"We at Carter Seminary believe that a free society is dependent upon education for the transmission of values, traditions, and ideals. We believe education must enhance the dignity of the individual. Dignity connotes knowledge, self-confidence, self-discipline, and responsibility." ~Carter Seminary Philosophy, present day~Amanda, shares her thoughts and feelings of learning the story of her grandmother, sharing the stories of other Chickasaw women who continued the legacy of the Bloomfield Blossoms and the importance of literacy and education among the Chickasaws. Ida Mae Pratt passed away in 1978 when Amanda was only seven years old. Not having a chance to truly get to know her grandmother she asks Hettie McCauley King in July of 1996 what her grandmother was like and Hettie responds, "Well, you missed a lot, because she was a fine person. and a lot of fun." Being a grand-daughter of a Bloomfield student, her grandmother encouraged her father to finish high school and attend college just as her parents encouraged her to attend graduate school and teach. Valuing continuance, Amanda understands that though the loss of culture was painful, change was also something that followed.
Proudly, Amanda ends her book with, "The legacy my grandmother left me is the same legacy all of the women who attended Bloomfield and Carter left their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren-a legacy of hope and hardiness, of family and friendship, a belief in tradition, but an ability to change. I have been looking for the right words nanaumpoli otalhi, to end the story, but I do not have them, cannot have them, because I know that listening to stories and telling them is a matter of continuance. And in that spirit, I will not end this story--I will add my name."
Amanda J. Cobb
November 1, 1999
Both Photos were taken from the book. The first photo is of Ida Mae Pratt in her school uniform taken in 1925. The second photo is from the Bloomfield/Carter Alumni Association guest register. Ida Mae Pratt Cobb, attended this reunion and signed her name on May 20, 1978. She had signed that she attended the Bloomfied Academy for Chickasaw women in 1924-1925.
I enjoyed hearing about your reading experience. I learned much from you. Thanks!...:-)
ReplyDeleteI like that..."I will not end this story-I will add my name" She tells us that she plans to continue on with the teachings and stories, passing them down from generation to generation-passing on the legacy. This is something that I hope to be a part of in this lifetime in my own family, with my grandmothers-I hope to be able to share with my children and so on...
ReplyDeleteI agree with both Kara and Memoree - I enjoyed reading your postings about the pride that the women emulated from their educational experiences during their boarding school days. Although there were difficult experiences the outcome, for most of the attendees, were positive and lead to further education of themselves and of family members.
ReplyDeleteI also like how the author wrapped up her book, as Memoree stated... "I will not end this story - I will add my name". The past is so vital in understanding in which we can continue to lay down the path towards the future. Thank you for your blog posts, books talks, and peer responses!
Tear, tear, you had some really good reflections Ro! I also enjoyed reading what you presented to all of us. Thank you so much for sharing and responding to my blogs. A perfect ending to a book, not having one, Wow! I love it!
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