerous endorsements and opportunities Dr. Harris could never have imagined when she embarked on this journey. On April 4th, Dr. Harris will be making an appearance in Chicago. She was requested to host a major fashion event where 20 businesses will be revealing their brands. Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars designer Uli Herzner designed all of the fashions that will be worn by stunning models. Herzner is also designing Dr. Harris’ dress. This is all surreal to Dr. Harris.  “How could I pass that up?” asked Dr. Harris. “I had to say yes and stop eating nachos that day.” She wants to fit into that dress as Dr. Harris chuckles, but knows this is serious business and gave up her one junk food weakness. The event is open to the public for those in Chicago. So go and check out the fashions and you may even get a chance to meet  Dr. Harris.

Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars designer Uli Herzner

The Steve Harvey Show

Charity and Diana Tracy

Many have already benefitted from Dr. Harris’ charity efforts. She started giving shoes to needy children, and is now in the middle of a campaign to provide prom dresses to girls who could not otherwise have one and attend her prom. As photo shoots became second nature to Dr. Harris, she offered an opportunity for a few young ladies to join her. That venture ignited an interest in Dr. Harris further mentoring and inspiring young women to be and do their best. She is already being bombarded for requests for the sisters who won the first photo shoot competition to model and make appearances. Dr. Harris has also been tapped to model the exquisite, hand crafted jewelry creations of the Canadian Diana Tracy Collection. She is now international!

Diana Tracy Collection – DTC Canada

Diana Tracy Collection

Dr. Harris Has a Big Heart

Dr. Harris is also in the beginning stages of developing her own nonprofit charity that will benefit young women and girls, in addition to the charitable efforts she has done since before becoming a dentist. One of Dr. Harris’ future charitable activities will be teaming up with Los Angeles based famed attorney, activist and author Areva Martin whose Special Needs Network benefits children and adults with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. April is Autism Awareness Month so this goes hand in hand with some of the services Dr. Harris already provides to special needs patients in the greater Lexington area many of whom with autism.

Areva Martin, Esq.

The Autism Society

Project Prom coordinated with Dr. Harris  Help Dr. Harris find this prom dress!

Dr. Harris with photo shoot winners and Junior models Grace & Miranda Maas. They are the daughters of Darren and Rebecca Maas. These young ladies are realizing their dreams of becoming models. They can now reach out to other girls, do charity work and inspire. Grand and wonderful opportunities are in store for Grace and Miranda. Watch out for them!

Grace Maas

Twitter: @gracemaasmodel Instagram: @gracemaas

Miranda Maas

Twitter: @themodelmiranda Instagram: @mirandamaas1

Could Love Be In The Air?

As one can imagine, Dr. Harris was inundated with offers from men all over the country wanting to be her bachelor. She chose to pass on the offers but still wants the potential suitors to find their bachelorettes. She has enlisted the help of your’s truly Swirl Queen to help out some of the fellas should they so desire. This is a call for marriage minded men to send a video of 5 minutes or less (or questions) to Swirling and Marriage detailing what he is seeking in a wife, what he does, if he is willing to relocate or relocate his future wife where he is, children and the usual one would detail in an introduction. This is only the beginning of an extensive vetting process, not swirling exclusive and uhm, it is not free. As in life, there are no guarantees, but I have large clientele of mainly beautiful black women who are ready for marriage, so maybe we can a match. Thank Dr. Harris for the opportunity.

As we watch Dr. Harris on her continued journey of greatness, let’s not forget that she is just a hometown girl who had big dreams. She figured out a way to make them come true. Dr. Harris inspires everyone she touches. And just who inspires Dr. Harris??? Her Mama, her bestie.

Misee Harris Official Website

Follow or contact Dr Harris on Facebook and on Twitter @MiseeHarris

Misee Harris DMD, University of Kentucky, Pediatric Dental Resident

Dr. Misee Harris, dentist, philanthropist, speaker model, actress and shero

Photo Credits:

Sandra Goble Burchett of Sandra Dee’s Photography (of Nicholasville and Lexington Ky) is largely behind Dr. Harris’ photo introduction to the world and subsequent photo shoots. Her unique logo is prominent and unmistakable in many of Dr. Harris and the Maas sisters’ photographs. See more of Sandra’s fabulous pictures and at her website blog. Follow Sandra on Facebook and contact her to book photo shoots or info.

Kathryn Dunham and Graham Pratt

Actress Hilda Simms and husband Jet Mag Mar 19, 1953

Weren’t they a lovely couple? Stephen Fratallone, writing for”Jazz Connection Magazine” quotes Louie on racial incidents during their marriage.

“Because Pearl was the kind of lady she was, there were many people who by-passed that,” Bellson said. “She was one of those people everyone loved. We had a few incidents over the years, but not many. I received a letter when we first got married that was very derogatory, very racial. We didn’t think anything of it, but rather, we felt sorry for the person who wrote the letter.”

A great way to look at it then, a great way to look at it now. Photo – Jet Magazine Jan. 27, 1955

Pearl Bailey’s brother in law (brother of Louis Bellson) also marries a black woman named Lucille Dabney.

Jet Magazine Jan 10, 1957.

October 16 1965 – The Pratts’ wedding day. Leslie is seen here with hubby and her father.

