As I was reading Lessons From Down Under written by Dr. Bessie House-Soremekun, written so fluently on the difference between Knowledge and Knowing, I began to think of my own upbringing. I grew up in rural Mississippi and most of the same white superiority was in Mississippi as well. Some of the same issues and circumstances that held down those of African descent in Alabama also held the blacks of Mississippi down as well. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized it. Just as she stated a lot about having a special connection with her grandmother, so did I. Till this day at the age of 65, my grandmother still informs me on lessons and literacy that can’t be found in a text book and cannot be taught in a classroom.
When I was eight years old, my grandmother’s home was burned completely down. It possessed every memory and artifacts passed down to her from her grandparents and so forth and so on. My grandmother lived in a small town in Mississippi just as Mrs. Bessie did. The white people there descended directly from Plantation owners as the town was very obviously segregated. My grandmother was a source of comfort to most African Americans in the community as she could cook and still can cook the best home cooked meal around. It was believed that the local white people took away everything she had worked so hard for and had continuously opened up for blacks to gain a unique type of literacy. It was like any other philosophy offered to justify the actions of rural whites. Whoever was a threat and whatever made them feel superior is what they were going to do. My grandmother taught me despite what may happen to stop you from doing the right thing and helping my fellow black people, continue to do the best you can in both knowledge and knowing. Just as Dr. Bessie’s grandmother taught her and showed her first hand.
By: Erica Paige
It was very intriguing to read another personal account about the white supremacy. I did not have that personal connection through my grandmother; though I’m sure she experienced it. Knowledge and information passed down from generation to generation has a tendency to have a greater impact on the individual than any book or magazine. Specifically, I take heed to my mother’s words more than I do to Essence Magazine! I can imagine what type of drive and motivation you have just because your relationship with your grandmother. - Daria Clegg
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with what you said because it is one thing to see or read something and then actually go through it or know someone who did. While you were talking about your grandmother it made me think of my own who passed years ago so great job. Shaniqua Burton
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