Memoirs of Mississippi™ and Other Places South

For many Afro-Americans in the Quad Cities, ancestry that goes back to the State of Mississippi is a bond in common.  Many migrated from the South in the early and mid-20^th Century for a variety of reasons including, to escape poor economic conditions and Jim Crow.

Popular history tells us about ‘Going to Chicago’ but the story we would like to tell is ‘Coming to the Quad Cities’ and share the memoirs of those who came. Memoirs of Mississippi™ and Other Places South is an exhibit in progress to commemorate this legacy.

Not all Memories are Good

For some the past is too painful to relate and they would rather forget this particular period because their memories are of racial injustice, lynchings, and bombings. Being silent on the past is actually a detriment to the youth of today and a dishonor to the lives of those who came before us, those who proved triumphant over their circumstance. Current and future generations need to know the past as it was in order not to take for granted the opportunities afforded to them today.

Share your Story

Stories or accounts that you would like to share with us need not be of extraordinary nature but simply an account of you your mother, grandfather, uncle, etc., found his or her way to the Quad Cities. We are especially interested in photographs that we may copy. Please contact us directly at (309) 786-8698 or email us at Memoirs.  

Pictured above: In the center is my maternal grandmother Avana Jackson-Smith. -- Submitted by Cynthia A. Clark

My maternal great-grandparents were former slaves.  My great-grandfather was nine-years old when freedom came to the slaves (1865). John and Katherine Smith managed to raise eleven children: Chearity, Nellie, Nora, Nona, Sadie, Sallie, Luther, Grover, Ezell, Simon, and John. Chearity Westerfield is the sole surviving child.

Pictured are 6 of John and Katherine's children from left to right. My maternal grandfather is second from the left, John Smith. The date of the picture is unknown. Best guess is the early 1970's. Daddy John, as we called him, always told me he was born in 1899 if so he was 90 years old when he died in 1990.

---Cynthia A. Clark