True Story of Laura Agezine Ryals

Have you ever applied for a job that you didn’t qualify for?  Have you ever claimed something that seemed out of your current reach?  If you have yet to do so, you might after reading this.  I want to tell you of a woman that did just that, and not recently, but during a time when the secret law of attraction had yet to be exposed, and ego boosting metaphysical lectures were no where in sight.  This was during a time where women that looked like her were not used in magazine ads, or could even afford to buy them (circa 1930’s/40’s).  During this time, the classified section was bold, direct and not politically correct.  Ads read like this one:


Secretary: Seeking young white female with filing skills.  (Paraphrased) classified ad

So the tall, beautiful woman with her slim frame and dark hair waltzed in and applied for the position that she wanted.  Oh, let me add that this woman is “colored”, “black” or “negro” (whatever title they used for non-white at that time), with long, strong and beautiful Afro hair.  Why would she apply for a job that clearly stated they were looking for a woman that is NOT her?  Was she crazy or stupid?  No, neither.  She was intelligent, qualified and confident in who she was and knew that she was worthy of that job, no matter what was printed in the paper.

She wasn’t what this company was looking for, obviously, but they were humbled by her presence and confidence.  They realized she was who they needed, no matter what the ad said.  To deny this confident, beautiful and qualified woman would be one of the dumbest business decisions they could have made that year.  They could have stuck to their guns of wanting only a white woman in this position, but really: how can you turn down confidence?  How can you turn away someone that always walked with their head held high while balancing her crown (she’s a queen by the way).

 

You can be whatever you want to be.  You can do whatever you want to do.   ~ Laura A. Ryals

Simple words with a profound meaning.  This is a vaguely told, but a very true story.  I’ve heard it numerous times in family conversations, and never forget the advice my Grandmother still gives me today, that I can be whatever I want to be.  My Grandmother claimed what was hers during a time that many people of color were lead to believe that nothing is or ever would be theirs to claim.  Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t go for what you want, not matter what it is.  Even if it states in black in white ink that you should not do it, go ahead and rewrite it in red ink according to your truth.

Now THAT is real Black Girl Magic 🙂

 

About Jeanette 137 Articles
This is me being me so that you will be you. I'm a woman who smiles till my cheeks ache, crochets until my fingers twitch, hugs the hell out of my Hubby and children and in between these things I make the time to read, cook, write and attempt to inspire others to do something to improve their overall health.

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