“The teacher pulled out a pile of papers. They were Bennie’s tests and homework assignments. Mrs. Lewis said, “Ma’am, here is the proof that Bennie isn’t up to a fourth grade level. He has an F on several of these… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“I knew Dad was concerned about my past associations. I was from the Trash Alley. It was my community. I hung out with thugs from the Frog Bottom, the Burns Bottoms, the Red Line, the S-Curve, the Sandfield, the Morning… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“The teacher pulled out a pile of papers. They were Bennie’s tests and homework assignments. Mrs. Lewis said, “Ma’am, here is the proof that… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“Being mindful of Aunt Kathy’s presence, I turned to reading the Bible while sitting in the living room. It was my way ofkeeping my aunt at bay. Yet, my facade didn’t sustain me for long. I got called to the dining table anyway. Next, I was told to follow Jerry’s instructions once we left the house. Then to… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“Thanksgiving is no time for amateur hour in the kitchen, but we were subjected to this Gong Show on a yearly basis. Aunt Kathy… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“One other thing—she was always armed. Ossie May talked about her gun even more than she bragged about her cooking. Out of nowhere, she… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“Yet the upcoming year was going to be a new phase of my life. I would get to follow my big brother to the big house. I had reached that golden age of six. Finally, I was going to experience the real deal. This was no appetizer, or tater tots, or French fries. This was the whole Ore-Ida. I would be amongst thechaos like all the neighborhood kids. Everyone that knew Jerry would get… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“I ended up sitting right next to Sexy Patty. The placement wasn’t on purpose. (I needed the hands of God, not a girlfriend.) Since… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“Meantime, a midsize Labrador mutt cut me off at the cul-de-sac. He was in desperate need of a rubdown. I gave it a thought but feared his bark and constant gruff. I locked eyes then noticed his black and… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“I knew Dad was concerned about my past associations. I was from the Trash Alley. It was my community. I hung out with thugs… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
“If a man was around when Aunt Kathy came by, she would berate him and throw him out. I even saw her toss guys… — Harold Phifer Copy Share Image
