Nzinga Mbande was born into the ruling family of Ndongo in 1583 in Central West Africa. Nzinga received military and political training as a child, and she also became an ambassador to the Portuguese Empire. She was a Southwest African ruler who ruled as queen of the Ambundu Kingdoms of Ndongo (1624–1663) and Matamba (1631–1663), located in present-day northern Angola.
She was the daughter of Ngola Kilombo of Ndongo. Her mother, Kengela ka Nkombe, was one of her father’s slave wives and his favorite concubine. According to legend, the birthing process was very difficult for Kengela, her mother; Njinga received her name because the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck (the Kimbundu verb kujinga means to twist or turn).
Children of the royal household who survived difficult or unusual births were believed to possess spiritual gifts, and some saw their births as an indicator the person would grow to become a powerful and proud person. Njinga had two sisters, Kambu, or Lady Barbara and Funji, or Lady Grace. She also had a brother, Mbandi, who was heir apparent to throne.
She assumed power over Ndongo after the death of her father and brother, who both served as kings, and went on to conquer Matamba. She ruled during a period of rapid growth in the African slave trade by the Portuguese Empire in South West Africa. Nzinga fought for the independence of her kingdoms against the Portuguese in a reign that lasted 37 years.
This month the word is Purposeful. It means intentional. Having a useful purpose. I know that I am here for a purpose. Why am I here? What am I called to do? Do I make a difference? If so, how? I look at my vision and mission to check how my actions are aligned. Am I really living in my purpose? Let’s see what God says.
Bert Williams was a Bahamian-born American entertainer, one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was born in the Bahamas in November of 1874.
His parents emigrated when he was 11 years old. He graduated from Riverside High School and attended Stanford with plans to become a civil engineer. He had to abandon his studies to help his family and began to work for Martin and Selig’s Mastodon Minstrels. He met George Walker who would be a lifelong friend for a dynamic comedy team.
In late 1896, the pair were added to The Gold Bug, a struggling musical. The show did not survive, but Williams & Walker got good reviews, and were able to secure higher profile bookings. They headlined the Koster and Bial’s vaudeville house for 36 weeks in 1896–97, where their spirited version of the cakewalk helped popularize the dance.
The pair performed in burnt-cork blackface, as was customary at the time, billing themselves as “Two Real Coons” to distinguish their act from the many white minstrels also performing in blackface. Williams also made his first recordings in 1896.
Williams & Walker had their greatest success with Sons of Ham, a broad farce that did not include any of the extreme “darkie” stereotypes that were then common. One of the show’s songs, “Miss Hannah from Savannah,” even touched upon class divisions within the black community.
In September 1902, Williams & Walker debuted their next show, In Dahomey, a full-length musical written, directed and performed by an all-black cast. It was an even bigger hit.
Part of the inspiration for the show was Williams’ copy of a 1670 book, Africa, in which author John Ogilby traced the history of the continent’s tribes and peoples. “With this volume, I could prove that every Pullman porter is the descendant of a king,” said Williams.
They were one of the most successful teams in their era, performing in the US and abroad, even delivering a command performance in England for King Goerge in 1903.
The two performed together until Walker was too sick to perform in 1909. He died in 1911. Williams would strike out on his own and it would change everything.
In 1910 Williams joined Flo Ziegfeld as a featured performer in an all-white show. In the beginning the some of the white performers refused to work with Williams. He also faced prejudice from the writers, which made him have to write his own material. But that turned out to be a good thing because when the show opened, he was a sensation.
Williams is credited as being the first Black man to have the leading role in a film: Darktown Jubilee in 1914. And he also signed an exclusive recording contract with Columbia Records.
Known as one of the highest paid African American performers in history, Williams worked in many productions including the Ziegfeld Follies of 1917 with WC Fields, Fannie Brice, Eddie Cantor and more. He worked for the Follies until 1919.
In 1922 during a performance of Under the Bamboo Tree, Williams collapsed on stage during a performance in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to New York and died at his home in March at the age of 47.
Also, a part of my strategy is helping others. I believe we were created to be a part of a community. I will spend time thinking about who I can help and how. Reviewing the past and thinking towards the future helps me prepare for whatever is coming.
Bert Williams was a Bahamian-born American entertainer, one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was born in the Bahamas in November of 1874.
His parents emigrated when he was 11 years old. He graduated from Riverside High School and attended Stanford with plans to become a civil engineer. He had to abandon his studies to help his family and began to work for Martin and Selig’s Mastodon Minstrels. He met George Walker who would be a lifelong friend for a dynamic comedy team.
