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With Gratitude for Norma Miller: A Giving Spirit NEVER to be forgotten







This past Sunday on CBS (CBS Sunday Morning Show) https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hail-and-farewell-to-those-we-lost-in-2019/   they mentioned our dear friend and supporter. Yes they again honorably mentioned Norma Miller as one of our beloved ones that we - and the whole world - lost this last year.

As 2020 is about to begin we share some thoughts about the fantastic Queen of Swing.  Seeing her relaxed and chilling, shooting the breeze in her home surroundings.... talking excitedly and lovingly about her new home of Italy and her friends there.... creating and writing new songs... new projects and ideas... looking forward to more and more...



Norma with some of her Harlem show-biz friends, representing the Cotton Club, Tap, Lindy Hop and more...



Norma performing in Italy during 2019


However of the times we were visiting Norma in her personal sanctuary, one of the most precious and memorable was with Sugar Sullivan.  





Both busy Queen Bees and Globetrotters, they realized they hadn't seen each other in over a year due to full schedules.  So on the 91st anniversary of the famed  historic Savoy Ballroom opening a little overdue reunion took place in Fort Myers. It was great to hear these two Lindy Hop Ladies reminisce of the Harlem they grew up in, who they knew...and talk excitedly of travels and such.  Loads of questions and life lessons shared...

A celebratory cake was in order for the occasion, and Norma's favorite of fried chicken (fixed lovingly by the hands of another Harvest Moon Ball winner Sherry Sullivan) sealed the deal :>)

YES think about it: Had Sherry been there that would have been represented 3 of the 4 major generations of Harlem Lindy Hop culture... and Harvest Moon Ball history represented too!





___________________






The Harlem Swing Dance Society (THSDS) has had the privilege of meeting with the two superb gentleman who helped Norma put her children's book together and gave it life.  

Artist and Illustrator Martin French had the honor of doing her vivid illustrations, and Alan Govenar had the pleasure of giving her story excitement in print.  Thanks to their efforts THSDS has been able to bring portions of this to life to Harlem Children and Seniors in the area thru performances, Q & A Sessions and video clips.  Efforts have been made for Norma's books to be in museum, gift and tourist shops in the Harlem area so more can know about her incredible will and tenacity.

With that we leave you with the words of Alan Govenar, letting us know what we can heartily learn and remember from Norma's phenomenal life journey...
Picture credit - Alan Govenar



NOTE - There was an effort to get Norma Miller a Kennedy Award honor so many more could see her!  While this sadly wasn't realized, the bio with the petition tells you so much about the Queen - worth a look  :>)

https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/norma-miller-kennedy-center-honoree-2017



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Location:Harlem New York, NY, USA

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