I was born in Edwards, Mississippi on April 29, 1933, one of
nine children born to Joe and Hattie Laws. My elementary, junior
high and high school education was completed in Edwards, Mississippi.
In 1951, I moved to Champaign, Illinois and was married to Philip
Bright. To this union were born eight children, three of whom
are deceased.
My career as a beauty consultant began in 1973 when I was employed
by Carson Pirie Scott and Company in Lincoln Square, Urbana, as
a Counter Manager in the Cosmetics Department. I was the first
Beauty Consultant for Fashion Fair Cosmetics in this area. Mr.
John C. Johnson, owner and publisher of Ebony magazine, produced
Fashion Fair Cosmetics and one of the job requirements was to
attend his seminars and workshops on retailing the products. In
1990 when Carson Pirie Scott was taken over by Bergner's, I remained
there as Counter Manager in the Cosmetics Department until my
retirement. Additionally, I did the "makeovers" for
the young ladies who participated in the Cotillion; for fashion
shows locally; for guests on local television stations; and for
models in the Black Mom's Day Fashion Show at the University of
Illinois.
I am a member of the Macedonia Baptist Church in Champaign. Presently
I serve as Superintendent of the Sunday School; and Secretary
of the Board of Trustees. I supervise the Usher Board consisting
of 24 junior and senior ushers and fill in for other services
in my church as needed.
My hobbies are cooking, fishing and sports. Early on I played
with the Women's Softball team at the Douglass Recreation Center.
Clara
Bright
)
denotes original charter members of the Champaign County Section
of the National Council of Negro Women.