Have you ever heard of the name Clara Belle Drisdale Williams?
Clara Belle Drisdale [1885-1993] was the first African-American graduate of New Mexico State University. Many of her professors would not allow her inside the classroom. She had to take notes from the hallway; she was also not allowed to walk with her class to get her diploma.
She married Jasper Williams in 1917; their three sons became physicians. She became a great teacher of Black students by day, and by night, she taught their parents, former slaves, and home economics.
In 1961, New Mexico State University named a street on its campus after Williams; in 2005, the building of the English department was renamed Clara Belle Williams Hall.
In 1980, Williams was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws degree by NMSU, which also apologized for the treatment she was subjected to as a student.
She dıed at 108 years old.
Most of you don’t know who she is, but she’s important. Her name is Latasha Harlins. In 1991, at the ripe age of 15, Latasha went to her local Korean owned food mart and never made it out. The store owner’s wife, Soon Ja Du, mistook her for trying to steaI a bottle of orange juice and a minor struggle ensued. Du grabbed Latasha and ended up getting pushed to the ground. Du then went and got her gun and pointed it at Latasha. Latasha bends down, picks up the orange juice, and places it on the counter. As Latasha had walked away to leave the store, Du shơt Latasha in the back of the head at a 3 foot distance, kiIIing her immediately. Du tried to claim self-defense, but there were 2 eyewitnesses, and the store’s security camera showed otherwise. The jury convicted Du and advised the judge to go with the maximum sentence of 16 years. Du walked away with 400 hours of community service, 5 years probation, and a $500 fine, as the judge said, although Mrs. D acted inappropriately, her actions were justified. Judge Joyce Karlin states that Mrs. Du was the victim, Latasha is the criminal and would be standing in front of her for assault on a store clerk had she not died. The slaughter of Latasha Harlins is one of the major factors in the initiating of the LA Riots. We only hear about Rodney King, but she is the original #SayHerName. Tupac had an affinity for Latasha and mentioned her name in several songs as well as dedicated the iconic song “Keep Ya Head Up” to Latasha. So today we say Latasha Harlins, you’re a pillar baby girl, whether they realize or not. And today, someone heard ya story❤️
We are heartbroken by the unexpected loss of my mother, and we are seeking support in covering the funeral expenses to give her the dignified send-off she deserves. Your dinner purchase will go towards her funeral expenses. Thank you for your support and prayers.
@HoodHealer Can we talk about the response from our community when a woman says she doesn’t date potential? It gets violent & weird… struggle love is expected.