Celebrating Family Traditions: BETTER GIT YER LEARNIN'...

 

Image from History.com

Better Git Yer Learnin'

The year was 1863

The paper said that I was free
But no one read it to my ears
and so I slaved for two more years.

Better git yer learnin,'
Better git yer learnin' before it goes away!

 [From the album: Songs of  Our Native Daughters]

After freedom was declared, former slaves went about regaining the life denied them for so many generations.  They looked first for family members torn away in business transactions, auction blocks, and often used as heirlooms by wealthy families.  

They went back to worship!  Gone were the midnight vigils far in the woods, along the swamps, and brush arbors (open sided shelters similar to a lean to shed).  The God Who kept them and freed them was needed now more than ever.  He would guide them into this new existence.  

[It was the Black Church that stood in the gap when Reconstruction programs failed to provide dignity and social reform.] 

But our Mississippi ancestors were resilient.  They wanted more than anything to be educated. They wanted to learn to read and write.  Adults often attended school with their children.  The Freedmen's Bureau established schools for that purpose throughout the south. They provided buildings and teachers and even facilitated land grants for college level education. However, the ensuing practices of Black Codes and Jim Crow still made it difficult for our people to achieve literacy.  

 One of the resources I use in my research is the Mississippi Enumeration of Educable Children 1850-1892; 1908-1937.  It was a census of school age children.  Initially it was for white students only.  After the war black children were counted even those who lived in rural areas. 

 I was happy to find a few family members cited in these records although sporadically with large gaps between years.  As sharecropper children, they could not attend school regularly.  Still the hope of an education for themselves and their children was realized.  Our family became more literate with succeeding generations.  Today we have many family members who have found academic success.  Some even choosing the field of education as life long careers.

As in past blog posts, A disclaimer is required. This is not an exhaustive accounting of every relative who may fit in the categories below. Please send me any corrections for future recognition. That being said, allow the chosen to represent them all.

First Family College Graduates

 "There's no doing in the world without being first." - Oprah Winfrey 

• 1963 - V. Bahiyyah Muhamad - University of Illinois, B.S. Elementary, National Louis University, M. Educational Psychology, 

•  1964 - Peggy D. Harris - Lincoln University,  Jefferson City, B.S. Elementary
•  1969 -Alfred L. Harris, Sr. Lincoln University, Jefferson City, B.S. Elementary

[Peggy and Alfred, both recipients of Master degrees were the first in the family to graduate from a HBCU.  Lincoln University was founded in 1866 by the 62nd and 65th US Colored Infantry and is the only black college founded by African-American members of the U.S. Army]

First Family Doctorate Degree

• 2014 - Chantelle M. Peterson, EDD - Northern Illinois University, Counseling Education and Supervision;  B.S. - Elmhurst University and Governor State. 

Family Graduates &

 Attendees of HBCUs

• Lt. Col.  Alfred Harris, Jr.  - (Military Science) -Hampton University (Est. 1868)  
• Nicole R. Harris - (Public Administration) -Tennessee State University (Est. 1912)
• Lexxus L. Betts - (Biomed. Engineer) - North Carolina A&T University (Est. 1891)
• Maria Peterson Henderson - Xavier University, New Orleans (Est. 1915)
• Lynnette P. Jefferson - Florida A&M University (Est. 1887)
• Admire Miracle Smith - Lincoln University, Jefferson City (Est. 1866)

I am proud to say that today, generation after generation of our kin have found their way to the halls of academia.  They are currently enrolled in state, vocational, and technical schools throughout the nation.  Notable colleges like The University of Notre Dame and Purdue University. We are proud of each and every one of them!

Our young people face many challenges that keep them from realizing their full potential.  In a socio-political culture rife with violence, crime, and injustice hope for a better future seems nearly impossible.  I pray they will be encouraged to push forward by remembering their ancestors' struggle. 

It was once a crime for black people to be educated; to cast a vote and live fully in a land they helped build! There were concerted efforts to keep us from knowing who we are, where we came from, and what we have achieved.  Some folks are trying to take us back there!  As the song above implores us: 

 "Better Git Yer Learnin,' Better Git Yer Learnin'

before it goes away!"

Carolyn Harris Betts,

Your Family Griot

Celebrating Family Traditions: THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT!!!

ENTERTAINMENT

The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.
-Dictionary.com

One would think with all the talent in our family this post would be my easiest.  It most certainly IS NOT!!  That's the problem.  We have TOO MANY talented relatives!  So let me give a disclaimer up front!  If you have a sister, brother, niece, nephew, child, or grandchild who is phenomenally gifted and you don't see their names in this post...forgive me! 

