On the Land of My Father

This is a book that evokes a time and place that no longer exists, but is central to the American experience. A past that is handed down to be remembered. A narrative that is simple and direct, full of descriptions so that the reader can imagine the characters. A lived history of family values and connections to the land. How land ownership bonded a Negro family to its white neighbours and beyond in segregated Southern Mississippi. It shows how working the land was not all pain and hostility, but an appreciation of what the land gave identity, pride, competence, and a persistence that never ended, with respect for hard work. It's a glimpse of the day to day challenges and security experienced during the formative years, the 1940's while playing with the white children on the next farm and the effect of drinking water from fountains labeled coloured and white. How a father (1918-1919), and brothers (1940's-1950's) served in segregated Armed forces to protect their country, but returned home to the segregated society they left. How education provided independence and freedom, and religion was the glue that held the family together. How parents taught children the principles of life set by examples.