Dear Pennies & Pens,
As you all hopefully know, we lost an icon last year with the passing of Cicely Tyson. Cicely is truly a herstoric figure with a career spanning decades in theater, film, TV, fashion and education. Ms. Tyson is an inspiration for us all.
A few months ago, I read Ms. Tyson’s autobiography, Just As I Am. This powerful book was unforgettable. I will never forget reading about Ms. Tyson’s experiences and her life story. Like so many Black women of that era, Ms. Tyson experienced a lot of trials, tribulations as well as triumphs.
Her life was never easy but it was always beautiful. She lived to be 96 years old and in those 96 years, she showed us how to live with grace, humility and perserverance. I have always been a big fan of Cicely Tyson, ever since I discovered her in middle school after reading The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and watching the corresponding film starring Ms. Tyson.
I usually detested school films but in the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman played by Cicely Tyson, I finally saw myself. The story of Black women is so often untold or ignored but with Miss Jane Pittman we finally have a voice.
Although I did not live in the times as this fictional character (enslavement and Jim Crow), I do understand and have experienced plenty of racism. In essence, I can still relate. And the portrayal by Ms. Tyson was phenomenal! It is truly an iconic film and one you absolutely must watch.
Back to Ms. Tyson herself, I am in awe of her extraordinary life. But I must admit, the book made me extremely sad and depressed at times. It’s just her tribulations and then her triumphs – like a turbulent childhood since her parents had a tumultuous relationship, then getting pregnant and married at 17, divorcing her 1st husband, sending her daughter to boarding school, becoming a model then an actress, marrying and divorcing Miles Davis (the great jazz musician of all time).
It was all a lot to take in. And while reading it, I was just upset because people like Cicely Tyson are so glamorized in the media. It’s all about what they wear on the red carpet or say in an interview but no one seems to get that these are real people.
Ms. Tyson had a turbulent life and I pray she is now resting in peace and power. She gave us so much wisdom, knowledge and inspiration. Now, it’s our turn to honor her life and legacy. Check out the video below and share your thoughts on the legacy of Cicely Tyson in the comments.
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.