I've selected only a few family members, ones that I have witnessed exercising their talent; that have historical relevance, or whose gifts have been acknowledged on the world's stage.  I also want to make a distinction between those who perform sporadically or only when inebriated [only kidding] from those who work hard to perfect their craft and have made it their career!  With Your permission let the following represent us all!

 🎵🎵 MUSIC 🎵🎵

Greggory Brian Smith, entertainment business professional with over 15 years experience in music publishing, performance right organization, artist/songwriter management, and artist repertoire. Expertise include publishing administration, music copyright, and licensing.

Patrick J. "Que" Smith, Grammy nominated record producer and songwriter has 15 years experience in the music business and 50 million albums to his credit.  He has contributed to songs from Usher, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Fantasia Barrina, Chris Brown, Ariana Grande, The Gospellers, and Omarion.

[Greggory and Patrick are the sons of  Woodrow Smith, Jr. and Barbara Johnson.  They are the grandsons of Woodrow Smith, Sr. and Mildred Harris Strong]

Megan Mechelle Jefferson (Meg Thee Lil Pony) is an up and coming jazz, R&B and Gospel singer.  She is a live artist performer debuting throughout the South.  A gifted musician who occasionally accompanies herself on the key board.  Megan is a featured artist on Alabama Chappy's album, Man of Many Faces. 

[Megan is the daughter of Kevin Jefferson and Marilyn ___. She is the granddaughter of John L. Jefferson and Jeanette Harris Jefferson] 

⭐⭐DRAMA/COMEDY⭐⭐

Vanessa Fraction Williams, is a writer (Monique Show, Arsenio Hall Show, 106 & Park, Mann & Wife); stand up comedienne and actress known for her roles in Barbershop 2: Back in Business and Holiday Love.  She has over a decade of entertainment experience and has been showcased on Def Comedy Jam, 1st Amendment, Stand Up; Mike Epps Live and Club Nokia.  Vanesessa has often been a guest contestant on a variety of game shows, i.e., Kevin Hart's Celebrity Game Face that feature rappers and comedians.

[Vanessa is the daughter of Brian Fraction and Cheri Smith Johnson.  She is the granddaughter of Woodrow Smith, Sr. and Mildred Harris Strong]

🎥 THE ALMOST FAMOUS 🎥

Kevin L. Jefferson was only twelve years old when he had his brush with fame.  He received film credit for his role as Joe Jefferson in the 1973 movie, Tom Sawyer, a Disney remake of Mark Twain's iconic novel. The production company took liberties with the book so the character Kevin played may have been a combination of Joe Harper, Tom Sawyer's best friend and Jim, the runaway slave he befriends.  This version starred Johnny Whitaker, Jodie Foster and veteran stars Celeste Holmes and Warren Oates.  Click link, to view a short clip of Kevin's role from a scene in the movie: 

White Washing Scene

[Kevin is the son of John L. Jefferson and Jeanette Harris Jefferson. He is the grandson of A.J. Harris and Josie Mae Kees Harris]

 

Maria Peterson Henderson believes one is never too old to fulfill your dreams.  After a military career and the rearing of her daughter, she stepped out on faith. With a gigantic amount of confidence in this 4'10" relative she entered the world of talent training: acting and dance lessons, coaching, and auditions. The experience honed her skills in bringing joy and laughter on a smaller but more significant platform, her friends, church, and the senior community she loves.

[Maria Peterson Henderson is the daughter or Elijah Peterson, Sr. and MaryHarris Peterson.  She is granddaughter of A.J. Harris and Josie Mae Kees Harris.]

Alfred L. Harris, Sr.  is a singer, writer, poet, pianist, guitarist, dancer, and craftsman. He is pictured above singing with Carla Thomas, The Queen of Soul. Carla is the daughter of Rufus Thomas famed R&B, Blues and Funk singer.  Alfred is always shooting for the moon so it is no surprise we find him among the stars. 

😎JUST FOR FUN😎

Some relatives have various ideas of what is talent!  However, it never keeps us from putting on a show if the opportunity arises.  A couple of these photos were taken at the 1982 Harris Family Reunion in Chicago (Upper left: Carolyn, Lynnette, Alfred on guitar and Jeanette).  Eldest brother Sam with nephew, Puncho is in the middle photo. (Lower right: Ellen in top hat with son, Darryl, Lynette, Pat and Chantelle sitting). Sam, Ellen, Jeanette and Darryl  are no longer with us but their legacy shines bright in the following generations. 

