Onyx Woman Network

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  Media for Women of Color

Flirting with 50

Who would have thought that the 50s could be so graceful? “Aging gracefully” used to be a patronizing comment to assure women of a certain age that getting older isn’t “all that bad.” However, that was before the 50s became so fabulous.

Women aren’t just getting older, they are Becoming. “Becoming” is the word that Onyx Woman uses to describe seasoned sistahs who are emerging into the next phase of life. We are not just entering our 50s, we are bursting in with a new attitude about living, loving and laughing off things that simply don’t matter anymore.

Our priorities have been redefined, and our attitudes readjusted. Move over diaper bags and strollers (sorry grandkids!); and bring on the pencil skirts, pointed pumps and power suits. Today’s fifty-something sisters got it going on!

Jarene Barnes, 51

Founder, Caregiver-B-WELL

She Cares for the Caregivers - “Time

doesn’t wait for you, make sure you make

every attempt to do all the things that you

desire.” That mantra is why this 50-plus

started a nonprofit that focuses on care-

givers living their dreams while caring for

loved ones. Jarene’s prescription for living

well is to live life to its fullest, laugh with

good friends, and love passionately! Jarene

just added the title of proud mother-in-law

when her only son, Corey recently wed.

Ola Jackson, 49

Entrepreneur/Publisher

Look Who’s Turning 50! - The soon-

to-be 50-year old is the great aunt to 41

great nieces and nephews, and one great,

great niece; she often ponders over how

time has gone by so quickly. Her advice to

women turning a page into the next chap-

ter: “The only thing worst than dying and

not accomplishing the things you want, is

continuing to live realizing that you never

set out to pursue your dreams. A friend

once told me that he admired me because

I wasn’t afraid of making a fool out of my-

self. Go for it, even if you make a fool out

of yourself.”

Sharon Burton, 59

Retired Project Manager

Yes, there is life after retirement. 

At 59 and still fine, Sharon charted a new

path after 30 years as a project manager

with Bell Atlantic (now Verizon). When

she is not working her part-time gig in the

leasing office of an apartment building for

seniors, she is spending quality time with

her husband of  25 years, Wilbur, and at-

tending services at St. Paul AME Church

in Knoxville, PA Sandra Washington, 59

Human Resources & Cleansing Stream Ministry

Here Comes the Bride - The 59-year

old bride-to-be is about to walk down the

aisle this spring, proving that there is new

love after 50. She writes poetry, travels fre-

quently to Africa with her church minis-

try, and values the quality time that she is

able to spend nurturing the development

of her niece, as well as mentoring other

young people. “Whatever you do don’t for-

get to have fun!” says Sandra.

If you are a woman of a certain age and you still got it going on, drop us a photo at: own@onyxwomannetwork.com.

Put woman of a certain age in the subject line.

  Change

       is

Becoming!