by Lynn Stewart
This week’s article will reflect upon the characteristics and qualities of our jewels, better known as Black women of the past. Only when we understand the characteristics of these women can women today develop into the rocks that their ancestors were for them.

Jewels of the past took pride in who they were and the families they belonged to. You might be asking yourself what am I talking about when I refer to whom they belonged to.

Many women, in the past, focused on a higher power not visible to the human eye, their creator. This characteristic and belief was instilled in them and exhibited daily by giving thanks each and every morning, noon and night. They went and took their children to Sunday School and church services regularly.

Our treasures of the past always made their children and extended children of the community their priority. Unlike today, women did not put their interests before their children. Children were valued and the family stepped in to help when the Mother and Father were unable to provide all that was needed to give the children the best chance for success.

Our jewels of old never had a lot of money, nor did most of their spouses but principles, ethics, respect and lifting oneself and the rest of the family were values that our women taught, from birth until the children left home.

It is time to again remember the strengths of our treasures of old, our grandmothers, mothers, aunts and others who embraced life, their children, their families as the most precious jewels they were privileged to help mature and grow into productive citizens. As we celebrate women, this year, pause, think about your jewels of the past. See if there are those whom you can model. We will be a better community when we do.