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Stories and Poems

From a Newspaper in Mississippi

My grandfather said that he was ten years old during the Civil War. His master and mistress were named Mr, and Mrs. Beard. He didn't know his parents, so of course he went by the same name as they did, Beard.

He said that children were sold just as well sell cows and hogs today. They were stood on blocks and auctioned off and of course, the highest bidder would get them. He also said that Negro women were bred just like cows.

The slaves weren't allowed to leave the plantation without permission. If they did, they were punished. Bells were put on some of them at night so they could hear them if they tried to run away.

The mothers didn't have time, or should I say, weren't allowed to give their children the proper care they needed and the cook took care of them. They were fed like pigs in a trough, all together. She would cook corn bread and put it in milk. That is the way they ate.

Now do we want this today? No, is the answer the majority say. Are you going to stand up and fight for your rights?

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We want better education for our children and we want better living facilities. We no longer want to live is slums.

We've started, but we can't stop now because we don't want to fall down again. God has sent us help and we should welcome them with open arms. Now is the time to vote, Don't be afraid. this is what we've been asking for so don't close your door in the freedom worker's face.  Aug. 14,1964  written by a mother of  seven children, who be-  came editor of the Benton  County Freedom Train.

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Paul B. Johnson

Paul B. Johnson is my sheperd,

I am in want.

He leadeth me in the path of discrimination,

He destroyeth my faith in democracy,

He keepeth away from good jobs,

My children out of good schools.

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