Leslie Uggams Crayne and hubby of 47 years Grahame Pratt. Way to go Mr. & Mrs. Pratt! What wonderful role models of successful and enduring marriage. She is gorgeous and still going strong.

Blasian Bliss – Jet Magazine June 23, 1955

Wife of Briggs Heir Alberta Sheffield Briggs Returns to Barmaid Job – Jet Magazine, May 28, 1953

White Bronco Buster Robert Yunker Weds Negro Rodeo Starlet Eleanor Bohannon – Jet Magazine, August 7, 1952.

Wow a Cowgirl!

Interracial Couple Snubbed in London – Jet Magazine, January 20, 1955 Tony & Sylvia Overman.

Interracial Couple Sgt. William Rhein and Annie Allen Can’t Marry in Louisiana and Chooses Minn -

Jet Magazine June 25, 1953

Interracial Marriage, Your Job Can Lead to Interracial Wedlock – Brown Magazine, April, 1954
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vieilles_annonces/3690383884/sizes/l/

Interracial Marriage Upsets Bermudans – Jet Magazine February 9, 1956

Marlon Brando & Barbara Roberts on Beach – Jet Magazine, August 18, 1955

William Kappelhoff and Luwenia Williams Bennet (Father of actress/singer Doris Day). Jet Magazine June 8, 1961

Opera Singer Adele Addison and hubby Norman Berger Jet Magazine, July 17, 1958

Dorothy Dandridge and onetime boyfriend Peter Lawford. He could not take the social pressure of the time

and ended the relationship. He was weak.

Briton Hemish Miller Craig Marries African Princess – Jet Magazine, May 21, 1953.

Earlham College Ousts White Student Robert McAllester Engaged to Negro Grace Cunningham -

Jet Magazine, May 15, 1952

Interracial Couple from Earlham College Finally Weds (Grace Cunningham and Robert McAllester)

 - Jet Magazine, June 19, 1952

Reginald and Marjorie Shepherd.  Black Wife of British Soldier Fed Up With White Peeping Toms

to Leave Britain  Jet Magazine February 17, 1955.

I am going to jump on the black woman weight loss/healthy eating bandwagon, but I am going to come from a slightly different perspective. I look at so many black women and want to cry out to them to get help with the morbid obesity robbing them of their lives. Most of us appreciate good, Southern food that tastes delicious and seems to be found in almost every household. At least it is that way at my relatives’ throughout Montgomery, Alabama. I had to have a heart to heart with my mother that this food is killing us. In moderation one can look forward to special occasions and hurt oneself with hammock seasoned greens, pork made in a variety of ways that no longer appeal to me (just bacon). One can find a variety of cakes and pies and just good food. My complaint is that these foods are a daily consumption in many of these households. You don’t have to be in Alabama or the South to find these dangerously delicious foods. They are alive and well in almost any home that has southern roots or relatives.  We must be aware that this food is sending us to early graves.  Yes, this food is killing us along with a host of other co-morbidities or obesity related illnesses that like to keep company and destroy the body even faster.

There is a lot to be said for self-control and discipline. And I see so many obese women taking back their lives, getting up and moving. They are cutting out the grease and excess sugar. They are loading up on the greens, vegetables and water. I champion the sister who can on her own decide that she is going to live and take her life back from the brink of death. She is a hometown hero to her children and family. She is an inspiration to others who feel hopeless and, in the end, she is proud of her success and eventual weight loss.

But there are several more sisters out there who for whatever reason have allowed themselves to tip the scales so much as they need to be weighed on electronic devices. The old-time or even digital bathroom scales simply will not work for them. I recently saw the video about 29-year-old Mikel Ruffinelli. She is proud of her curves but looking at her I see someone who can hardly get up without assistance. Ruffinelli says she has a genetic condition that has caused her to balloon to her present size. Who are we to say she does not? Many things can contribute to weight gain.

I also recall the recent story about the 32-years-young Ulanda Williams.  A woman who weighs 400 pounds and fell through a concrete sidewalk. I am sure she will laugh all the way to the bank when she is done with New York City, but it doesn’t detract from the fact that she is a walking heart attack waiting to happen.  Women (and men) like Ruffinelli and Williams who think they are just fine must be in such low depths of denial, that even common sense starts to sound crazy.  If you are morbidly obese (70 to 100 pounds overweight), just do what you need to do get that weight off and live.  I am not without compassion; as a matter of fact, I was one of you.  Some can do it without help, some can’t.  And for those who need help, there are surgical solutions.  There should be no shame nor judgment for those who chose to get assistance with weight loss in this manner.  I say do it how you do it.  Just lose the weight and get healthy.  And don’t think that just because you are not as big as the women here that you are still not obese, because you are if you have a body mass index or BMI of 30 to 40 or greater.

