Memories of Mississippi
Growing Up in the South
by
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Cotton Picking Memories I guess I have been a daydreamer all my life. On those sultry days in the cotton field, I found myself wondering if that was how life was going to be for me, for my sisters and brothers, and for the entire Negro race. I found myself looking across what seemed to be miles of white blankets draping the land. I would watch Daddy's black truck drive around the trees until it was out of sight. Then I would take my cotton sack strap off my shoulder and lie back, gazing at the clear blue sky. At times I would watch, a martin attack a crow. There had to be something better for me. Whatever it was and no matter where it was, I wanted it. Suddenly, I was shaken back to reality when I heard Daddy’s truck returning.
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About the Book
Advance Praise for MEMORIES OF MISSISSIPPI “A must-read... Wanda Jackson’s compelling account is more than a description of life in the South. It is a window into an era where there is love, trust, and strong family values. People took time to enjoy, even in the midst of hard times and adversity, the simple and pure things of life. Reading Jackson’s well-written book provided me the opportunity to go back in time and relive those years. It was a wonderful journey. This is a great book for parents to read with their children, using it to instill values and pride, and to enlighten them about their heritage. And with that enlightenment, I believe that the reader will realize that no matter what their circumstances, opportunities for success are unlimited.” Madeline P. Floyd, Administrator for Amite County School District (Ret.) “Memories of Mississippi takes the reader on a vicarious journey through the past while he or she enjoys the southern color and scenery depicted in Jackson’s book. In contrast, a certain amount of sorrow and anger may be felt, but a sense of reality comes into focus. ‘This focus brings all of the characters and still life paintings with characters and vivid details to life again,’ writes Jackson when referring to her experiences growing up in the South. Her expressions are made clearer as she skillfully inserts memorable snapshots to give the reader a vision of what takes place at a precise moment. Although these were the author’s daily experiences, they belong to every person who grew up poor in the South.” Christine T. Spears, Professor of English/ English Department Chair for Amite County Schools (Ret.) “This is a piece of history that jumps out at you. Wanda Jackson’s descriptions of growing up on a farm brings back vivid memories of my own childhood, and I felt as though I had gone back in time. The author truly captures the experience of growing up in the South as a black child, told with humor and compassion. This is an excellent book for students to read and discuss, especially during Black History Month.” Dr. Estes Taplin, Superintendent, City of Baker, LA School System
About the Author
Wanda Fay(Baskin) Jackson was born in Houston, Mississippi, September 29, 1955. She was the ninth child in a family of eleven. Her parents Paul Revere and the late Claudie Bell Baskin were farmers. She attended college at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Jackson has taught for over thirty years. She has published two books of poetry, A Collection of Poetry (1989) and Exclamations of Joy (1996), both by Vantage Press. She also published the praise and worship manual Morning Song(2006). She is married to her college sweetheart, Charles, who is also an educator, coach, and minister. They have three children Carlos, Yolanda, and Gabriel.