​My Story

 

     I would like to thank my relatives for allowing me have a

part of their precious time in which they narrated and

explained to me parts of their lives, often in full detail. Without

all of you, I could never be who I am right now.

     Our family history is the most important treasure we have.

It is the collective sum of our ancestor’s lives, which includes

their experiences, memories and life-long lessons. It is who they are, but more importantly, who we are.

     Before I came into this world, I knew my path was predestined to do this work; you can say I’ve been shaped by the love of my grandmother and wanting to have a greater appreciation of where she came from. She along with others shaped and predicted my personality.  Before I could read my grandmother (Eva Mae) would write letters to me for my mother to read and she always encouraged me to obtain my education and to attend college. She embedded her sincere desires for me from the depths of her walk to be different and to obtain a much better life than she had growing up.  Having her own first hand knowledge of how trying to live and pursue for happiness for blacks to live in America.  She wanted so much more for me than she the work she performed as a maid in Florida.

     The reason our names are considered as treasures is because when we pass it or hand it down, we are not just passing down a name. We are passing our personality, our reputation, and the essence of our lives. This project has allowed me to explore this treasure. It made me realize the true value and worth in knowing my ancestors.

 

"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage - to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness.” –Alex Haley

 

At the same time I acquired a greater value than anyone else could ever give me.  I’ve learned my history and discovered myself. This quote explained to me the importance of my grandparent’s legacy and their history. A long twisting family tree often broken with fallen leaves and empty branches inspires one who does not know where their roots originated.  

 

     To your left is your beginning, click a name in the circle to begin our journey!

 

                                                                 -Yolanda J. Edwards, Waters Historian