Being a recent transplant to the Los Angeles area, I was thrilled to find The Khalili Center .  They are a group of ultra modern doctors who specialize in bariatric care.  I was referred to them by my wonderful doctor Rebecca Slomovic for a hernia that had been giving me fits for over a year.  They found and cleared up a staph infection that would have threatened my life.  My doctor, Dr. Eraj Basseri, suggested that I needed to lose weight in order to make my hernia repair more successful.  So I did what I had to do.  I am a previous gastric bypass patient and because of past health issues, I did not qualify for this traditional weight loss surgery.  There are more high-tech procedures now than when I first had this procedure done in 1993.  Back then you got a big long abdominal cut (and scar) and recovery was 2 to 3 weeks.  It was extremely painful and made me regret my decision to have it.  I was not prepared for that intense level of pain and  I tell you what, if you went in an atheist, you came out a believer.  I don’t know when was the last time I called on Jesus’ name so much.  But I survived losing 70 pounds.  The good doctors at the Khalili Center do all of their procedures laparascopically.  A few nicks in the tummy and some go home the next day.  I am very thankful that I can refer this group of doctors for morbidly obese women in the southern California area.  And as I mentioned, they are general surgeons too who were also able to help me and others with non-weight loss surgery issues as well.

The Khalili Center has patients from all over California and provides a wealth of information with various supports systems including a monthly walk with the doctors in a nearby Beverly Hills Park.  I have seen some patients with wonderful results including beautiful black women.  You have to do your part and it is not easy.  After evaluations and consultations, and surgery if you qualify, there is a constant commitment to improving your life and losing the weight, as the surgery is just a tool.  There are vitamins to take for life and there is learning how to eat and stay ahead of plateaus.  If you follow directions and take responsibility for your health, you can lose weight that should NOT return.  Support is absolutely vital and the center offers a variety of support groups from which to choose.  In addition, there are weekly meetings and online chats with the fab registered dietician Misti Gueron and Angela Taylor, super nice clinical licensed social worker as well as the doctors themselves.  The Director of community outreach Michele Shuman is doing an awesome job keeping patients informed of all goings on regarding activities, support and long term success.  Dr. Phil endorsed the Khalili Center on a show that featured Dr. Khalili and Misti Gueron.  They know their stuff.

The Beverly Hills office is chic and posh and reminded me of that “Nip/Tuck” show because even the building is white; but don’t be intimidated as the staff and doctors are super friendly and caring.  Regardless of the aesthetics, the dedicated doctors are saving lives, helping the morbidly obese relieve their weight and co-morbidity problems thereby prolonging life.  If you want help or need help to lose weight and take back control of your life, make a phone call and set up a consultation.   If you live outside of southern California, bariatric surgical centers are all over the place.  There is a myriad of information out there on procedures with online support groups too.  And if the surgeon you found doesn’t have information on the latest advancements in gastric bypass procedures then you may want to find a practice that has the most current information available on weight loss surgery.  The Khalili Center loads you up on all the information you will need and if you still have questions they will be answered with a smile.   You should expect excellent treatment from any health care provider.  Hopefully, you will find a qualified surgeon in your area to help you on your journey.

Finally, just know that your eating habits will change and your body will eventually adjust.  Be committed and you will be beyond successful. The surgery is not without risks, but I would rather take my chances in a thinner healthier body than just existing in a body that will eventually fail due to morbid obesity.   You will eventually be able to go up those stairs or hills effortlessly.  You may become a workoutaholic, or you may just keep on walking — as long as you exercise.  You will also be able to eventually indulge in the good food that contributed to the obesity, but you will eating a whole lot less of it and may lose the desire for it alltogether.  That’s a good thing.

Star Jones before and after gastric bypass surgery.

Ali and Lissette Gonzalez

When I first introduced you all to Lissette Gonzalez five years ago, her interview got the most responses ever. People were drawn to Lissette’s (Lisy or Lady Elle) outgoing, loving and crazy personality and the heart binding super love she and her husband share with each other. Being a very attractive couple may have had a little to do with it too.

Since our last interview, Lissette feels that hubby Ali works too much, but when he gets home is very attentive to Lissette and her needs. Lissette, Ali and their two children are a fun family. As a stay home mother, she is always there at their beck and call. And “call” they do–according to Lissette. She thought things would be a little easier as the children grew up, but a teenage daughter and adolescent son brings new challenges. Lissette wouldn’t change a thing.

Today, people seeing that they are an interracial family may stare at times, but race is generally a non-issue in the Gonzalez family unless discussing a current event. They are just a red-blooded American family enjoying life. Lissette and hubby keep it all in perspective as love has overcome everything that could have remotely been negative. They just live their lives color blind if you will.

Along with managing her daughter’s music and acting career, Lissette, the Frugal Queen is busy. She has become somewhat of a grief counselor running Heaven Waits. Lissette also set up Miami Walks that features all the Miami area “walks” and their respective fundraisers. Next on the Lissette list is “Lisy Live” a USTREAM Live Channel where she will be interviewing various people for human interest stories and local Miami music groups. Why does she do all this and more? Lissette doesn’t ask for much,” but thank does wonders for the soul, just to be appreciated for a kind gesture means so much.” says the bubbly mom. In addition, Lissette volunteers for Breast Cancer Awareness and Anti Domestic Violence efforts in her community.

Just keeping it real, Lissette has a creative spirit that is always about business. But she is also doing something fun to maintain a home filled with happiness. I am happy I am alive and I wish everyone the same happiness I share every single day from my family my friends. Ain’t no stopping us now, were on the move!

Lissette is celebrating a 30 pound weight loss that she has maintained for a few years now keeping those curves in check. Self-love beams from Lissette’s face. Confident in her husband’s love for her, Lissette glories in being in love with Ali as well as her children. She thinks they he is beautiful, the children are beautiful, life and love are beautiful. Lissette wears her family’s love as a badge of honor.

