OUR H ISTOR Y 25 YEAR S AGO, MAY 6, 1995
VOL.8 NO. 31
May 6, 2020
R on K irk e le ct e d D a lla s Ma yor
MY TRUTH
By Cheryl Smith, Publisher
Saluting Mothers
I’ll always love my mama
Y
ou won’t get an argument from me if you say “parenting is not easy.” I know so many mothers who have defied all kinds of odds and overcome numerous obstacles in an effort to “raise” their children. Many, when talking about parenting, cite the challenges, but also talk about the joyous moments, the prayerful nights, support from the village, and learning as they go.
Everyone who knew Ruby Carter Means Barton, knew she valued the ballot.
When services were held for Ruby Carter Means Barton last week, loved ones said farewell to one of this country’s oldest citizens and voters, Born July 26, 1912 in Kirven, TX to Jenkins H. Carter, Sr. and Aquilla Moffett Carter, she lived 107 years. At an early age, she accepted Christ and served faithfully throughout her life. She was a member of St. James AME Church for over 85 years. Attending school in Freestone County, she graduated from the Booker T. Washington High School and the Madame C. J. Walker Beauty School in Dallas. As a community worker, this entrepreneur and business owner registered citizens to vote when there was still a poll tax and participated in later voter registration efforts for over 60 years. She was united in holy matrimony to Wilfred S. Means, who preceded her death; and she was a mother of two, grandmother of six, greatgrandmother of six and great-great grandmother of four. She is survived by daughter, Pat Mays (Stanley), son, Wilfred Means, Jr., (Ida); grandchildren,
Ruby Carter Means Barton July 26, 1912 - April 24, 2020
Gaila Mcnett, (Gerald), Brian White (Carmen), Wilfred Means, III, (Terri), Kim Pullin, (Ryan), Brandon Means, Chase Means; great grandchildren, Cameron Means, Courtney Means, Kassidy Pullin, Jordan Phillips, Daysean Means, Wilfred Means, IV (Jessica), Kailyn White; great-great grandchildren, Zachrey Means, Tahliyah Phillips, Tahmia Phillips, Serenity Means. One thing for sure, Mrs. Ruby Carter Means Barton realized the importance of voting and she honored her commitment to the very end.
Women Who Gave Us Power
Mother
Talk about an awesome responsibility! Talk about an emotional rollercoaster ride! lt’s a good thing when children grow up and can look back on their lives and have a better understanding of their mothers and what they went through; not only to birth them but to help them navigate through the formative years of their lives. See MY TRUTH, page 10
EXTENDED COVID-19 COVERAGE INSIDE
The Power of 3 Women
Dr. Linda Amerson, Valder Beebe and Ester Davis
Mothers are the heartbeat of the home. Mrs. Cecil Amerson was the teacher, nurturer, nurse, adviser, correction officer, herbalist, amazing cook, fashion seamstress, house cleaner, finance manager,
and so much more. I am the youngest of six children—three boys and three girls. In the Amerson household, mom and dad instilled Christian values, and love for family. Mom always called me the “knowledge seeker,” and she introduced me
to scented powders, perfumes, and the pressing comb. Her gift of using her hands to create beautiful things was passed on to me. My siblings have told me I have her penmanship. She taught me that I needed an education to become independent, to always See POWER, page 7