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Vivian Beatrice Williams.
Pretty Star
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Osiyo, means hello in the language of the Tsalagi, Cherokee Indians.
My name is Vivian Beatrice 'Pretty Star' Williams. I am a retired
licensed Medical Laboratory Chemistry Supervisor BS, C(ASCP) with
HHC of NYC for 42 years. A native New Yorker, I have always known
of my tri-cultural heritage: African American, Native American
(Cherokee, Powhatan) and Irish. I graduated from York College in
Queens in 1981 with a BS cum laude, and my interests include
writing poetry, bead working and dressmaking.
As a child I had always wondered why there was so little information
about American Indians and so my search for my ancestors started
early in my youth. My father had once said to me in response to
my questions about reservation life "that it was like living in a
prison camp". My interest grew because I could not understand that
type of treatment happening to the First People of the Americas.
You see public school does not teach History through the eyes of
a Native American. I am of the Long Hair clan, based on the fact
that as we were growing up there was always a distinction in the
family concerning hair. Mama always said to leave it alone, it was
a gift and if you messed with it or wore wigs God would take it
from you. And, Daddy always said you should "never cut your hair".
So the Clan Mothers said this indicated our clan laws.
I was given the honor of being designated a Clan Mother in 2007
and am now a member of the Council of the Eastern Cherokees of New
York.
The Eastern Cherokees of New York Tribe is an organization of
Native Americans and those of native descent. I joined on
December 6, 2006 I became aware of them through my sister Winter
Star 'Muriel'. I attend the meetings and take language classes in
an effort to learn more of our family's culture. I am very happy
to finally get a chance to step into a world denied by so many.
Native Americans still do exist and are making strides to be
heard and respected. Wado (Thank you).
In re-reading this I realize I have skipped a lot. I have one
older brother, Theodore Jackson Williams II named after a
grandfather we never met. Then there are the sisters all younger
Sylvia Delores Williams (Marcario) , Dorothy Marie Williams (Agosto),
(Samuels) and Muriel Veronica Williams the baby. So far (2016)
only Dotty and Ted are still with me.
*BS= Bachelor of Science Degree, C(ASCP) = Certified Chemist with
the American Society of Clinical Pathologist, which meant I could
work any where in the USA.
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Native Pride
Love
Who
And
What
You
Are |
