I write about the people, places, and things that have shaped my journey. Occasionally, that means a poem or two makes it into the mix. Sweet Potato Pie was written for a beloved uncle who transitioned a year ago. My uncle, like the older members of my family, was apart of The Great Migration. According to the National Archives, The Great Migration was one of the largest movements of people in United States history. Approximately six million Black people moved from the American South to Northern, Midwestern, and Western states roughly from the 1910s until the 1970s. My family came from Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. They spread out into the suburbs of Chicago, bringing their spirituality, their politics, their strong family values, and favorite recipes and foods. Sweet potato pie was and still is a much cherished dessert. To eat sweet potato pie is to ingest family and historical memory.
Love this. Thank you.
I can see it. I see your Grandma and mama at the table along with your baby.
A beautiful poem. I am sorry for the loss of your uncle.
Beautiful and evocative! Thanks for sharing this, Theresa.