Monday, November 10, 2008

She's 114!!!

From KobreGuide to the Web’s Best Multimedia :



http://www.latimes.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3104619


Gertrude Baines, 114, is the world's oldest person of African descent, the third-oldest person in the world, and the second-oldest in the United States.

When she was born, Grover Cleveland was president and the U.S. flag had 44 stars. She grew up in Georgia during a time when black people were prevented from voting, discriminated against and subject to violent racism. In her lifetime, she has seen women gain the right to vote, and drastic changes to federal voting laws and to the Constitution. She is even 8 years older than the centenarian voter cited by President-elect Barack Obama in his victory speech.

And now, this Los Angeles Times video shows Ms. Baines in her convalescent home, with bedroom walls covered with birthday cards from presidents and officials from years gone by, as she casts her ballot. The daughter of former slaves has voted only once before, for John F. Kennedy. This time it’s for Barack Obama.

Length: 1:47

Video: Sachi Cunningham

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