@Louise Haynes …I’m not as hopeful about the learning as I once was. I’m looking to see what the short-long term reactions are emerging from white protests across the country. Not enough young people in those groups. I might not be around to see, but I’ll know. Spirit always knows.
I have a poem called "Pivot" I will release in the next month, I share about some experiences of touring the Sydonie mansion in Zellwood, Florida and I vividely remember the architecture of being so segregated. This was so eye opening, to think of how our ancestors were there to only be seen when they served. Separate kitchens, take the back entrance to the hidden stairwell. There's a book by author Susan Mccarthy called "Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands" that covers the history around these events. I got a chance to meet her and discuss the book, wrote a poem about it here https://tinyurl.com/5yydzxzj . I'm currently in Georgia and I've gone through some of the archives in the public library in Aiken, SC. Any suggestions for access to archives here in the Augusta area also? My family also had property here behind the Aiken airport before they fled North ( I write about this in my poem called "Like John Henry | Drive" https://tinyurl.com/4pjkzxvj ). Thank you for sharing Dr. Marshall, I always enjoy reading your history and archives, I do the same in my family. We must preserve these stories.
Thanks for reading and commenting. I truly appreciated it and enjoyed the poems you shared. Memories are like blinding jewels at times.
I’ve never been to the Aiken library but had a cousin who said it was very good. He also thought the historical society there was good, too. I’m not sure of its exact name. As for Augusta, I’ve actually never done any real research there. It is my birthplace, but I grew up in NYC and visited my grandparents and others in Augusta as often as I could. I think you might try Augusta College/University, the Augusta Historical Society (down by Riverwalk near the hotel) and possibly Paine College. I spent several hours at Augusta College/University in the late 1980s. Others whom I maintain contact with generally mention the three sources I list here. Of course, you might also try the Augusta Library’s main branch. I’ve called them and gotten help with projects. They were very good in helping via phone if time permitted or emailing the information I was seeking. Is there a particular subject you’re researching?
Thanks for reading and commenting on those pieces and thanks for the suggestions. I'm currently archiving family work history from the 1950's forward in 5 year increments. I have been using family ancestry, census data and I'll use some of the sources you mentioned. I work in education technology in the knowledge economy but I was struck by the thought that we have advanced so much as a people considering where we came from just 60 years ago. We still face so many challenges yet when you stop and reflect it quite incredible how much we've persisted despite the headwinds of racism and displacement. My great-great grandmother was born in 1925 in Aiken and she got to see me take my first trip abroad to China, travel the world and work from my laptop, something she could not have imagined during her working life.
btw I really enjoyed your interview on the "Mission Geneology Podcast", ( https://tinyurl.com/bdh7ww2y ) so insightful!
I did this interview 13 years ago. You will also see at least 2 more I did with Advocacy Arena. I think they pop up after the first link I put here. Here’s one of the Advocacy Arena interviews: https://youtu.be/5ZfHIgzoh4w?si=w88iUKCoBSfPmpmY. (This group meets on Spoutible every Monday @1pm EST. You might want to listen in. The topics are current and people tune in from all over the world though most are in the USA. I’m there as well and sometimes comment on the topics being discussed.)
The interview for “Mission Genealogy” inspired me. It helps to share sometimes. I’m pleased you found it “insightful.”
I’m about to start editing volume 1 of my family’s history. I finished it 4 years ago but became ill and had to put it aside. I’m eager to revisit it. I know so much more than I did when I wrote it. I feel like rewriting, but the thought of starting from scratch is almost a stopper. My mind accepts a need to deep dive the editing. It won’t look or read anything like the original, but it will be what my spirit now knows it should be. Thank you for sharing with me. I look forward to more conversations. Let me know which of the Augusta resources help you. I’m hoping to be in that area in August. If you’re around, perhaps we could meet up. Let’s stay in touch. Happy hunting!
Thanks you for the information and links, I will definitely take some time to listen. I feel it’s of utter importance for us to archive our history and also create curricula, lessons, games and methods of interaction for our families to share knowledge and build circular economies of trust and wisdom.