To all our family song birds: Laurie Castille, Lynnette Jefferson, Yolanda Harris, and others; musicians and instrumentalist of every age, i.e. Sarah Smith (violin); Arielle Harris, (audio technician) and many more who make us so very proud... Kudos!!

Your Family Griot,

Carolyn Harris Betts

Celebrating Family Traditions: CATCHIN' BABIES!!!

 

Granny Midwives Image from Vimeo

From the annals of the bitter and often erroneous accounting of slave history emerges a black sheroe called the Granny Midwife!  In the hierarchy of importance to white slaveholders they rank second only to the Mammies who ran their households. 

These essential workers made sure that every black baby conceived as chattel was delivered sound and healthy to their master.  These babies would become the labor force needed to assure that the slaveholding economy thrived in the South.   

In the slave community, Granny midwives were a combination of folk healer and spiritual leader.  They believed they were called by God to this work and were often trained by a female family member making this a family tradition. They not only attended the births, but provided care to the mothers afterwards.  Because they practiced in rural agricultural areas, white women also availed themselves of their expertise.  The midwives called this, catchin' babies!

The need for Granny midwives continued after slavery, as white doctors who were mostly male did not attend births (black or white).  It was only in the early twentieth century men returned to the field of obstetrics and births were moved from the home to hospitals.  Later because of a rise in mother and infant mortality, the state required midwives to be certified in order to practice. (Oddly, it appears that mortality increased only when the doctors became involved.)  It was as I collected birth certificates of my siblings and deceased relatives for research that I found we had two Granny Midwives in our own lineage. One from the Kees side of the family and one from the Harris.

Our family roots are firmly established in Mississippi slavery and sharecropping. I knew that generations of our family were delivered by midwives but I didn't know who they were.  Mississippi did not require statewide birth registration until after 1912.  Death registration occurred between 1903 and 1920.   It was on the birth certificates of my aunt Ollie Mae Kees (born in 1914 to Harry and Amanda Ferdinand Kees) and eldest brother Samuel born in 1930 that I saw a notation: Certificate of Attending Physician or Midwife: Clarecy Kees, Midwife.   

Clarissa (with variations of Clarecy or Clarysie) Kees, was Ollie Kees', grandmother.  She was Harry Kees' mother and the daughter of Civil War veteran, Gylie Herring.  Clarissa was born in 1860 and died in 1940.  Ollie was the second oldest of Harry and Mandy Kees' children so Clarissa probably delivered my mother, Josie Mae Kees too. However, I  cannot confirm because Mama Josie was born in 1912.  What should be noted is that great grandmother Clarissa was certified.  This meant that she received formal midwifery training and was recognized by the state of Mississippi.

Of my nine siblings, six were born in Mississippi (Samuel, Mildred, Vedi, Mary, Jacob, and Ellen).  I have a birth certificate for only one - Jacob Charles born February 13, 1938.  Again, noted in the section for Certificate of Attending Physician or Midwife, a familiar name comes up: Louella Rucks.  Louella Hilson Rucks is the niece of my great grandmother, Laura Matilda Hilson Harris.  Her father, Eli Hilson, Jr. was the relative that was killed by White Cappers for his land. (See blog post: Eli Hilson, Jr. Family Civil Rights Martyr, January 20, 2021).  Louella Hilson Rucks was born in 1885 and died in Champaign, IL in 1947.  

As I write this, I'm thinking how proud my sister siblings who were nurses (Mary, Ellen, and Jeanette) would be knowing we had this rich legacy.  Especially Jeanette Harris Jefferson, who assisted in the delivery of my own first born, LaMarr in 1968.  Jeanette, following the family legacy was catchin’ babies at the University of Missouri Medical Center, Columbia, Mo. when I went into labor. 

This 1976 newspaper clipping is one of many honoring her service.  Jeanette received her L.P.N. license in 1964 in OB/Gyn.  She continued her studies to become an R.N. and after graduating from Columbia College was a nursing team leader for 29 years in Family Medicine for University Hospitals and Clinics, Columbia, MO.  She was forced to retire after complications from a stroke, but this in no way deterred her spirit to serve. 

At the time of her death in 1999 she had served as a former chairwoman of the Columbia Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, was a former member of the Stroke Survivors Club, and was a volunteer for the Columbia/Boone County Department of Health and University Hospitals and Clinics.  Her daughter, Cynthia Jefferson follows in her footsteps. She too is an L.P.N. with a concentration in Family Medicine. 

