Triumph Over Trials: My Phillis Wheatley Book Award Journey

I am pleased to announce a recent personal achievement that took place earlier this month. I am humbled to have been bestowed with the SDUSMP Phillis Wheatley Book Award in the Historical-Genealogical Research, Nonfiction Category, which was recently received in my mailbox. The book is here: "My Best Genealogy Tips: Finding Formerly Enslaved Ancestors."

The significance of this recognition has deeply resonated with me, and I would like to express why it holds such profound meaning:

1. During my youth, I selected Phillis Wheatley as the subject of a book report, focusing on her influential work, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral.  The opportunity to portray Phillis Wheatley during the presentation filled me with enthusiasm.
   

2. While attending a predominantly white Catholic school, I sought solace and inspiration within the confines of the public library. Guided by a higher power, I dedicated weekends to delving into literature concerning the Protestant Reformation, figures such as Martin Luther, and prominent African American leaders like Book T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, and W. E. B. Du Bois. These readings offered a much-needed counterbalance to my educational experience, a personal pursuit kept discreetly to myself.

3. Following the independent authoring of several books and getting over the effects of a stroke I encountered in 2016, I began to write again. In 2021, although my sister initially offered to publish my book, “My Best Genealogy Tips: Quick Keys to Research Ancestry,” she ultimately claimed the majority of the proceeds. Despite this setback, a glimmer of hope emerged when my daughter, Adrianne, assumed the role of my publisher. I love everyone, especially those with whom I find do not extend the same love to me. I believe this is what my education taught me.
   

I am profoundly thankful to The Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage for bestowing this prestigious award upon me. The award now proudly adorns the space beside the book for which it was granted. For those interested in exploring the full array of award-winning books, they can be accessed here.