Marjorie Dymally James, a beloved figure in South Los Angeles, has reached an incredible milestone–her 100th birthday.
Born on March 5, 1925, in Cedros, a small fishing village on the island of Trinidad, she immigrated to Los Angeles, California, at the age of 35, driven by a singular goal: to provide a better life for her children.
Raised by her mother, Andried Richardson, and her father, Hamid Dymally, Marjorie was taught early on that education was the key to success. Despite the limited opportunities in their small village, her mother worked tirelessly to provide a stable home and ensure that Marjorie received the best education available.
“My father believed that daughters should receive the same education as sons, which was uncommon at the time in Trinidad,” she recalled.
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At the age of 13, Marjorie left her family and village to pursue a high school education in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad. This was one of the most challenging times of her life, but she embraced the opportunity with determination and gratitude, understanding the importance of her parents’ sacrifice.
Her academic journey continued when she moved to her father’s home, where she worked as a bookkeeper at an automotive parts store. It was here that she met Errol James, the love of her life. The couple married, and Marjorie gave birth to her first daughter at the age of 22.
Though she embraced the traditional role of wife and mother, Marjorie’s ambitions were far greater. When her marriage ended, Marjorie made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States in search of greater opportunities.
“Leaving my children behind in the care of my mother was heartbreaking, but I knew I had to make this sacrifice for their future,” she said.
After several years, with the help of her brother, Mervyn Dymally (who would go on to find great success as a celebrated California politician), Marjorie achieved her most important goal: to reunite with her children in the U.S. To study in the U.S. as an international student, Marjorie was required to obtain a student visa, which led her to enroll in a cosmetology school. Though she knew little about the field, this decision would drastically change her life.
“Little did I know that cosmetology would become my passion and provide the path to success I had always dreamed of,” she reflected.
Her journey as a teacher began when she was hired at the cosmetology school she attended. She quickly advanced, managing both day and night shifts at the school, and learning many valuable business skills. Through her interactions with South American students, she also became fluent in Spanish, which she considers life changing.
After receiving permanent residence status, Marjorie was able to reunite with her children and purchase a home in West Los Angeles. As a single mother, she faced the challenges of balancing work and family, but her determination to provide for her children was unwavering.
Throughout her life, Marjorie had always been a strong advocate for education, community service, and empowerment. Marjorie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to open the Crenshaw Beauty College in the 1970s. The college provided career opportunities for adults and offered part-time training for local high school students at Dorsey, Crenshaw and Los Angeles High in the 1980s.
The beauty program allowed students to learn skills that led many to become business owners. Marjorie was a modern-day Madame C.J. Walker of South L.A. At the same time, she also became a teacher at L.A. Unified School District, a role she also found incredibly fulfilling.
Mrs. James’ multicultural upbringing in Trinidad taught her to appreciate and accept diversity, a value that has deeply influenced her life and career. Over the years, she also fulfilled her lifelong dream of traveling, visiting countries like London, China, and France, and learning about different cultures and traditions.
A host of family, friends, and well-wishers from Trinidad & Tobago, San Francisco and Los Angeles gathered on March 4 to celebrate with Marjorie for her centennial milestone, marking not only her longevity but also the profound impact she has had on those around her.
From her early years to her later accomplishments, this Caribbean Queen has been a beacon of inspiration, resilience, and kindness.
