Zakarius Granderson

Growing up Black in Rural Mississippi: Memories of a Family, Heritage of a Place

By Chalmers Archer, Jr.

A Book Review by Zakarius Granderson

  In Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi, Chalmers Archer’s memoir offers a vivid portrayal of Black life in the rural South during the 1930s and 1940s. Raised in Tchula, Mississippi, Archer reflects on his upbringing amidst the hardships of the Great Depression, segregation, and racial violence. Yet, his narrative is not solely one of adversity; it is also a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring strength of family bonds.

Archer's family, though economically disadvantaged, cultivated a rich cultural and spiritual life. He recounts experiences of self-sufficiency, communal support, and the solace found in religious faith. Figures like Uncle Perry, a compassionate Baptist minister, and Uncle Nick, a versatile craftsman, exemplify the close-knit, resourceful community that Archer cherished. These personal anecdotes illuminate the complexities of Black existence in a segregated society, where joy and suffering often coexisted. The memoir also delves into the challenges of navigating a world steeped in systemic racism. Archer candidly discusses encounters with the Ku Klux Klan, the limitations imposed by Jim Crow laws, and the pervasive threat of violence. Despite these obstacles, he emphasizes the importance of education, faith, and community solidarity in fostering a sense of identity and purpose.

  Through Archer's reflective prose, readers gain insight into the lives of rural Black families, who, despite being marginalized in the broader societal narrative, possessed a profound sense of dignity and agency. His memoir serves as both a personal recollection and a collective history, preserving the stories of those whose experiences have often been overlooked.

  Growing Up Black in Rural Mississippi is a must-read for those seeking to understand the complex nature of Black life in the South. Archer's work contributes to a more nuanced appreciation of history, highlighting the resilience and humanity of a community that, despite facing immense challenges, continued to thrive through love, faith, and perseverance.