The City We Knew But Everybody Forgot: Hartsville the African American Experience

by Emory Waters

Emory L. Waters attempts to recall and highlight some of the many factors that contributed to the greatness of the African Amer¬icans who grew up, lived and worked in Hartsville, South Carolina. Although not dwelled on, but subtly mentioned is the systemic rac¬ism which is quite pervasive and presently endures. The memories of growing up and witnessing life in Hartsville was both educational and rewarding. Your mere existence forced you to get as much experience and education to navigate and negoti¬ate the life which was presented to you as a result of the culture of the deep. Hartsville on the surface presented many opportunities for the African American citizens but also placed you in a box that would only allow you to advance to a recognizable point. Butler High School provided an outstanding educational base allowing its student to pursue higher education and a better way of life for the future. The goal of the teachers which was constantly mentioned and emphasized was to prepare its student to be twice as good as and better than the rest. The 2016 presidential election has subtly turning back the educational gains and accomplishments made after the Brown vs Broad of Education decision. This along with the racist and hate¬ful messages from the White House; the successful encouragement and regrowth of White Supremacy is in the process of returning this country to the awful Jim Crow years. The African American churches provided a solid spiritual conscience and base which grounded its parishioners and encour¬aged the community to always keep God first and treat others as you want to be treated. Throughout the years, the African American in Hartsville has built a legacy of worth, respect and a sense of pride which will continue to guide Our Steps in His Word.

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2020

Reviews

[Lorrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having grown up in Hartsville, I was looking for a book to give some background into a part of the community that was not very well known to me. While the brief bits of history were interesting, I wish the author had shared more stories and memories, instead of just lists of names. The places and the names were all familiar but I wanted to know more about their stories.