1 Chapter 1

Am I ready for the South? Even if segregation is over, for schools at least. I know that I will get ridiculed and looked at in the meanest types of ways. But...I'm stronger than that. At least, I think that I am? Dad and Mama said that I was born special. They said that God had given me the keys and wings to fly for the rest of my life. If this is true, why do I still feel small at times? Maybe it'll come when I'm bigger and older. In the movies, I always see how the hero doesn't know their true destiny until they go through something big. Is that what it's gonna take? Everyone can be the hero of their lives. It's only a matter of time and number of decisions that drive lively moments forward. Some call it destiny or fate. I believe that everything happens for a reason which can be influenced by certain actions or events. Anyways, I have no ill-feelings or malice towards anyone. Race doesn't bother me but it sure does matter to lots of people. Transitioning to the South will take some time for me to get used to. I don't think about the bullying as much. Whenever I hear stories about people like George Stinney Jr., Isaac Woodard Jr., or even Ruby McCollum, I am reminded of how cruel humans can be. It doesn't even matter if laws are changing if people are gonna act the same. And out of all the states, Mississippi? We must be really looking for trouble.

Dad said that moving to Mississippi would be a great idea. Mama and him could get better jobs. He also said that I would get a better education. Then again Dad is always ready for change. Mama said that I'll get to experience a "new way of life". There was so much fear in the way she said that. As a biracial couple, Mama and Dad have already received so much hate. I admire them for staying strong and loving through all the negativity. It's ironic how the founding fathers intended for "all men [to be] created equal", but black people are still facing racial discrimination today. Sealed, lawful promises have been broken many times again. People that try to fight are always gaged or prohibited from speaking or taking action when it comes to the wrongful injustice done to many African-Americans on a daily basis.

It's incredible how loud and silent we've become. The more I think about it, we need to be ready. I need to be prepared and start loving my enemies. I need to move on from the false reality that equality will be achieved in one day. I need to accept the fact that the South has many stories, untold or otherwise, that I need to embrace. The black side of me has no need to fight with the white parts anymore. My identity will be revealed once Mama, Dad, and I transition. They've had their moments, and now it's my turn to see the world through the tiger's eye.

We moved out on July 1st, 1955.

-flashback-

Dad went to college in Mississippi. One day he was walking to the store to buy some hotdogs, hamburgers and buns for a BBQ. He came in, got what he needed and stood in line. Mama was in front of him. When it was Mama's turn to pay, the white cashier gave her an attitude. He said, "Why you buying all that? It's $15 dollars! Do you even have the money?" "Yes, suh." My mom replied. She took out a crisp $20 bill and handed it to the cashier. He snatched it from her hands and said, "Give me $40 extra!" Mama didn't have $40. The cashier told her that if she didn't give him $40, she couldn't take the groceries home. "Please, suh my family need the food especially in times like these," (Mama had a limited budget because her job started to pay her less) "I don't have $40, suh. I promise i ain't lyin', suh!" The cashier tried to grab Mama's bag and asked Dad to help him rob her. Dad replied, "Oh I'll help you alright!" Dad punched him in the nose real hard. He threw $40 at the cashier and walked out with Mama. "Are you ok, ma'am?" Dad asked. Mama replied, "I'm just fine. Thank you, suh. Why did you help me?" Dad gave her a confused look and said, "Why not! When I see someone in danger it's my duty to help or save them. Plus it was no problem! You did nothing wrong, beautiful lady." He introduced himself to her. He told her that he was visiting and that he was from the North. Mama introduced herself and shook hands with him. Dad invited her to the BBQ. Mama refused.

They met later on through college though. Dad said the first time he saw Mama, he knew she would play a special role in his life. Dad and Mama dated in secret for 5 years. When they graduated, Dad proposed to her and then moved to NY. They got married in Harlem. They took a mini vacation to Mississippi and that's where me, Mira Washington, came into the picture.

-end of flashback-

--ENTERING MISSISSIPPI--

All I see is grass, trees, and other green things. There's so much open land and sky. I pulled down my window to breath in the fresh, open air. Restaurants, white people, cars, houses, white people, fire hydrants, buildings, bars, and white people. I put my window up. That's so strange I thought. Why do I see only white people? I smack my forehead. I almost forgot. This is the South. I'm gonna have to get used to this!

Now I heard about what has been happening down here. I can't believe it one bit.

How can you hate a person so much when you don't even know who they are in the first place?

Hey guys!

There may be some grammatical errors but I'll edit later!

Do you love the story so far???