A legendary woman!

My Mom Is a Legend

The Story of Barbara Jean Saunders — From Her Only Daughter, Nandi

Before we sing this song,

let me tell you about the woman we are celebrating.

Barbara Jean Saunders is a legend.

The oldest of five strong, educated Saunders sisters from St. Augustine, Barbara was always confident, resourceful, independent, and willing to go where women—especially Black women—were often told they couldn't go.

She attended Florida A&M University, but when the marching band leader told her girls couldn't play the drums, Barbara didn't allow someone else's limitations to become her own.

She moved to New York, searching for greater opportunities. Over the years, she became a clothing buyer for Bloomingdale's and Macy's, a petite runway model, a substitute teacher, a caregiver to people with developmental disabilities, and worked several state jobs.

She once dreamed of becoming a Border Patrol Officer, only to discover that women weren't accepted at the time.

Still, Barbara kept moving forward.

Eventually, while working armored-truck security in Miami, she gave another guard a ride to the police academy. When they told her there was no age limit, Barbara decided she could do it too.

And the rest became history.

She joined the Miami-Dade Police during the height of the cocaine era. Later, she moved to Alabama, serving in Tuskegee and Auburn, where she became the first woman—and the first Black woman—to serve as an officer in Auburn's police force.

She retired in 2003 after a remarkable career of service.

But her greatest legacy isn't a uniform, a badge, or a title.

It's her family.

There was Eddie, her stepson, whom we lost in 1981. His legacy continues through his daughters, Annika and Dawn.

Her oldest biological son, Delric, whom we lost in 2013, lives on through his children, Delric "D" and Britney "Princess."

Her second son, Courtney, gave her three beautiful grandchildren: Tashyra "Shy," Courtney "CJ," and Elijah "Pumpkin."

Her third son, Soweto, blessed her with Ayah, Kamaria, and Soweto "Ade."

And then there is Nandi—her only daughter—mother of N'bushe, Njideka "Nji," and Nkosi.

Five children, generations of grandchildren, and one extraordinary woman at the center of it all.

Barbara Jean Saunders.

Mama, this is your story.

Verse 1 — The Beginning

Five Saunders sisters from St. Augustine town,

Strong, educated women who wouldn't be held down.

Barbara was the oldest, born to lead the way,

When somebody told her "no," she'd find another way.

Florida A&M, drumsticks in her hand,

Till somebody told her girls couldn't drum inside that band.

She didn't beg permission, didn't let it steal her dream,

She packed her determination and headed for a bigger scene.

Chorus

My mama is a legend,

A woman strong and true.

When the world said, "You can't do it,"

Mama showed them what a woman could do.

From New York down to Miami,

From Tuskegee to Auburn too,

You didn't wait for history—

Mama, history waited for you.

Verse 2 — The Pioneer