Black Women in History: My History-Marie Antionette Thomas

I am a black woman married to a white man, and yes I know my history.  You see love, like God see's no color, it only bleeds red.(Strong statements but truth)  I see the stares, I hear the whispers, but I have to do me, live out the happiness that God granted me.  My blackness isn't defined by what many assume me to be, but the roots that go deep down, way down inside of me.  My roots are strong, because of the seeds that were planted long ago. - Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

Over the next 28 days I will be highlighting 28 Black Women in History. Some of them are well known, others are the unsung hero's in the black community.  I would like to start off first by highlighting my grandmother, Marie Antoinette Thomas. She was one of seven black women to integrate Blue Cross Blue Shield.  No she didn't cure an infectious disease, have a world changing invention, but as a Biller within Blue Cross Blue Shield, many of the rules and regulations that she helped create are still in effect throughout insurance companies in the United States.

Marie Antionette Thomas was born in Mobile, AL, somewhere between 1937 and 1939. The fact is that we really don't know how old my grandmother for three reason; She was one of sixteen children, because she was born so early in the year it is believed that the midwife wrote the wrong year, and the midwifes handwriting was not clear.  Many close to my grandmother, know that she had to have her name legally changed because the mid-wife decided that she liked the name "Anita Louise" better than her given name Marie Antionette.  Her name truly carries weight because she was quite a fiesty lady.

Not only did she break a color barrier, but she was an excellent mother- sister-girlfriend to all who knew her.  She had a heart for the homeless and could often be found at Cass Corridor in Detroit, handing out hats and gloves, soup, doing anything that she could do to help the people on the outskirts of society.  She was a devoted Christian who loved children, and often taught classes in her local church.

I truly miss her, and I find it no coincidence that I am writing this exactly four years to the day of her death.  She was and will as ways be an integral  part of who I have become as a woman, wife, mother, and all of my many roles.  Thank you grandma.

Her Hair-story (This a bonus section talking about the journey of the women in history and their signature look)

My grandmother affectionately known as Ms. Thomas, Nette, and Granny like many black women has had countless numbers of hairstyles.  Her signature look developed after she began to graying gracefully.  This silver fox loved her long and flowing tresses pressed, but her favorite style for any occasion was goddess braids (pictured above.) She started in the 90s and carried it on to the new millinium.  She wore this style so much that it was easy to pick her out of any crowd.

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks
" I believe in Kingdom Blogging!"

Originally published February 1, 2011
Updated February 1, 2013