On Her Leap Day: Honoring the Legacy of Rhea Mae Blow Barnes

As we reflect on the legacy of our family and the strength of the generations who came before us, we are honored to share this beautiful tribute to Mama Rhea written by Leatha Lamison-White:

On this February twenty-ninth—her birthday, rare and bright—

The final day of Black History Month, closing out its light,

I sit and speak of Rhea Mae, my grandmother so strong,

Born a Blow, though Barnes became the name she carried on.

In 1944 she claimed her land

When few would lend a Black native woman a hand—

No vote to cast, no bank to trust,

Yet still she built from faith and dust.

A farm. A house. A sacred place.

A fortress shaped by grit and grace.

She made it look like simple ease,

But wisdom worked beneath those trees.

Near fifty grandchildren proudly stand

On soil first held by her own hand.

That farm—our playground, safe and warm—

Where Sunday love became our norm.

Though Barnes the name the town may know,

Her blood runs deep from Rhea Mae Blow.

So on her birthday, leap-day true,

As Black history month closes too,

We say your name with grateful tone—

You built a future we call home.

Goodnight, Mama Rhea.

Your legacy still lights our way.

By Leatha Lamison-White