Description
Book Synopsis: The Star Creek Papers is a never before published account of the complex realities of race relations in the rural South in the 1930s. When Horace and Julia Bond moved to Louisiana in 1934, they entered a world where the legacy of slavery was miscegenation, lingering paternalism, and deadly racism. The Bonds were a young, well-educated, and idealistic African American couple working for the Rosenwald Fund, a trust established by a northern philanthropist to build schools in rural areas. They were part of the "Explorer Project," sent to investigate the progress of the school in the Star Creek district of Washington Parish. Their report, which decried the teachers' lack of experience, the poor quality of the coursework, and the students' chronic absenteeism, was based on their private journal, the "Star Creek Diary," a shrewdly observed, sharply etched, and affectionate portrait of a rural black community.
Horace Bond was moved to write a second document, "Forty Acres and a Mule," a history of a black farming family, after Jerome Wilson was lynched in 1935. The Wilsons were thrifty land-owners whom Bond knew and respected; he intended to turn their story into a book, but the chronicle remained unfinished at his death. These important primary documents were rediscovered by civil rights historian Adam Fairclough, who edited them with Julia Bond's support. The Bonds' perspectives on black family structures, land ownership, lynching, and migration provide a fuller understanding of family, community, and racism in the American South.
Details
Discover the hidden truths of the rural South in the 1930s with the captivating and unfiltered account presented in the Star Creek Papers. This never-before-published collection provides an unparalleled glimpse into the complex realities of race relations during a tumultuous era. Dive deep into the legacy of slavery, miscegenation, paternalism, and racism that the courageous Horace and Julia Bond witnessed and bravely recorded.
Immerse yourself in the remarkable story of the Bonds, a young and idealistic African American couple working for the renowned Rosenwald Fund. Sent as part of the "Explorer Project," they were tasked with evaluating the progress of a school in the Star Creek district of Washington Parish. Their brutally honest report, based on their private journal known as the "Star Creek Diary," exposes the lack of educational experience among teachers, the substandard coursework, and the persistent absenteeism of students.
Horace Bond's profound observations and Julia Bond's unwavering support led to the creation of another significant document, "Forty Acres and a Mule." This unfinished history beautifully chronicles the plight of a black farming family, inspired by the tragic lynching of Jerome Wilson in 1935. In these pages, you will witness Bond's respect for the Wilsons and his determination to ensure their story is told.
Rediscovered by civil rights historian Adam Fairclough, the Star Creek Papers have been meticulously edited to preserve the authenticity and power of the Bonds' original words. Delve into their profound perspectives on black family structures, land ownership, lynching, and migration that provide an invaluable understanding of the South's history of racism.
Uncover the rich tapestry of family, community, and the struggle against injustice with the Star Creek Papers. Start your journey today with this must-read historical masterpiece. Click here to learn more!
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