Comments for Reclaiming Kin

Comment on Mattie Mae Springer Holt by Andrea Kelleher

Andrea Kelleher — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:57:21 +0000

Such a sweet tribute! Just beautiful.

Comment on Mattie Mae Springer Holt by Terrence A. Garnett

Terrence A. Garnett — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:37:51 +0000

Nice tribute Robin! There is nothing like a wonderful grandmother!

Comment on Mattie Mae Springer Holt by Renate

Renate — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:31:15 +0000

That’s a very nice tribute, Robin!

Renate

Comment on Mattie Mae Springer Holt by Mariann Regan

Mariann Regan — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:00:09 +0000

Truly a strong woman. Smart, persistent, confident, and doing lots of good for people, making it possible for them to get houses and credit. I love the part about her clothes and her wigs, and also the photos of her. They say If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Clearly she had it. Some women in my family were strong, but rarely this strong. They bowed down somewhat under tradition. Better to grow up in Ohio than in the South, maybe.

I had not registered that Ohio was entirely free from segregation. Growing up in NC, I assumed somehow that racial discrimination was everywhere, just several degrees lest so in the North. Maybe Mattie Mae’s experience in Dayton, being treated more or less fairly, helped to solidify her confidence — or at least didn’t erode it.

I feel happier for having met Mattie Mae (Springer) Holt.

Comment on Advanced African-American Genealogy Class by Mariann Regan

Mariann Regan — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:56:55 +0000

Congratulations on teaching such an advanced course, and I hope it fills up. I’m taking Wilkerson’s book with me next week on our trip. My friend who lent it to me also says it knocked her over.

What great photos of you these are!

Comment on The Schomburg and Black Migrations by True!

True! — Sat, 11 May 2013 01:06:26 +0000

This was great information you put together. So helpful! I will have to go there on my visit!

Comment on Martha Simpson: Right Under My Nose by True!

True! — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:50:49 +0000

Congrats! sometimes it pays to glean over information and take a second look.

Comment on Martha Simpson: Right Under My Nose by Terrence A. Garnett

Terrence A. Garnett — Thu, 09 May 2013 01:51:58 +0000

I agree with Mariann, a book is definitely in order I would purchased a copy.
This is awesome news! Congrats on your great find!

Comment on Martha Simpson: Right Under My Nose by Melvin J. Collier

Melvin J. Collier — Sun, 05 May 2013 02:46:26 +0000

Amazing! Congratulations!

Comment on Martha Simpson: Right Under My Nose by Mariann Regan

Mariann Regan — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:35:34 +0000

It seems to me that you are gathering enough material for a book. Your research is so thorough, and intuitive as well, and you are a fine writer. You could write an epic family drama about the generations of Simpsons, Prathers, Warfields, Dorseys–all playing out in Maryland fairly near the seat of government of the new country. How many complex and conflicted relationships there must have been between the Declaration of Independence and the year 1864, whenMaryland finally freed its slaves.

The surnames associated with your own family could be seen to represent the whole country’s moral struggle with having enslaved families. And there they were, under your (our) nose the whole time. Sounds compelling to me.