A few days before their 15^th wedding anniversary, Lissette declared the following to hubby Ali: “15 years never passed so quickly. Undoubtedly I would marry this man over and over again. We’ve been tried and tested 100 billion times with liars, sneaks and envious people. Thank you Lord/spirit guides, mom and daddy in heaven for a love rarely seen today. Love you so much!”

Lissette’s romantic side keeps the fire and passion alive and coupled with Ali’s sizzling magic touch; they are inseparable and will celebrate another fifteen plus years of marriage. I shared her photograph on my page and immediately the likes started coming. 108 likes later, Lissette was thrilled to see a bevy of strangers wishing her and Ali the best. It reminded me of the interview and I decided to do a follow up. What better day than today — Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day 2013 will be special in the Gonzalez home………In Lissette’s own words……..

2013 will be a family Valentine’s Day for us. Our children will join us today. Being that it is a Thursday night and you can get no reservations at any practically any restaurants, I will be ordering in tonight. We are going to have a sushi feast right at home which is practically a paradise in itself so there is no need to go anywhere. I always set the table with candles and decorate my home with Valentine’s Day and love themed items. Because I am quite a home economist watching our dollars, a bottle of Nuvo will be front and center. It is my personal favorite.

I usually set up dinner in our spacious bedroom which has a great view of the ocean (I hope there’s a moon tonight so we can actually see it). My beautiful husband and I will have our night cap strolling on the. Not to forget our weekly karaoke singing, I sing for him every Friday. Usually, he sits back, listens and requests songs he likes to hear me sing. Did I say what a beautiful spirit my husband is? Tonight, I will sing Ali a song I wrote just last night. It is called “Cloud Nine” I’m so scared, but it is my gift of love to him.

My Facebook friends can find the song in the notes section of my page. As far as what I will receiving from Ali, I welcome every little romantic surprise he may have in store for me. I am so blessed, thank you God for my happiness. I am so in love with life my husband, my children — my family. My daddy in heaven did a great job, in finding my true love for me. I am today more spiritually connected with myself, and I obviously I hope that love regenerates through my family. By seeing me and their father sincerely happy, I trust that our children will strive for the same future happiness in their respective mates, when the time comes. Live for love and you will receive it — all kinds of love!

Lissette’s quote from the original interview is still very fitting: “Remember, there are no reservations when you fall in love. It is what it is. Do not let the world dictate what your life should be and what makes you happy. Everyone encounters negativity in their life, so no matter what the reason, go for what you want and fight the world for what you believe. True love is color blind!” Happy Valentine’s Day!

]]> http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/color-blind-valentines/feed/ 0 http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/swirling-in-history-9-anna-kingsley/ http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/swirling-in-history-9-anna-kingsley/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:49:01 +0000 Lorraine http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/?p=2037 Anna Kingsley

Anta Majigeen Ndiaye or Anna Madgigine Jai Kingsley was not always the free Senegalese woman who eventually became a plantation and slave owner. At 18 years old, her owner Zephaniah Kingsley, one of the most powerful men in Florida freed the 18 year-old woman mother of his 3 children and married her. As Florida was under Spanish colonial rule where manumission laws were more liberal than American. Her husband saw slavery as a temporary condition related to economics more than race. Anna learned to operate the plantations as effective as Zephaniah. As a free woman, she petitioned the Spanish government and was granted land across from her husband’s plantations in what is now Jacksonville, Florida.

Sessesion, the Civil War and US rule brought problems for Anna and her children. She and her husband had grown prosperous. I did not read accounts of how she treated her slaves. She would burn her own home down to prevent the looting and comandeering by troops of property and goods, although Anna sided with Union. Anna and her then 4 children under 7 years old escaped to Haiti where she and her husband built a new home. When Zephaniah died, his white relatives contested his will and tried to keep Anna and her children from their rightful property. It didn’t work. The courts recognized her right and she moved back to Florida and lived until she died in 1884 at 77 years old.

Read the account of Anna’s life via the National Park Service who maintain the Kingsley Plantation as a National Historic Landmark. There are no known images of Anna but she did have decendants three of whom are shown below.

Maria Perez Kingsley, great-granddaughter of Zephaniah and Anna Kingsley

Sandra Lebron, great-great granddaughter of Anna Kingsley and her son Manuel in Santo Domingo

Resources

Admiration for a former slave’s self-disciplined, tenacious life (Fascinating account of Anna’s capture, sale and family life).

Latin American Studies

Images of the Zephaniah Kingsley Plantations

Wikipedia

The Shield

There are several books and museum exibits on Casta paintings in Spanish Colonial America. Most of the pics were found on the Contructing Race with Images page from the Race in Colonial Mexico Collection (and European Collections) and Unframed.

Enjoy!

Christian Protten (1715-1769) and Rebecca (1718-1780) an ex-slave and Moravian convert were married in Germany in 1740; shown also is their child, Anna Maria Protten. Christian is the child of a Danish father and African mother. He as born in Denmark. This gem was found at The Atlantic Slave Trade and Slave Life of the America’s page website. They have many priceless portraits.

