African American Family History Conference Follow-Up

What a tiring and amazing weekend! I think our participants had a great time and weren't even aware of all the scrambling behind the scenes (which is the way it is supposed to be). On a personal level, this conference caused me to reflect on some issues that strike close to home. One of the conference exhibitors had a large display of the history of racism in Missouri with specific focus on the Pierce City lynchings that occurred and the subsequent "driving out" of all African Americans located in the Ozarks. I was aware of this history (it occurred in the early 1900's) as I first learned about it two years ago while attending a History of Racism conference. The personal impact is that Pierce City is about 15 miles from where I grew up and is where my family and I attended church. As I visited with the gentleman who had put together this display, I learned that this was his family that had been lynched and chased out of town at gunpoint. I was aware of the racism that existed in that part of the country, but I had no idea of the stories that were in my childhood's backyard. These stories were never discussed in our history lessons at school.

I will try to post more of my thoughts and feelings in the next couple of days, but due to time constraints, this is all I can post for the moment. If you want to know more about the Pierce City lynchings, you can read about them at:

http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/
2007/03/02/banished/

Discover Your Roots

Today and tomorrow I will be giving my time and my efforts to the 1st Annual African American History Conference being hosted by the Lindell Ward. You can see more information at www.discoveryourrootsmo.com.

I am so pleased to be a small part of the efforts that are making this day possible. It is my way to tell my African American brothers and sisters that I recognize that much of our country was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of their ancestors.

I want them to have the same blessings that I enjoy....the blessing of knowing the story of your past....of the sacrifices made by your ancestors....and the sense of awe that comes from learning about the names, dates, and lives of those who came before.

I am sure I will have more to add once the event is over. Please send positive thoughts our way....that everything will run smoothly and that the over 200 participants we already have registered will have a wonderful experience.

In the thick of Harry Potter #4

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

 

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