#7daysto40 So that’s me standing in the chair, apparently about to sing happy birthday to me or blow out the candles. The little girl with the hat is my Aunt Suretta. This photo is about one of the most important Black women in my life, Mother Francis. Her was Myrtle Francis, and she was an entrepreneur and pioneer in Fort Lauderdale. Born in South Carolina, she was an ordained minister at the age of 18. She moved her family to Florida and founded Universal Pentecostal Church where she was the Head Pastor. Despite women being told they couldn’t pastor or lead a church, she was doing it in the 1950’s. She also was a DJ on WRBD for 15 years & was their religious broadcast director and gospel DJ. She was a landlord, had her own Hands of Friendship foundation and more. The title as “Mother” wasn’t just a nickname either. She was a temporary foster mom as well as adopting several children and raising them. . . True story. I was a scrawny little kid. So every time Mother needed help to get up from the couch, she’d call me to come her up. I used to struggle badly. You’d think I was trying to lift a building. She would just laugh and giggle at me trying to help her up lol. I was her Anthony, her little grandbaby. I used to run to her every time I saw her. . . Mother was the quintessential definition of a strong Black women. I’ve been asked whether I have an issue dealing w/ strong Black women. Well, those are the only women I’ve ever dealt with. She’s the last matriarch of what Black women are. The most amazing thing about Mother was how she loved & invested in Black men. She never used or weaponized her strength or success against Black men. She’d pray for, teach, invest & help them no matter what. She’s one of the major reasons I am forever indebted to and in love with Black women. She was amazing. Love you Mother. . . #40daysuntil40 #countdownto40 #anthony #motherfrancis #james #bing #beanie #jb #soulcooljay #iloveblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #strongblackwoman #blackmatriarch #jamesanthony (at Lauderhill, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BptK9sBlsA8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jgmc3ypgdnar