Under the Tulip Tree

by Michelle Shocklee

Even though slavery isn’t legal anymore, I believe it’s important to remember the past as it truly was, not as we wish it to be.”

Slaves were not allowed to own books,

“Slaves are not permitted to read.”

“But slaves are not allowed books.”

“You were sold because you looked at a book?”

I’d discovered I could get extra food and privileges using my body, and I became pregnant when I was fifteen. It was a girl child, but she was tiny and sickly and didn’t live long. I got pregnant three more times but lost ’em all. Master whipped me and said I was worthless if I couldn’t bear chillens. I stayed away from men after that.”

“I don’t like remembering the bad times, but the Lord has a way of using them to get you to where he wants you to go.”

Illa Crandle’s

Research Illa Crandle

Maybe confidence in oneself had nothing to do with what other folks thought or did. Maybe it was deep down inside you, just waiting to be let loose like a spring of water gushing to the surface.

The things I endured in my pitiful life as a slave didn’t mean God isn’t good or that he don’t love us.”

Was that the key to surviving, no matter what life hands you? Find the good among the ashes?

“Hatred is a powerful thing. It can turn a person into something they

“Maybe not, but that’s between her and her Maker. I won’t let hatred steal away the peace I have in my heart. You can’t let it steal yours either.”

“Maybe that’s the whole point. What we believe and what we think are not static. Experiences and people leave a mark on us and change us. Meeting

“There are always going to be people who oppose change, but I think they’re in the minority. Most people desire to live in harmony with others, no matter their differences.”