(Adaeseño) Espanol and Mulatto castas as depicted by O’Crouley in 1774. http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/adaes/life.html

 c. 1725 De Español y Negra produce Mulato (From Spanish man and Black woman, Mulato boy) Paintings of race mixture in colonial Mexico

Private Collection, Breamore House, London, England. race-in-colonial-mexico.net

c. 1725 De Español y Mulata produce Morisca (From Spanish man and Mulata woman, Morisca child). Private Collection, Breamore House, London, England. race-in-colonial-mexico.net

De español y mulata, morisca by Miguel Cabrea, 1763,

bw-wm Casta painting by José de Alcíbar, 1760-1770

José Joaquin Magon Casta Paintings  race-in-colonial-mexico.net

José Joaquin Magon Casta Paintings

This is a more comical one of Casta paintings of Spanish and Negra producing Mulatta. Looks like she is trying to box his ears.

A Redenção de Cam (The Redemption of Ham)

Andrés de Islas, 1774, Note: I notice there are several of the couples fighting. Could this be depicting everyday, normal life or contributing to stereotypes?

Andrés de Islas, 1774

Andrés de Islas, 1774

Andrés de Islas, 1774

Andrés de Islas, 1774

José de Paez

 Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz, From Spaniard and Morisca, Albino - De español y morisca, albino, c. 1760

Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz, From Spaniard and Albino, Return Backwards – De español y albino, torna atrás, c. 1760

Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz, From Spaniard and Return Backwards,

Hold Yourself Suspended in Mid Air – De español y torna astrás, tente en el aire, c. 1760

Juan Patricio Morlete Ruiz, From Spaniard and Albino Return Backwards - De español y albino, torna atrás, c. 1760

De Espanol y negra nace mulato, another fight scene.  Notice how the child always intervenes.  Anónimo, De español y negra, nace mulata, siglo  XVIII, óleo  sobre tela. Imagen tomada del libro: México en el mundo de las  colecciones del arte, Nueva España 2, México,  CONACULTA, UNAM/SRE,  1994, p. 105. http://www.bicentenario.gob.mx/acces/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435:entre-la-esclavitud-y-la-libertad-&catid=12:independencia&Itemid=26

http://arevalos.blogspot.com/2005/07/las-castas-en-mxico.html

Miguel Cabrera, 4. De español y negra, Mulatta, 1763. Mexico

 Juan Rodriguez Juaréz, De español y mulatta produce morisca, 1715. Mexico

Mahala Lynch Davis, married her former slave owner Isaac P. Davis in 1857. On the right is their daughter Martha Davis Wilson (b. 1848) holding her baby Julia Wilson (Car). Davis freed Mahala and then married her moving from his former Virginia plantation to Chilicothe, southern Ohio. Many free blacks, former plantation owners, and former slaves including two of Thomas Jefferson’s mulatto children moved to towns in southern Ohio in antebellum times. Facinating coordination by Beverly Gray Coordinator, Southern Region Ohio Underground Railroad Association

Albert (1858-1887) and Lucy Parsons (1853-1942). They were from Texas where Lucy Eldine Gonzalez Parsons was born into slavery. She met Albert and they married. They moved to Chicago due to threats from the KKK during Reconstruction. Albert was a former Confederate soldier who later fought on behalf of former slaves’ rights. Albert & Lucy were extreme radical anarchists. Lucy became a labor organizer, feminist, socialist, and communist. Lucy was considered dangerous by the authorities as they hated communists and “troublemakers” in general. When she died of a house fire in Chicago, the police rushed in to get all of Lucy Parso’s papers and literature. Most of it mysteriously disappeared.

Parsons and a flyer of a speech she was due to give in support of her husband Albert who was soon to be executed by the State of Illinois for an act of terrorism of which Albert & Lucy claimed no knowledge.

Recently there has been lots of feminist talk and discussions of white women versus black ideas on this issue. Lucy had her share of white women (and male) detractors too so the concept is not new. Lucy had one particular thorn in her side — a rival named Emma Goldman. Lucy Parsons was outspoken and true to her cause until the day she died.

There is supposed to be a movie in development about Lucy Parson’s life. The beauty portraying Lucy Parsons is Judi Shekoni shown with Noam Gonick at the 1886 screenplay reading at Villa Aurora in Pacific Palisades, September 2012. The owner of this Pinterest site suggests a few actress to play the fiery Lucy Parsons; and they include actresses like Zoe Saldana, Kerry Washington and Halle Berry.

Judi Shekoni and Noam Gonick

Wikipedia

Not only was Centralia, Illinois native Marcella (Marcy) Ng the first black woman military pilot (Army) in 1979; but she and husband Dennis were also Blasian trailblazers. Mrs. Ng shared with me that she found all the swirling and blasian terms interesting because she and her husband have been together 33 plus years. After blazing trails through the sky, Mrs. Ng did eventually stop flying and retired from the Army as a Lt. Colonel. Today she and her family live in Texas near the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth metro area. Mrs. Ng runs a pregnancy counseling center and are the owers of the beautiful 11 acre Mililani Woods , providing venues for weddings, graudations and all kinds of festive events. Read her fascinating story at the Centralia Fireside Guard.

Some were like “Oh, I could never!” Other’s were like: “Oh how compasionate!” I understood all sides as this is not exactly, excuse the pun, black and white. This young girl put herself in harms way and could have been seriously injured or even killed. The man Thomas shielded was not a KKK member, he was just there to support them.