Catchin' Babies! you see is in our family blood! Brother Alfred just shared this with me: Daddy A.J. Harris (father of ten children himself) was known to catch a few babies in his time. When the local doctor for our home town could not be reached (he lived 60 miles away) A.J. was a trusted substitute!

Knowing this history, makes me so proud of the many medical professionals and healthcare workers we have in our family.  In addition to my aforementioned sisters, we have Elijah Peterson, Jr., Medical Engineer specialist; Maria Peterson Henderson, Army Paramedic; Larry Crider, Radiology and MRI; LaTonya Maddox, R.N.; Lexxus Betts, Biomedical Engineer; and a host of nieces and nephews who have served as C.N.A.s or assistants in various medical facilities. 

This list is far from exhaustive forgive me if I have missed a few, but during this time when Essential Workers are under so much pressure trying to keep our nation and its people healthy I salute them all for their hard work and heart of service.

In honor of Black History Month, I will be providing to my beloved family interesting  facts and amusing anecdotes regarding family traditions. If you would like to include some of your own please send my way.  Sharing these stories are a personal joy and so needed during these troubling times when family values and their contributions are vastly being diminished!

Your Family Griot, 

Carolyn Harris Betts

Celebrating Family Traditions: IT'S IN THE SAUCE!!!

The A.J. Sauce – Back Story

[Reprinted from the Family Stories of Alfred L. Harris, Sr]

 

For those of you who didn't know my father, Alfred Jacob Harris (A.J.), you missed an interesting character.  Unlike his own father (Jacob), he was not an exceptional businessman.  He could be a very nice guy, but he just wasn't a good businessman.  Even though Daddy ran "Harris Grocery and Meat Market" from the time Papa Jake died in 1948 until his own passing nearly 35 years later, it was clear that his talents lay elsewhere.

A.J. in his hey day styling his Happy socks

A.J. Harris was an amazing cook and baker.  His understanding of spices and how to use them was uncanny.  I have known some outstanding cooks in my life, but he was the best of the bunch.  With his devilish sense of humor, he found great entertainment in feeding family and friends something they claimed not to like such as opossum, raccoon, rabbit, deer, mutton and mountain oysters. 

 He baked beautiful big cakes with thick rich icing that kept the cake fresh until time for it to be cut.  He was also well known for his sweet potato pies, but it was not as well known that his pumpkin, pear and white potato pies were just as good.  His peach cobbler was awesome!  If he was cooking chicken and dumplings, you had to stay close and eat before the "samplers" started coming through.  As you might have guessed by now, my Dad had a full service kitchen inside his store - where he canned exquisite tasting fruits, vegetables and fish.  Yes, fish!

A.J. in his store circa 1972. Warren Morton sits to his right.

There was always a gathering of old men around the store, waiting to be invited to taste whatever he might decide to cook.  Frequently, our regular customers were treated to a full meal.  The aromas permeating the store, whenever he went into one of his cooking fits, kept me closer to home than the threat of being paddled for leaving.  Dude could burn!

Well, one of the other familiar aromas in the store was bar-B-Q sauce.  The smell was commanding and inviting. His sauce was a beautiful, brown, smooth, sweet sauce that was so hot, it could almost make you cry.  It was too hot to eat and too good to quit.  One of my favorite things to do was to sop the big dishpan used for cooking it, after the potion had been poured up for storage.  Right, I just sopped the pan with "light" bread - no meat involved.

Well, everybody wanted his recipe.  He wasn't having it!  Even though I use to hang around and help him make the sauce, I knew he had a secret ingredient.  It was fun to try to catch him adding it behind my back.  Because I spent time watching and helping him, I knew more about his sauce than anyone else, yet I could not replicate it.  If my dad had been a great businessman like my grandfather, he would have sold the recipe to the Campbell Soup Company when they offered to buy it from him.  Better still, he could have done his own thing and become rich and famous like the Gates family of Kansas City or the Neely family of Memphis.

Instead, the old man took the recipe with him when he passed away, but he left me with this opportunity to share the back-story about his locally famous bar-B-Q sauce.

 

In honor of Black History Month, I will be providing to my beloved family interesting  facts and amusing anecdotes regarding family traditions. If you would like to include some of your own please send my way.  Sharing these stories are a personal joy and so needed during these troubling times when family values and their contributions are vastly being diminished!

Your Family Griot,

Carolyn Harris Betts