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Wisdom/Perspectives

Views about the world, life lessons, and mother wit. Things grandmother’s wish they had known when they were younger or things they have figured out because of where they are in the life course. Also includes views on politics, America, other countries, and various regions of the country. “Hindsight is 20/20.” “Youth is wasted on the young!” “You don’t get to be old bein no fool!” Includes discussions of aging, beauty, gender/sexuality, and race. Aging—references to age (e.g., youth, old age). What it means to get older. What it means to be young. What needs to be done for and by people of different ages. Being “Wet behind the ears.” “Still kickin, just not high!” Beauty—perspectives on what it means to be beautiful, pretty, handsome, unattractive. Colorism (you pretty to be….., red boned, high yellow). Good and bad hair. Beauty possessed and beauty wished for. Being given a complex about one’s looks. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” “Beautiful inside and out.” “Light bright and damn near white.” Gender/Sexuality—notions about what it means to be a woman, man, lady, and so forth. Gender norms. Staying in one’s place as a woman or man. Ideas about “womanly duties” or the meaning of “just being a man.” Also discussions about sexual orientation, including heterosexuality and homosexuality. Views can be liberating or damning. Race—ideas about different racial/ethnic groups. Experiences that highlight race, racial pride, prejudice, discrimination, harmony, and tension, expressed in such sayings as, “Get yo black…”; “white folks, they…”; “them…”

TESTIMONY: LASHAWNDA PITTMAN
3 years ago

TESTIMONY: LASHAWNDA PITTMAN

Real Black Grandmothers Creator and Founder, Dr. LaShawnDa Pittman talks about the importance of preserving Black grandmothers stories.

TESTIMONY: ASHA ALI
5 years ago

TESTIMONY: ASHA ALI

AYEEYO MACAAN (SWEET GRANDMOTHER)

“I remember the scorching sun hitting my back while tears strolled down my eyes. I was eight months pregnant and was holding my two boys’ hand …
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TESTIMONY: SADE VICTORIAN
5 years ago

TESTIMONY: SADE VICTORIAN

“Good, better, best never let it rest until the good becomes better and the better becomes best” these are words of wisdom that has been passed down through many generations. …
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RESILIENCE: LIVE YOUR PRIORITIES
5 years ago

RESILIENCE: LIVE YOUR PRIORITIES

Resilience is identifying and living your priorities.

“I learned something about the importance of living close to your children and your grandchildren and to make that relationship a priority in …
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TESTIMONY: KELLY PRICE
5 years ago

TESTIMONY: KELLY PRICE

“From Mama Bear to Mama Bear Times Ten”

Kelly Cherelle Price (April 4, 1973-) is the 2nd of 3 daughters born to Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Claudia Price. “Although …
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RESILIENCE: It’s All About Love
5 years ago

RESILIENCE: It’s All About Love

Resilience is understanding that love is the highest form of energy there is. Love is radical and revolutionary.

“Pat: I believe in God, but I don’t go for all that …
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TESTIMONY: TONYA DEDEAUX
5 years ago

TESTIMONY: TONYA DEDEAUX

“Always A Class Act”

My grandmother’s name was Ora D. Bradford and she lived in St. Louis, Missouri. As a little girl, I grew up in Mississippi and it was …
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TESTIMONY: DANIELLE GAY
6 years ago

TESTIMONY: DANIELLE GAY

“Equal in All Things”

One thing I remember about my grandmother, Virginia Gay (April 18, 1935-) is how it was always important to her to keep my brother and me …
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TESTIMONY: PAT MUNSON
6 years ago

TESTIMONY: PAT MUNSON

“They Call It Grandmother Because It Is Grand!”

In an interview with RBGM digital archivist Sara Daise, Pat Munson (March 29, 1958-) discusses her humble beginnings growing up in Los …
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TESTIMONY: LASHAWNDA PITTMAN
6 years ago

TESTIMONY: LASHAWNDA PITTMAN

“Be tired for you!”

I remember my grandmother Warnella Wells (1936-2013) saying towards the end of her life and in the prime of mine when I’d talk about being tired, …
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