A lady on my page argued about the Klan’s history which we well know. But I do wonder if any Klansmen ever had a change of heart and could not go through with a hateful act of cross burning or even worse lynching or murder. Did anyone ever stop an act saving a black person’s life? I don’t know but I want to appeal to the humanity of people with a conscious and hope that someone, somewhere did just that.

If faced with a similar situation as Keshia Thomas, what would you do?

Angela and Joey traditional and Ghanaian ceremonies.

Just look how she looks at him so adorable

These awesome, stunning gorgeous photographs can be seen at: Jennabeth Photography

]]> http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/1973/feed/ 0 http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/cynthia-and-hatims-spectacular-moroccan-wedding/ http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/cynthia-and-hatims-spectacular-moroccan-wedding/#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:19:45 +0000 Lorraine http://www.swirlingandmarriage.com/?p=1950

You have to see this spectacular multicultural wedding video of Cynthia and Hatim. They live in Paris and married in Hatim’s native Morocco. You see some elements from Martinique from where the bride hails, but by far we can’t help but notice marvelous Moroccan customs such as the professionals dressing the bride for a 5 time change of clothes. (Moroccan customs can have up to 8 clothing changes). Seems that no expense was spared as this is a real celebration. Obliviously Hatim loves this beautiful woman named Cynthia and she looks at him like he is a prince!

Cérémonies à Marrakech from Mariage de Cynthia et Hatim on Vimeo.

Beautiful pics are found on Munaluchi Brides by Christophe Photo. Gorgeous!

Vinterviken or Winterviken: on their website they have both. But what a great location to have a Bröllop/Wedding. Well, it used to be called called Vinterviken, then the old Nobel factory 1891; but now it’s Winterviken, owned and run by Markus and Erika Aujalay and offers possibilities for all kinds of weddings, events and parties. What an incredible day… Saturday the sun just shined and shined as did the bride and groom Mans and Abear. Both international travelers met in London but grew up 21km (about 13 miles) from each other in Lund and Malmo…. so why not travel to Stockholm for a wedding? Guests from around the world arrived battling the ash cloud and the British Airways air strike.

Pics of this beautiful ceremony were found on Stockholm Weddings

Photography by Ian Johnson Photo

Photo Credit:  Utah Historical Society

George Stevens whose mother was Spanish, was born in 1839, Lorad County, Mexico, and came to Utah in 1860. In 1872 he married Lucinda Vilate Flake, born 2 December 1854, Union, Utah, daughter of Green and Martha Crosby Flake, George was freighting through S.L.C. when he met Lucinda at a square dance gathering. Lucinda was known as Cinda. Sixteen years later, such a union between the two races would be against Utah law. Read the fascinating history of “The Prohibition of Interracial Marriage in Utah, 1888-1963” in the spring 2008 issue of Utah Historical Quarterly.

Resources:

Utah Historical Society

Sarah Gammon and Stephen Bickford

I first learned about Sarah Gammon Bickford in 2008 while doing research on blacks in early Montana. Thanks to the Montana Historical Society, I found a wealth of information. Blacks have been there since the Antebellum period in the US. I was so happy for this find, I couldn’t wait to share it with Karyn Folan, Cherelyn Weeks Smith and a couple other swirling black women bloggers. I purchased the pictures putting them away for a future project. These images were the first ones that started off my collection of Vintage black woman IR couples album on my Facebook page. I started that page on April 16, 2010. Read on…..

In 1883, Stephen Bickford, a native of Maine married former slave Sarah (Sallie) Gammon in Montana. Four children were born to that marriage, Elmer in 1884, Harriett in 1887, Helena in 1890 and Mabel in 1892. In 1888, Stephen and Sarah Bickford acquired a portion of the water system that supplied Virginia City with drinking water On November 13, 1890 they also purchased “Fisher’s Garden,” a farm east of Virginia City which produced vegetables and fruits for the local population including a small colony of Chinese.

Stephen Bickford died in 1900 leaving Sarah and their children two-thirds interest in the Virginia City Water Company, a small farm, Virginia City town lots, various interests in nearby gold mining claims and one share of stock in the Southern Montana Telegraph and Electric Company. In 1917, Sarah purchased the other third of the Water Company making Sarah Bickford only African American woman in Montana and possibly in the United States to own a utility company.

From Slave to Water Magnate by Marlette C. Lacey is the only book I could find on Sarah’s life. One of Sarah’s great-granddaughter is Lynne DeLaine Hines-Bogle who lives in Brandywine, MD. Hines-Bogle is the granddaughter of Helena Bickford, Sarah and Stephen Bickford’s third youngest child. Some at the Montana Historical Society are dedicated to telling the story of blacks in Montana and their contributions to the state. They have a Sarah Bickford Project. There are links to all kinds of great info on Sarah’s (sometimes called Sallie) story.

In 1902 Sarah Bickford purchased the Hangman’s Building, one of the oldest and largest structures in the town. And is one of several historic buildings in Virginia City and in Montana. She moved her office into the Hangman’s Building, made famous by Virginia City’s Vigilantes who in 1870 hanged five outlaws from a beam of the building while it was under construction. It was the office of what Bickford renamed the Virginia City Water Company. Sarah Gammon Bickford continued to manage the Company until her death in Virginia City, MT in 1931.

Resources:

Montana Historical Society

African Americans in Montana (MHS)

Historic Black Americans in Northern Montana (This is a GOLD MINE of information!)

