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Mrs. Sykes returns to the studio to recite a poem from her book, Healing Thoughts.  Be sure to check out her story here.

[otw_shortcode_wp_embed_content][/otw_shortcode_wp_embed_content][otw_shortcode_content_box title="The 20th Century Woman" title_style="otw-regular-title"]The 20th Century woman… All sizes, races, colors and creeds… a new breed… An extension of women of old who have rocked the cradle of civilization, Carrying out old traditions--improving and adding on to them With dauntless courage. The 20th Century woman… Emerging on the forefront of today's society Finding her rightful place in the world's stage, Playing her special role… In shaping and molding The civilization up tomorrow! She has come a long way… From the drudgery of mere household chores and rearing the family To all facets of life in her community… the nation and the world! The 20th Century woman… Making strides…Right beside Her mail counterparts In politics, government, business, industry, Education, medicine, religion, technology She is blazing new trails Never attempted before Opening every possible door. Wherever man is...so is she! That's the way it should be! The 20th Century woman Is made of the right stuff Just tough enough To fight for her rightful place When it is denied. She is God's creation Man's helpmate...his equal Created to walk by his side; Not behind, and not being denied The right to fulfill her potential. The 20th Century woman Is brave and courageous Her enthusiasm is contagious Spreading among others Giving them desires to move on Her willpower and determination are endless. She turns the word "no" around to "on"... Meaning on to greater goals And higher heights--with all her might! She is intense--complex. No one can second guess her intentions… Not to mention The sudden outburst a brilliant ideas Flowing through her keen mind, Seeking, searching, in her efforts to find Solutions to improve life for all humankind. The 20th Century woman Is willing to listen to men But demand the right to be heard And get her two cents' worth in. This right she will defend! The 20 Century woman Likes to be her own person, But will stand by her man When the storms of life tear him apart, Because she has a heart Bigger than life itself; Holding so much love, compassion, Forgiveness, sharing, and caring for everyone else She is strong, yet tender and loving, Promotes peace and justice without pushing and shoving She is brave enough to go out on her own And make a home For her children, Working, struggling, and praying For their success. For them, she wants the best! The 20th Century woman Plays many different roles All wrapped up in one body and soul… Mother, housewife, nurse, business woman, Counselor, teacher, religious advisor And on it goes--whatever person the occasion fits She is it! She is a hubcap of the family unit, Without the family her the family would disintegrate! The 20th Century woman Has staying power. She is battered sometimes, but not beaten, Bent, but not broken, May give out, but never gives up. She is much like a teakettle Although she may be up to her neck in hot water She can still sing Whatever the consequences may bring! She may be criticized Often ostracized And sometimes despised Because of her views and opinions, But she ignores negative predictions And holds onto her convictions. The 20th Century woman Has praying power. She is in touch with her Creator every hour, Leans on Him for guidance, Has the faith to believe in Him--and herself When hope is dim. She does not reach decisions Through pressure, but through prayer. Has the patience tow air and not despair Keeps her hopes high, As she looks toward the sky, knowing God is still there. When she comes to the end of her top She ties a knot and hangs on with hope; Or lets go--and lets God! The 20th Century woman Often deserted and cast aside by man Sheds tears many times, But she clears her mind, She gets her act together, Braves the story weather And moves on --searching For a better life; Rising above all the strife! The 20th Century woman Moving into the 21st Century Ready to pass the torch on To her descendants With her heart filled with a song. Generations to come Will know that she was here, And left a legacy For them to live by and hold dear. The 20th Century woman Will leave her mark upon the pages of history behind And her footprints in the sands of time![/otw_shortcode_content_box]
[otw_shortcode_about_us image_url="http://ninetyoverninety.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Sykes-Julia-300x262.jpg" name="Julia Neal Sykes"]Julia Neal Sykes was born on October 15, 1923 on a tenant farm in southern Mecklenburg County near the Buster Boyd Bridge. Her childhood dream was to become a teacher and she overcame financial and circumstantial hardships to achieve that goal. She was married to the late R.B. Sykes for over 30 years. After the passing of her husband, she began to write and subsequently authored four books, including a poetic and historical volume. She is the mother of one son, Dr. James Neal. She is the grandmother of 2 and the great grandmother of 1. She is retired from 33 years as a public school teacher in the eastern part of North Carolina. Today, she continues to teach sunday school at her church, St. Stephens AME Zion in Gastonia, North Carolina.
Two of her books are available on Amazon:
Healing Thoughts, a book of poems highlighting her deeply held faith and life journey
Footprints on the Rough Side of the Mountain, a history of African Americans in Belmont, NC
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