“My grandfather had asked me many times whether I'd like to come to South Carolina with him. He wanted to introduce me to our people down there and I didn't want to go. In those days, the South was still a place where black kids were lynched. Something horrible could happen to you. I've had that feeling my whole life.” PeopleWantStillsWholeFeelingsHappensKidsWantedBlackSouthWhole LifeHorribleIntroducingGrandfatherMy GrandfatherCarolinaSouth Carolina Author:John Edgar Wideman
“There are still horrible things that go on because of the myth of race, but we don't have to succumb totally.” StillsRaceGoes OnMythHorribleHorrible Things Author:John Edgar Wideman
“Books are an attempt to control something that's uncontrollable. That's one of the beauties of African American life. There was this thing called slavery and adjustments were made. It literally destroyed millions, but it didn't destroy the inner lives of all the people who experienced it. There are still horrible things that go on because of the myth of race, but we don't have to succumb totally. If I had only a negative side of things to present, I think I would have much less of a drive to do it. Because what would be the point?” PeopleThinkingBookNegativeSlaveryMythHorribleAfrican American Author:John Edgar Wideman