African Americans in Montana Wiki

This is the second and third stories of former slaves who moved to and married interracially in Montana. Mattie Bell Castner is the called “The Mother of Belt, Montana.” My family and I had the opportunity to drive through the area in 2011. It felt good to be close enough to touch history, but most of us could experience the same sentiments by just going outside or a few miles away as the contributions of our ancestors surround us, but I digress.

John K. Castner, born in 1841 came to Montana Territory in 1867 from Pennsylvania operating as a freighter based in Fort Benton. He married former slave Mattie Bell Bost from North Carolina in 1879, and together they founded the town that became Belt. When John died, he left Mattie a millionaire by today’s standards.

Mattie worked with her bare hands to help her husband build the first cabin in the town named after her husband Castner, later renamed Belt, MT. Their cabin became the stop for the stage, then flourished into a hotel and restaurant. Mattie grew her own vegetables and even worked in her husband’s coal mines. They were good to the poor and gave new meaning to the word entrepreneur. A former slave, Mattie Castner was given the opportunity to earn her own money from her hard work and brains. Belt, MT has Mattie Castner’s name all over it and is a landmark in Montana history.John Castner died in 1915 leaving Mattie to run the business which she obviously did very well. She died 5 years later leaving $30,000 to friends and charity. Mattie was given two funeral services — one in Belt and the other in Great Falls.

Note: This vintage photograph is NOT Mattie Bell Castner, the pic is of an unidentified woman in Helena or Billings, MT in 1889. Because there are no known photographs of Mattie (maybe due to any trouble from being married to John) and I simply wanted to give her a face. I learned that the white Castner family did not want a book about Mattie published in 1956 and threatened legal action. What a shame! I am sure that book could be published today. Here is a note I received from Ken Robinson when I inquired about a photograph of Mattie Castner:

“Although Mattie Castner is the “mother of Belt,” ran an exceptional hotel and eatery there for many years, and her white husband John was prominent in the community and region, no photo has ever been located of Mattie. I’m sure the interracial marriage was sensitive both in the community and especially in the Castner family. I know this and the Castner’s employment of Chinese cooks at the hotel was used against John in his political campaigns. As you probably know Mattie and John had no children, although they raised a boy, possibly John’s son. That Castner family stopped publication of a biography (to be called Cradled in Dixie of Mattie and her friend, and another fascinating black woman, Maria Adams Dutriueille. The book was scheduled to be published about 1956 until the Castner’s threatened lawsuits. In any case, we have never been able to locate a photo of Mattie.”

Mattie Byers Novotny Welch

Mattie Castner made two trips to North Carolina to try and find her relatives who hadn’t been sold. She found a sister and brought her and her family back to Montana. On the second trip back the elder brought back her 13 year-old niece and namesake Mattie Byers. The younger Mattie graduated from 8th grade in Belt Montana and married a white man named John L. Novotny in 1900. In 1911 J.L. and Mattie moved their family to Great Falls where there were more black people and where they felt their children would have a better education. As one may assume, black children were subjected to racial taunts and teasing in school. One such taunt was:

God made the nigger

Made ‘em in the night

Made ‘em in a hurry

And forgot to paint them white.

Not to be bothered with racial foolishness, these children cited a creative rebuttal:

God made the white trash

Made ‘em in a shack

Made ‘em in a hurry

And forgot to make them black

John and Mattie Novotny would have 22 children 9 of whom survived to adulthood. Mattie was very involved in the church and some and at some point became a widow and married a John (Joseph) Welch. Mattie and some of her children left Montana as I found that she was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. Most of her children preceded her in death. If any of her descendants in Montana, the DC area or anywhere can share any information or pictures, the audience and editors at BBW would voraciously consume the information.

Historical Blacks American in Northern Montana (An absolute Gold Mine of information compiled by Ken Robinson, Historian at the Overholser Historical Research Center in Fort Benton, River and Plains Society Board).

African Americans in Montana Index (1870, 1910, and 1930 U.S. Censuses)

Essie Mae Washington-Williams

Photo credit: Lori Shepler, Los Angeles Times / February 5, 2013

I remember where I was one week before Christmas in 2003. I was glued to the television along with most of America listening to the revelation of one Essie Mae Washington-Williams. She eloquently told America that the rumors were true and that she was indeed the daughter of Strom Thurmond. Her children had convinced her that she should come forward since Strom Thurmond had died. Convicted in her heart that her descendants should know all of their heritage, there was no reason to further keep the secret that several in certain circles knew anyway. This past Sunday, Essie Mae Washington-Williams died of natural causes at her home in South Carolina.

Her death has revisited the news caused a firestorm in 2003. In our Internet age, everyone had an opinion. In the black community Washington-Williams was both praised and vilified. Old timers in the South again forced to realize that everyone knew the shameful secret of a silent brotherhood — sexual terrorism and abused suffered by black women some of whom were former slaves turned maids and ‘help’ if you will. Thurmond’s sin was finally out and Essie Mae Washington-Williams was the proof. The media spin called the relationship between her parents an affair. We know that there were genuine white male-black female relationships and marriages from records and photographs. But most of those unions were based on love and at great risk to the men. I don’t know of any that fought as fiercely as Strom Thurmond did to keep segregation alive. I could be wrong and research will tell. But for now Thurmond’s not so secret daughter remains the most scandalous.