In late 1896, the pair were added to The Gold Bug, a struggling musical. The show did not survive, but Williams & Walker got good reviews, and were able to secure higher profile bookings. They headlined the Koster and Bial’s vaudeville house for 36 weeks in 1896–97, where their spirited version of the cakewalk helped popularize the dance.
The pair performed in burnt-cork blackface, as was customary at the time, billing themselves as “Two Real Coons” to distinguish their act from the many white minstrels also performing in blackface. Williams also made his first recordings in 1896.
Williams & Walker had their greatest success with Sons of Ham, a broad farce that did not include any of the extreme “darkie” stereotypes that were then common. One of the show’s songs, “Miss Hannah from Savannah,” even touched upon class divisions within the black community.
In September 1902, Williams & Walker debuted their next show, In Dahomey, a full-length musical written, directed and performed by an all-black cast. It was an even bigger hit.
Part of the inspiration for the show was Williams’ copy of a 1670 book, Africa, in which author John Ogilby traced the history of the continent’s tribes and peoples. “With this volume, I could prove that every Pullman porter is the descendant of a king,” said Williams.
They were one of the most successful teams in their era, performing in the US and abroad, even delivering a command performance in England for King Goerge in 1903.
The two performed together until Walker was too sick to perform in 1909. He died in 1911. Williams would strike out on his own and it would change everything.
Williams is credited as being the first Black man to have the leading role in a film: Darktown Jubilee in 1914. Known as one of the highest paid African American performers in history, Williams worked in many productions including the Ziegfeld Follies of 1917 with WC Fields, Fannie Brice, Eddie Cantor and more. In 1922 Williams collapsed on stage during a performance in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to New York and died at his home in March at the age of 47.
It is difficult to get things done by yourself. I like partnering with others As I plan what I will do, I think about with who. I have found projects have more depth if it is a collaboration. Who will I collaborate with?
Bert Williams was a Bahamian-born American entertainer, one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was born in the Bahamas in November of 1874.
His parents emigrated when he was 11 years old. He graduated from Riverside High School and attended Stanford with plans to become a civil engineer. He had to abandon his studies to help his family and began to work for Martin and Selig’s Mastodon Minstrels. He met George Walker who would be a lifelong friend for a dynamic comedy team. They were one of the most successful teams in their era, performing in the US and abroad, even delivering a command performance in England for King Goerge in 1903.
The two performed together until Walker was too sick to perform in 1909. He died in 1911. Williams would strike out on his own and it would change everything.
Williams is credited as being the first Black man to have the leading role in a film: Darktown Jubilee in 1914. Known as one of the highest paid African American performers in history, Williams worked in many productions including the Ziegfeld Follies of 1917 with WC Fields, Fannie Brice, Eddie Cantor and more. In 1922 Williams collapsed on stage during a performance in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to New York and died at his home in March at the age of 47.
This portrait was drawn by brother, Devin Anderson
I took the opportunity to revisit goals from five years ago. It was a good moment to see where I have been and what I have accomplished. I have had wild goals, but over the years I have honed them. Where I was once, all over the place going in different directions, I am now focused. It reminds me to stay focused.
Bert Williams was a Bahamian-born American entertainer, one of the pre-eminent entertainers of the Vaudeville era and one of the most popular comedians for all audiences of his time. He was born in the Bahamas in November of 1874.
His parents emigrated when he was 11 years old. He graduated from Riverside High School and attended Stanford with plans to become a civil engineer. He had to abandon his studies to help his family and began to work for Martin and Selig’s Mastodon Minstrels. He met George Walker who would be a lifelong friend for a dynamic comedy team. They were one of the most successful teams in their era, performing in the US and abroad, even delivering a command performance in England for King Goerge in 1903.
The two performed together until Walker was too sick to perform in 1909. He died in 1911. Williams would strike out on his own and it would change everything.
Williams is credited as being the first Black man to have the leading role in a film: Darktown Jubilee in 1914. Known as one of the highest paid African American performers in history, Williams worked in many productions including the Ziegfeld Follies of 1917 with WC Fields, Fannie Brice, Eddie Cantor and more. In 1922 Williams collapsed on stage during a performance in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to New York and died at his home in March at the age of 47.
As I revisit my mission and values, I think about which ones I am accomplishing. I will think about what is relevant and where I need to change things. I will decide if this is a mission or value I can bring to life this year. If it is, how can I do it? If it is not, perhaps save it for another time.
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