Atlanta Housing, Residents Celebrate 102nd Birthday of Clara “Mama” Bridges

The spry centenarian, known for her sharp memory, recalls birthdays and phone numbers of nieces and nephews. At 102, she still has a quick wit, a zest for life and the energy to exercise and enjoy healthy foods. When asked for the secret to her longevity, she answered with hushed passion. “People don’t know, God rained down on us. Days like this, people don’t realize what senior citizens go through,” she explained. “‘How did you get there, Ms. Bridges?'” she said she is often asked. “I said, just a closer walk with God.” Her wisdom continued. “I look back over my life, and I [often] ask myself, ‘Have I lived my life that was given to me to live? ‘Cause [it’s] a lot [of us] who [would] take someone else’s life and live,” she explained. “But I wanted mine.” The treat of the day was having one of her birthday wishes come true: to meet Dr. Bernice King. Dr. King will reach a milestone birthday herself on Tuesday. “Whenever somebody this age calls, God’s speaking,” said King. “I hope we don’t take this moment for granted or lightly.” An Atlanta native who grew up in what is now known as...