(no pcture..yet)
Vanessa, an enthusiastic member of our gang, works tirelessly with horses and children. She travels throughout the country promoting the history and awareness of the African American's role in the development of our country. Her portrayal of the only known female Buffalo Soldier, Cathay Williams, is one she is extremely proud to lend her theatrical talents to. Her wily manner and off the cuff humor lends credibility to her portrayal as a soldier. As an enlisted soldier, William Cathay served in the army for two years before it was discovered she was a woman ! Once discharged, it was reported that Cathay owned a boarding house in the New Mexico area where she died in 1924 at the age of 82. Inspired by Cathay Williams' tenacity, Vanessa developed the outlaw character Willa Mae Cathay for the reenactments of "The Sweet Revenge Gang".
Her interest in horses has lead Vanessa to be a formidable competitor in the rodeo, Wild West Shows and Civil War reenactments. A Barrel Racer at heart, she is the lead off rider in the fast and furious Pony Express Race and holds the title of Missouri Sate Quick Draw Champion 1998. At the Annie Oakley Days Festival in Ohio, Vanessa realized her natural dramatic talents. When asked about her accomplishments, Vanessa admits she's very lucky ! She feels her role, as a female outlaw of the Old West is exciting and realistic. "Do you know how many women were orphaned, widowed, abused or abandoned during their difficult journeys across this country ? Sooner or later life's circumstances or the desperation of survival forced a woman to take charge of her own life's destiny.... is it any different now ?"
When asked to join The Sweet Revenge Gang she replied, "I already ride horses and cut up, you mean I can shoot the guys and get away with it................SIGN ME UP !!" "It just seems like the role was made for me."
A sidenote about Vanessa: Her sense of humor seems to know no boundaries.... which has made us stay on our toes...never quite knowing what she may pull. While she may have loads of fun just being herself never think for a moment she's not a professional actress !! We recently did a skit where two of us gals got a bit flustered and Vanessa oh so smoothly jumped right in and covered us. GOOD MOVE WILLA !!