I will keep you posted in the Augusta resources, they actually have a genealogy program through the Columbia county library system but I don’t know how “deep” the information goes. I’m sure you’ll gather the pieces well to retell your families history. I imagine the ancestors cheering you on and giving you inspiration to keep going when you feel like you want to stop. We’ll definitely keep in touch here and connect if you’re in the area. I’m always zipping around the US or traveling abroad, I’m sure our paths will cross. Talk later, have a good Sunday.
Thank you for sharing this. For someone such as me who has never lived in America or had first hand knowledge of segregation, your insights are valuable.
Wish there was an “empathy” icon on this Substack post, because I don’t “heart” the laughing at your early diary entries nor do I “heart” that you endured colored-only entrances and around-out-back restrooms.
Sharing tender recollections is courageous and I wanted you to know this post has not fallen on a closed heart or deaf ears.
Appreciate you @DearMyrtle. I share those painful experiences because they’re still happening in some southern and midwestern states not to mention in other parts of the world. And, I’ve experienced equally damning acts of racism I want younger people in particular to know about because the climate in this country is dangerous. Sharing is one way I can push the envelope and contribute to a better world….that is my hope.
This read was everything I needed this morning. Something about the photo of your grandmother serving them white folk really infuriated me. I’m glad you used the guest bathroom when they weren’t there…well played!
The thing that I’m still shocked by is the newspaper articles compared to what you witnessed outside of your window. It’s been like this for years? The media has always stretched the reality to fit a narrative that aligns with who? It makes you wonder who is the media truly for? Who benefited from that lie?
This read was one of my favorites by you and not just because it was during our time together! It’s truly one of my favorites because of how many questions I have that have inspired me. You inspire me! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story, Dr. Marshall. When will we ever learn?
@Louise Haynes …I’m not as hopeful about the learning as I once was. I’m looking to see what the short-long term reactions are emerging from white protests across the country. Not enough young people in those groups. I might not be around to see, but I’ll know. Spirit always knows.
I sincerely hope you live a long and healthy life, Dr. Marshall. We need your stories and your teachings.
I have a poem called "Pivot" I will release in the next month, I share about some experiences of touring the Sydonie mansion in Zellwood, Florida and I vividely remember the architecture of being so segregated. This was so eye opening, to think of how our ancestors were there to only be seen when they served. Separate kitchens, take the back entrance to the hidden stairwell. There's a book by author Susan Mccarthy called "Lay That Trumpet in Our Hands" that covers the history around these events. I got a chance to meet her and discuss the book, wrote a poem about it here https://tinyurl.com/5yydzxzj . I'm currently in Georgia and I've gone through some of the archives in the public library in Aiken, SC. Any suggestions for access to archives here in the Augusta area also? My family also had property here behind the Aiken airport before they fled North ( I write about this in my poem called "Like John Henry | Drive" https://tinyurl.com/4pjkzxvj ). Thank you for sharing Dr. Marshall, I always enjoy reading your history and archives, I do the same in my family. We must preserve these stories.
Thanks for reading and commenting. I truly appreciated it and enjoyed the poems you shared. Memories are like blinding jewels at times.
I’ve never been to the Aiken library but had a cousin who said it was very good. He also thought the historical society there was good, too. I’m not sure of its exact name. As for Augusta, I’ve actually never done any real research there. It is my birthplace, but I grew up in NYC and visited my grandparents and others in Augusta as often as I could. I think you might try Augusta College/University, the Augusta Historical Society (down by Riverwalk near the hotel) and possibly Paine College. I spent several hours at Augusta College/University in the late 1980s. Others whom I maintain contact with generally mention the three sources I list here. Of course, you might also try the Augusta Library’s main branch. I’ve called them and gotten help with projects. They were very good in helping via phone if time permitted or emailing the information I was seeking. Is there a particular subject you’re researching?
