—By Theresa Bryant, Special to Point of View—
For 50 years, Lucille Kennedy has been an entrepreneur in the Greater Springfield area. She’s a hair stylist who has provided hair care to a multitude of women. She shares information to maintain one’s mind, body and hair. I have to admit that when I was asked to write this article for the Point of View, I was nervous―one, it was POV and the other being, Lucille is my hair stylist. But then I asked myself who better to do it than me, having been with Lucille three-fourths of those 50 years?
I’ve been at Solid Gold Beauty Palace since its inception, before that Ms. Gee’s and Lebanon Street. As for POV, I had to remember that this is just my point of view of Mrs. Lucille Kennedy, my hairdresser. I can bet you, too, have a Lucille Kennedy story if you’ve been in the community long enough. She’s seen Winchester Square turn into Mason Square. She did my hair for the Harambee and Stone Soul. She’s had to have done someone’s hair in your family or the hair of someone you know. Fifty years of dealing with women and their hair is some accomplishment. Eunice “Lucille” Kennedy, in my eyes, is a legendary sista!
Some five years ago, Lucille wanted to provide ladies with an evening of inspiration, celebration and motivation. She’s spent countless hours listening to women share their mountain top experiences and hoped to give them a platform to highlight the legend in us all. As women, we’re all legendary in our own right. Women hold an array of positions in society. We are mothers, sisters, grandmothers, doctors, lawyers and, too often, play the role of fathers. Although our contributions are limitless, we rarely get the recognition we deserve.
Sisters Who Are Legends is an event that encourages women to bring forth the beauty and strength within themselves. It gives women the opportunity to adorn themselves in their finest attire, luxuriate and celebrate just being a sister. Come out and celebrate the legend in you. Sisters Who Are Legends will take place at the Log Cabin on Sunday, August 23rd at 2PM. The afternoon will provide women with fine dining and an opportunity to network, socialize and, perhaps, share a testimony. You may just inspire a sister or give her the courage to press on.
Fifty years of helping others feel beautiful is quite an accomplishment. I asked Lucille if she knew how many hairdos that equals. She laughed and implied―too many to count! I’d probably have gotten a more definitive answer if I’d asked about how much weave 50 years equates to? Lucille, of course, reminded me that she’s been doing hair far longer than the weave. She has definitely seen some hairdos come and go. I asked what’s been some of her favorite styles. According to Lucille, she just enjoys bringing out the beauty in others whether it’s with a curl set, weave, pony tail or up do. It’s her belief that if you look good, you feel good.
Lucille’s five decade milestone is bittersweet. She just recently lost a legend in her own life―her mother. She states that her mother’s strong work ethic and her joy of making others happy are two qualities she inherited from her. Lucille exclaims that this event was created for people like her mother and the women in your life who inspire you. Celebrate the legend in your life―your mother, sister, grandmother, girlfriend or the legend inside of you. It’s your time to walk the red carpet and be sure to congratulate our legendary sister, Eunice Kennedy, fondly referred to as “Lucille” for 50 years of service in the City of Springfield. ■
