Jewel of the South , livre ebook

AuthorHouse - Sharon K. Bennett

Découvre YouScribe en t'inscrivant gratuitement

Je m'inscris

Obtenez un accès à la bibliothèque pour le consulter en ligne
En savoir plus

164 pages

English

Vous pourrez modifier la taille du texte de cet ouvrage

Obtenez un accès à la bibliothèque pour le consulter en ligne
En savoir plus

A propos
Informations
Extrait

Description

In the 1950s and 1960s, the war against racism and inequality raged in America with fire, pain, and death. Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett furthered his activity past the voting booth in civil rights, spurred by the in-person speech from John F. Kennedy (J.F.K.) in front of the Alamo on September 12, 1960, in San Antonio, Texas. Through many trials, he fought systematic bigotry and successfully integrated the business behemoth of Southwestern Bell/ AT&T—putting his life and his family at risk. These actions earned him a Political Education Award from Roy Wilkins, president of the NAACP, and a certificate from the Wall of Tolerance signed by Ms. Rosa Parks.
All people—no longer just people of color—seek enlightenment and inspiration in books, movies, and documentaries about advocates for social justice and periods when the first civil rights movement scored profound victories for African Americans. Follow this man's remarkable journey of change.

Sujets

Biography

Autobiography

Informations

Publié par	AuthorHouse
Date de parution	15 septembre 2022
Nombre de lectures	0
EAN13	9781665569057
Langue	English
Poids de l'ouvrage	4 Mo

Informations légales : prix de location à la page 0,0350€. Cette information est donnée uniquement à titre indicatif conformément à la législation en vigueur.

Extrait

Jewel of the South

Civil Rights Biography of Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett

SHARON K. BENNETT

AuthorHouse™
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com
Phone: 833-262-8899

© 2022 Sharon K. Bennett. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/13/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-6904-0 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6655-6903-3 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6655-6905-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022915604

Copyright Registration number: TXU002224968 10/19/2020

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents
My Daddy
San Antonio

1 Amazing Grace
2 Childhood Jealousy
3 Big Loss
4 Youth’s Innocence
5 America’s Army
6 Twinkie
7 Work Begins
8 A Place Of Their Own
9 Ask What You Can Do
10 Time To Step Up
11 What Now, Mr. President?
12 Heartbreak
13 Tension and Stress
14 Run ‘N’ Run
15 I Need A Little Help
16 The Country Mourns
17 Put Up or Shut Up
18 The Spelling Bee
19 Internal Struggle
20 The Call
21 Answering The Call
22 Not Appreciated-Retirement
23 A Parent’s Heartache
24 Life Goes On, and Shadows Come
25 Honors and Awards

Tribute
Early Bennett Family History
Lighted Souls
Acknowledgements
References/Citations