Thanks for reading and commenting on those pieces and thanks for the suggestions. I'm currently archiving family work history from the 1950's forward in 5 year increments. I have been using family ancestry, census data and I'll use some of the sources you mentioned. I work in education technology in the knowledge economy but I was struck by the thought that we have advanced so much as a people considering where we came from just 60 years ago. We still face so many challenges yet when you stop and reflect it quite incredible how much we've persisted despite the headwinds of racism and displacement. My great-great grandmother was born in 1925 in Aiken and she got to see me take my first trip abroad to China, travel the world and work from my laptop, something she could not have imagined during her working life.
btw I really enjoyed your interview on the "Mission Geneology Podcast", ( https://tinyurl.com/bdh7ww2y ) so insightful!
Travis, you might also like this video and get some ideas about how you want to proceed with documenting your family history: https://youtu.be/8YbBMScA_uA?si=inNqvVN1Bfp9K7G5
I did this interview 13 years ago. You will also see at least 2 more I did with Advocacy Arena. I think they pop up after the first link I put here. Here’s one of the Advocacy Arena interviews: https://youtu.be/5ZfHIgzoh4w?si=w88iUKCoBSfPmpmY. (This group meets on Spoutible every Monday @1pm EST. You might want to listen in. The topics are current and people tune in from all over the world though most are in the USA. I’m there as well and sometimes comment on the topics being discussed.)
The interview for “Mission Genealogy” inspired me. It helps to share sometimes. I’m pleased you found it “insightful.”
I’m about to start editing volume 1 of my family’s history. I finished it 4 years ago but became ill and had to put it aside. I’m eager to revisit it. I know so much more than I did when I wrote it. I feel like rewriting, but the thought of starting from scratch is almost a stopper. My mind accepts a need to deep dive the editing. It won’t look or read anything like the original, but it will be what my spirit now knows it should be. Thank you for sharing with me. I look forward to more conversations. Let me know which of the Augusta resources help you. I’m hoping to be in that area in August. If you’re around, perhaps we could meet up. Let’s stay in touch. Happy hunting!
Thanks you for the information and links, I will definitely take some time to listen. I feel it’s of utter importance for us to archive our history and also create curricula, lessons, games and methods of interaction for our families to share knowledge and build circular economies of trust and wisdom.
I will keep you posted in the Augusta resources, they actually have a genealogy program through the Columbia county library system but I don’t know how “deep” the information goes. I’m sure you’ll gather the pieces well to retell your families history. I imagine the ancestors cheering you on and giving you inspiration to keep going when you feel like you want to stop. We’ll definitely keep in touch here and connect if you’re in the area. I’m always zipping around the US or traveling abroad, I’m sure our paths will cross. Talk later, have a good Sunday.
Thank you for sharing this. For someone such as me who has never lived in America or had first hand knowledge of segregation, your insights are valuable.
Wish there was an “empathy” icon on this Substack post, because I don’t “heart” the laughing at your early diary entries nor do I “heart” that you endured colored-only entrances and around-out-back restrooms.
Sharing tender recollections is courageous and I wanted you to know this post has not fallen on a closed heart or deaf ears.
Appreciate you @DearMyrtle. I share those painful experiences because they’re still happening in some southern and midwestern states not to mention in other parts of the world. And, I’ve experienced equally damning acts of racism I want younger people in particular to know about because the climate in this country is dangerous. Sharing is one way I can push the envelope and contribute to a better world….that is my hope.
This read was everything I needed this morning. Something about the photo of your grandmother serving them white folk really infuriated me. I’m glad you used the guest bathroom when they weren’t there…well played!
The thing that I’m still shocked by is the newspaper articles compared to what you witnessed outside of your window. It’s been like this for years? The media has always stretched the reality to fit a narrative that aligns with who? It makes you wonder who is the media truly for? Who benefited from that lie?
This read was one of my favorites by you and not just because it was during our time together! It’s truly one of my favorites because of how many questions I have that have inspired me. You inspire me! Thank you!