American Girl

Michigan

Chaya Banks reclined in her chair, her desk strewn with pencils and rulers. A sense of accomplishment washed over her as she awaited the verdict of the Ford auto executives. Convincing them of her talent and design abilities was no small feat. The car she had drawn exuded a sleekness that promised to thrill the driver. The prospect of production filled her with a sense of achievement.

Only a few women had the opportunity to prove themselves in the auto industry. Chaya Banks was not only a woman; she was a black woman. Three months ago, she worked on the assembly line. The job was not only hot work but repetitive. At home after work, she toyed with car designs. When she finally had one she felt proud of, she showed it to Mr. Dusk, her boss. He handed it back to her roughly but returned to ask to see it again. It wasn't long before she was shown to a bright new office. The auto execs were going to take a chance on her.

Chaya Banks had two passions in her life: cars and music. She only had a high school diploma but pushed herself to excel without the benefit of higher learning. Her ambitions paid off when the auto executives noticed her design ability.

In the evenings, Chaya attended choir practice. Along with her cousin, Mary, and best friend, Kyra Wilkerson, she sang gospel at her local church. The choirmaster often selected them to front the group. The congregation rose to their feet on those occasions, cheering and swaying to the throbbing beat.

Chaya, Mary, and Kyra wore white choir robes with burgundy trim, standing out among the other chorale singers donning the opposite color scheme. Reverend Mike beamed at them when they sang. The gals were a rare find. After church, he called them aside to speak with them.

"I decided to enter the choir in a gospel contest," Mike Miller stated, rubbing his hands together. "With you three fronting the group, I believe we have an excellent chance of winning."

The women quickly agreed. Every day after work, Chaya practiced with her cousin and friend. The fast pace of work and singing exhilarated Chaya. Her auto design was going into production, and she felt good about her musical talent. What more could life offer her?

"You're going to become our little star," Rev Mike exclaimed, drawing Chaya aside. Taking her by the arm, he led her into his church office. Sitting on the edge of his desk, he faced her. "Mary and Kyra are great, but your talent outshines theirs by miles. I'm putting you front and center in your little group. Your cousin and Kyra can back you."

"We're a team, Reverend Mike," Chaya protested. "I can't..."

"You can and will," the church pastor cut her off. "I love the way you belt out Amazing Grace. We'll jazz the old standard up, and the girls can sing doo-wop behind you. If you can get the congregation to their feet in church, you can do it in the auditorium, too."

"I don't know, Reverend." Chaya voiced her doubts. She loved her cousin, Mary, and Kyra had been her best friend since kindergarten. If she fronted the group, their equal partnership would break up.

"We'll talk to Mary and Kyra. Let's see what they think." Rev. Mike rose. Chaya followed him into the church sanctuary. Her cousin and friend hovered near the door, waiting for her. The pastor filled them in on his ideas.

The young women expressed their delight in placing Chaya at the center of their group. They appreciated her talent and encouraged her.

"You're the greatest, Chay," Mary exclaimed, hooking her cousin's arm. The threesome walked along the Detroit sidewalk. "When you sing in the contest, Michigan will hear you coming!"

"I'm not that good," Chaya protested, blushing. "Without you two, I'm nothing."

"Don't say that," Kyra cut in. "You were belting 'em out in grade school. We're only your backup. We've known that for ages."