Magnolia Literacy Project Spotlight: Lana Brown Series
Happy Women’s History Month! The impact of women in every space of life should never be underestimated. Within families and communities, across cities and states, from countries to continents, women have historically shaped the world. Lana Brown, a poet from Natchez, Mississippi, honors the life and legacy of her Aunt Vera "Jewel" Wilkins, who recently passed away at the age of 93. The foundation she built continues to sustain multiple generations of family, including Brown.
Brown is a graduate of Alcorn State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Communications; a Master of Arts in Secondary English Education; and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with a Concentration in Reading and Gifted Education. She also holds a Specialist in Education degree in Psychometry from Jackson State University. An instructor in gifted education with the Natchez Adams School District, Brown was selected by the Mississippi Department of Education to be a member of the ELA/Literacy High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) Review Team in the fall of 2020.
“A Rare Jewel”
Gently placed over nine decades ago,
With the utmost care
For there will never be another
By a Father who cherished her
A humble spirit
Never complaining
Not easily ruffled
Easy going
Would never, ever be on a debate team
The Peace AFTER the storm
The Mediator
Never doing corners,
Just staying in the middle, consistently
For LOVE can’t be divided
It overflows
Into every being that it touches
All having a special place in her heart
Uniquely irreplaceable
Understanding her assignment, even as a young Mother
So many pieces of the pie
Choosing one over another is emotional suicide
Birthing a family, disconnected
Not a good game plan
Yet, she came in peace
Spreading her commitment and devotion indiscriminately
For she is a flower with many seeds
That must grow
So, she waters them
She prunes them when they go astray
She sheds light when their paths are dark
Staying calm in the eye of the storm
For, she is the root
The origin
A Jewel
(In memory of my beautiful Aunt Vera, who is now celebrating a new birthday in a different realm. I will miss you!)
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