My Daddy
My father, Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennett, was my hero. Of course, he wasn’t famous with tons of people or cameras following him around in Texas, but he was a trailblazer, and his work was necessary. Notoriety and infamy are things for which he didn’t care. Daddy only wanted to do the right thing. It took many people’s involvement to transform lives, and there were many unsung heroes with untold stories in U.S. history. For our people, history is everything!
I don’t remember much about the civil rights movement. I was only four years old in 1961. I do, however, recall Daddy dressed up or in his work clothes, coming home and leaving a lot. For my siblings and me, the primary care figure was our mother. I recall the sad sentiment and repeated television programs in 1968 of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. Unfortunately, my first experience with racism was in the fourth grade; I never forgot my heartbreak when the school principal told me I couldn’t represent our school in the citywide Spelling Bee because I was a ‘N.’ And the trauma of seeing my younger brother receiving a brutal beating from our father because of a lying female neighbor.
I regret my disregard, holding wounds open, waiting to tell his whole story. However, even after becoming engaged in researching family history with him, I self-published a small booklet that mostly contained the Bennett and Jones family trees, along with a photo collection of both families. Though I highlighted my father, it was to have the family records in an easy-to-access format for our legacy. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve come to terms with certain emotions and the time to collect other contributions. Also, when my mother mentioned items in the bottom of his file cabinet after his death, I was shocked at the treasure trove of documents of his accomplishments. The Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions added further delay.
Daddy wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t need to be. None of us need to be. We need to be braver. Elie Wiesel once said, “We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”
My father was my knight in shining armor, and I love him deeply. Though, if I’m honest, I disliked him and, at times, hated him, he taught me about commitment, respect, loyalty, and love, not necessarily through words but through action. But, unfortunately, there weren’t manuals on how to raise children. Back then, parents’ only guides were whatever their parents did before them.
Finding the delicate balance of child-rearing was like a physics class. The balance was obtainable yet tricky. You could not use enough teaching and discipline, and the kids turn out spoiled and weak; however, if one used too much, the child could be resentful and a terror to others. Possibly even hate their parents in their adult life for Lord knows what, or carry things seen through a child’s immature lens through to adulthood without discussing the issues.
People filled with loathing and anger took it out on their children. And Bible Thumpers, who swore the Lord intended the rod for harsh treatment. However, if a child was lucky enough to get a loving parent, that was a big piece. Children know and can feel when they’re genuinely loved. They will forgive all things when your love and care are real.
My Daddy, the man who finally wasn’t too offended to sit and talk with me about my feelings, frustrations, and desires. The one who encouraged me to follow my heart and not be embarrassed by any choice made, as long as I thought it through and was comfortable in it. The man who kissed and hugged me ensured he was always with me, even with the mistake of my getting pregnant before college graduation and the guy turning out to be an irresponsible nutcase.
Daddy was a true man. He was intelligent, kind, strong, a supporter, and a funny guy who loved jokes and music. He was a man of leadership, supporter, provider, and protector and was always there for his family; my father had big eyes, full cheeks, and dimples. I loved his smile, beautiful singing voice, and perfect penmanship.
As the proud daughter of the man this book is about, it’s my honor to share with others. I deem the book as my duty. Considering the continuous onslaught of negative media headlines underscoring the continued racial tension in our country—and throughout the world—I don’t feel like I have a choice. My father devoted his life and risked everything to fight for equality. Therefore, I intend to fight for equality, share his story, and continue his legacy.
No, I didn’t initially appreciate all my father’s sacrifices. Yet, I’m very grateful now. But, to me, L.E. Bennett was “Daddy.” He was the man who worked every day and made us go to church on Sundays. He disciplined us and fussed but complimented and hugged us.
As a stylish dresser who wanted his family to look sharp, “Appearances are important,” he’d say. “How you portray yourself on the outside will inevitably affect how you think about yourself.” He was a cool cat.
I desire this book to empower, inspire, and motivate you to make a difference in the world. Any one person can make a difference. According to a Pew study, more than sixty percent of people say they’re against prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, not believing theirs is superior. Yet, racism continues.
If my father were still alive, he’d encourage you to take a stance and fight. But, unfortunately, he’s not here, so I do this for him. Civil rights aren’t about “way back then.” They’re about right now. Civil rights also aren’t about “some people.” They’re about—and for—all people.
Thank you for showing me what a real man’s man was. It’s been hard to find another. Thank you for our conversations, the lessons, reconciliation, and understanding. I always feel your spirit around me, and I still hear your voice. I love and miss you, Daddy.
Thank you to the curator of the Bullock Museum in Austin, Texas, for deeming this story worthy enough from their Texas Stories Project. The museum has confirmed that an exhibit for Rev. Dr. L.E. Bennetts’ fight in civil rights will open early Spring 2023.
Peace, Love, and Blessings,
Sharon K. Bennett

San Antonio
Numerous people have documented the first civil rights movement throughout the years. However, despite the bounty of data, many figures and views remain unexplored, especially from the southern states of Texas and Louisiana. Yet, with all the political and civil unrest today, the lessons from that first era are plentiful and can be applied.
San Antonio is a major city in south-central Texas that gained independence from Mexico in 1836. It’s beautiful with a sparkling river that winds through town aligned with restaurants, an outdoor theater, museums, and a glass mall. Today it’s the seventh most populous city in the United States, second in Texas, with a metropolitan population of over 2,550,000, in 2020 and non-visible racial tension. The U.S. Armed Forces have multiple bases around the city and toots as home to four Fortune 500 companies.
But from the 1950s through the 1960s, the city had persistent segregation and ordinances; however, corporations continued not to abide by these laws. As a result, though believed to be a quiet city without issues like Mississippi, Arkansas, North Carolina, Arkansas, or Tennessee, the Black and Spanish communities were segregated and dissatisfied. Countless white residents didn’t care for civil rights but weren’t encouraged enough to join the Klu Klux Klan or burn crosses. Instead, they would complain and resist the changes for seats on buses, in theaters, or at restaurant counter