Washington-Williams appeared to be a noble and upstanding woman who loved her father. Thurmond did after all acknowledge her, though secretly. Some accused her of taking hush money all these years. No doubt that the money paid for her education and the education of her children. When Washington-Williams’ husband Julius Williams died in 1966, Thurmond sent money to supplement the family income. What would they have Washington-Williams do? I suppose she could have refused the money and lived just fine. But Washington-Williams had respect for her peculiar situation and for whatever reason honored the unspoken agreement until Thurmond died. I cannot pretend to know what was in Washington-Williams’ mind and I won’t judge her one way or the other. How many of us in the exact same situation would do something different?

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Dr. Misee Louise Harris

Dr. Misee Harris is a woman on a mission to become America’s first Bachelorette.  I received a delightful email from Dr. Harris informing me that she would be the next Bachelorette — she hopes. Although I don’t particularly care for the Bachelor/Bachelorette show, I will cheer Dr. Harris on and hope that she indeed does become America’s first black Bachelorette.  I think America is past ready to have a black bachelorette.  We are after all in 2013.  Many are wondering if Dr. Harris made it, if she would be a part of a swirling couple (interracial with a white, Asian or Latino man), but Dr. Harris is looking for the man with the best qualities and character, regardless of his race.  I look forward to the diversity of the candidates, but if Dr. Harris did choose a white guy, she would draw the ire of black folks across the land.  But it will be great for ratings!

After 25 seasons on the air, ABC’s reality dating game show, “The Bachelor/Bachelorette” has managed to fulfill a void for various eligible contestants. However, to the disappointment of many fans, the show’s lack of diversity has raised questions as to why there has never been a non-white bachelor/bachelorette.  Well look no further, Lexington, KY pediatric dentist, Dr. Misee Harris is now vying to become the show’s first African American hopeful in the leading role.  Dr. Harris has promised to bring a better image to the role and promises to keep it classy.

Dr. Harris is a graduate of Columbia Central High School. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a B.S. Degree in Biology. But that wasn’t enough, she then completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree at the University of Kentucky and is completing a residency in Pediatric Dentistry. When she’s not making rounds at the hospital, Dr. Harris enjoys thrift shopping, making jewelry, modeling, and watching reality television (of course). In addition, Dr. Harris is kept quite busy entertaining her 4-year-old Britany Spaniel, Grace.

Not only does this small town girl has her eyes set on Hollywood, she is dedicated to several charitable causes.  Dr. Harris helps families who have chilidren with autsim obtain top dental care.  Many are unable to cooperate and must have anesthesia for the most basic dental screenings.  Dr. Harris puts parents and patients at ease to provide this service.  Dr. Harris also attends to low income patients as she strives for health dental care in children.  An avid dog lover, Dr. Harris never wants to see a homeless dog and works with shelters to make sure they can find good adoptive homes.  Another cause that Dr. Harris supports is ”Shoes for Children” working with shoe stores to provide shoes for families who can’t afford them.  These are all worthwhile causes and Dr. Harris holds them near to her heart.

You can follow Dr. Harris’ journey on Facebook (Misee Harris 4 The Black Bachelorette), Twitter (@MiseeHarris), and Instagram (@miseeharris1984).

Send your letters of support for Dr. Misee Harris to:

Age:28 Height: 5’5″ Weight: 125

206 S. Coronado Street Suite 205 Los Angeles, CA 90057 Phone: 213-908-5561
Hometown: Columbia, TN Nearest City: Nashville, TN

Email Contact:  rshaw@ralinashawpr.com
Facebook: Misee Harris 4 The Black Bachelorette Twitter:@MiseeHarris

Best of luck to you Dr. Harris!

One year ago, Sola Ogunniyi had no idea that she would be ringing in 2013 as a newly married woman. She is an American woman, originally from the Edo tribe of Nigeria. Sola had completed her advanced medical training at Duke University, North Carolina. After treating herself to some well-deserved traveling and pampering, Sola settled down into a private medical practice. Taking on the world, Sola was a happy single woman who desired to have a family of her own. She had not yet met him but she knew her future husband would be coming in no time.

Sola has always been a swirler and had befriended me on Facebook. She inquired about a trip to Iceland that I was planning for a few single black women. Though that trip didn’t happen, within a few months, Sola was engaged to the man of her dreams, Seth. Stunned, I was so happy for Sola.

Seth is a successful entrepreneur and who spotted Sola one day, while on a venture. It was love at first sight for him and he knew that Sola would be his wife. She did not as of yet. They had a strictly platonic relationship and after a couple of months Seth asked Sola out. On their first date Seth told Sola to “brace herself” because he knew what he wanted. Sola was flattered and impressed but was not completely sold. She vetted Seth well and soon found that he was indeed a quality man who really loved her. Seth proposed to her after a short courtship and a few months later, they became Mr. and Mrs. Coats.

Sola planned a marvelously splendid, lavish, and elegant wedding that was sure to include both American and Edo ceremonies. When looking at Sola’s engagement and wedding photographs, one can’t help but see the love between this beautiful couple! Sola’s journey to marriage was ideal and storybook like. With many of her life goals accomplished, Sola got her man, got her ring, and got married!

Congrats to this happy couple and wishing them the best in life, love and happiness!

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