I often think how would it have been if life had turned out differently for me, my people, and just all of humanity. I think these things especially now. What if things could have been better or just stayed simpler? What if my people had kept their own culture and not integrated fully into the society's system? Would we still have traditional families? Would we have less crime? Would we have better morals and self respect? Would we be more dependent on God instead of on material things and seeking status and the approval of others?
I happened upon this film Palmour Street (1949) A Black Family in Gainesville, Georgia. (link to film) Gainesville is a pretty town north of where I live. It is called the poultry capital of the world, and even has a monument to a chicken (link). Palmour Street was produced in my hometown, Athens, Georgia, so here are connections my history in this film. My grandparents were of the same generation of the couple in this little drama and slice of life. I can even see remnants of things I witnessed and did in my childhood, such as the games the kids played or my mother tucking me into bed and kissing me good night.
My mother and I watched Palmour Street together, and when my dad can spare some time from his television I would like him to watch it too. I'm sure it will bring back fond memories to him as well. He's very much a person who lives and breathes the past. He has a tremendous nostalgic streak, whereas my mom and I are more accepting of the way life is, allowing it to flow forward to its end.
Palmour Street is an important artifact. In a society like America that is built on progress that mows down everything in its path without any strong regard for the consequences, this simple little film of a bygone era should be seen by every American and anyone curious about how African American life used to be.
I also recommend the channel "reelblack" that this film is posted on. There are other great and forgotten gems of black life, Hollywood, and TV movies on there..
A brief comment connected to my previous blogpost: I did successfully resize my book to standard trade paperback size. I am very proud of myself. One friend has read my book and given it 3 stars on Goodreads. I'm grateful it's not just one or two stars which is an indication my writing isn't a total loss. My book Gratitude: A Trio of Stories remains free and can be downloaded from Lulu. Go to the thumbnail on the right hand side of this page to get the pdf. If you're on Goodreads, please leave a review about it or leave comments about it on here or on Twitter @AfricasDaughter. If you don't have a lot of time star rating is enough. I appreciate the feedback, good or bad. I am also working on my second book which is a collection of poetry.
