fLoWeR pOwEr!

OMG! Today is the 27th day of February, which means that we only have one more day to pay homage to Black/Negro/African-American History..or is it? Speaking of this short month dedicated to persons of the African heritage, It seems as though this month isn't as big of a deal as it used to be. Perhaps, it is for the fact that I am no longer a school aged child, where learning about our culture was force fed to us, via plays, homework assignments and a gamut of videos and films shown to us in our classrooms. I will give BET and MTV2 kudos, they have made mention of this commemorative month through commercials,and an occasional Black history/Rap History fact or two.

I would like to take time out to acknowledge and introduce a moment in Black History that is not known to many. An all Black women's Social Club, Club Kamelya, was founded in 1953, in Atlanta, GA. The name Kamelya, was a spin on the flower Rhododendron "Camillia's Blush",commonly known as an Azalea. The founders chose this flower as their club's symbol, as a representation of the beauty of the women and the flower.

There were twelve (12) founders of Club Kamelya, two (2) of which are my relatives, one, my paternal grandmother, Doris T. and a great aunt, Emma T.This all Black Women's club was founded on the premises of advocating traveling abroad for African American women and providing civic duties for underprivileged black youth. Club Kamelya's founders and members not only traveled and aided the less fortunate, they hosted numerous socials and affairs, some of which they called "barn dances", throughout the year. These soirees were thrown all over the "colored sections" of the city for all to attend. The monies raised from the parties, were to go towards helping the underprivileged youth with food, clothing and other necessities.

In February 1963, the women were aware that their popularity had grown, therefore, they took a chance and made a request to have their Annual Anniversary affair in a downtown Atlanta hotel. What's the big deal you may ask? There had not been any other Black women's clubs to host an event in downtown Atlanta. A Black male social club preceded them in the act. However, Club Kamelya became the first Black women's social club to have a social event in downtown Atlanta, at the Americana Hotel. The event was a huge success, paving the way for other African Americans to host events in Downtown Atlanta.

Club Kamelya represented aesthetics in more than just the physical sense, the women epitomized charity, love, grace,camaraderie and unity. The 12 illustrious women remained a family throughout the years. Unfortunately, due to natural causes related to aging, the trendsetting group of women dissipated their Club in 2005.

Perhaps..I will be able to carry the legacy on.......Thanks for the pOwEr, you beautiful fLoWeRs..Club Kamelya!
(btw...I now understand why Ray used to always have azalea bushes in the front yard!)