Searching for resources

[Tracy]

I'm having the devil of a time searching for information on the Black family in South around the Great Depression era. I don't want material on Jim Crow or segregation. I want memoirs about daily life of our grandmothers who farmed, raised children, grandchildren, sat on the mother board and missionary board at church, their circles and communities, how the fed their families, values, education, et al. Think "Waltons," if that helps any. Its amazing that every search I've found is something negative. That's not what I want. Any ideas where to look? I no longer have an account with JStore so that's out.

Thanks for any help!

[Helen]

Tracy,

I would look at the faculty list at universities and look for professors who teach African American History and Anthropology. Write to a couple and ask them to recommend books and answer questions for you. People are usually very willing to help, and if they can´t themselves they usually refer you to someone who can.

[Tracy]

Thanks Helen, I never thought of that!

[Helen]

You are very welcome Tracy, let me know how it goes.

Oh and another idea, contact churches in the area that were active around this time, they may have information and stories about their older members.

[Tracy]

Great idea!

[nomadreader (Carrie D-L)]

I'd contact a librarian or two--think universities with African-American history departments (there is usually a librarian assigned to each subject), local libraries with large genealogy collections, and historical societies. Good luck!

[Beverly]

Agree with the sources above - especially about teachers of African American Life.

One whose works I have read is Jacqueline Jones.
Labor of Love, Labor of Sorrow: Black Women, Work, and the Family from Slavery to the Present

Another source is the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH).
They have a website and other related information.
I have belonged to this association for many years and have learned some much.
Their annual conferences are wonderful and their quarterly magazines.

[Tracy]

Thank you nomadreader and Beverley. I appreciate your help!

[kisha, The Clean Up Lady]

Good luck with that. The think about The Great Depression is it is mostly marketed towards white Americans. When it comes to black Americans during the Great Depression years, it is marketed more towards post slavery, or the Harlem Renaissance. Or it's just a story of struggle but not so much of a mention of the Great Depression, especially as a memoir. For instance the black american southern stories that I can think of that take place during that period is The Color Purple And Sugar; none of which focus on the them of The Great Depression. I guess they just figured black American lives was one big Great Depression for centuries and it didn't start in the late 20s lol. Hope you find what you are looking for.