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Community Quote by Jesmyn Ward

“I was raised in Mississippi, in a family and a community that identified as black, and I have the stories and the experiences to go with it. One of my great-great grandfathers was killed by a gang of white Prohibition patrollers.” quote by Jesmyn Ward
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“I was raised in Mississippi, in a family and a community that identified as black, and I have the stories and the experiences to go with it. One of my great-great grandfathers was killed by a gang of white Prohibition patrollers.”

Jesmyn Ward

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2018

The speaker reflects on personal and ancestral Black identity shaped by regional history and violence.

In simple terms: Her Black roots are tied to Mississippi and family history.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how history shapes identity.

Themes

identity history race community memory

Mood

reflective somber thoughtful

Type

personal historical cultural

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • historical research
  • social justice work
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

systemic racism generational trauma regional culture

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does your family history influence your worldview?
  • What role does regional context play in shaping identity?
A Different Perspective

Personal narratives may not capture broader systemic forces.

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