7 Comments

Beautiful photos. I loved reading about your uncle.

Expand full comment

@ancestory I’m glad you enjoyed both essay and photos. My uncle is ☺️.

Expand full comment

What a beautiful memory interwoven with the realities of a tortured world he was born into. His love and talent shine right through.

Expand full comment

Sadly @Barbara at Projectkin, that tortured world still exists for far too many in America. My time teaching literacy proved that. I had youngsters who should have returned to school and adults who wanted to do so but were long past the age of being accepted in regular school, and too embarrassed to go to adult education. I was happy they put pride aside and attended the literacy program.

Expand full comment

So very true. And now I fear greater backsliding as investments are pulled from these forms of education. 🥺

Thank you for your hard work and that of so many unsung teachers in after school, adult education, libraries and non-standard education channels.

📖📚

Expand full comment

I love when you share your family history, Dr. Mary.

Every time I'm reminded of my own family, and I'm grateful to have this insight.

Your Uncle Andrew is my Uncle Larry.

The photograph of you playing the flute is iconic!

Expand full comment

@Nubia Lateefa I replied to your comment but don’t see it. Perhaps I forgot to hit “send” :)!

Thanks for reading and commenting. Your Uncle Larry is loved if he’s like my Uncle Andrew.

I think my flute is belonging to be played. I’m hoping a family member who’s expressed some interest might actually want to learn to play. I’ve considered donating it to a community youth organization that has a music component.

Expand full comment