OF PROVIDENCE: A Lifetime Chasing Hope

by Kay Carroll

**2023 READERS' FAVORITE AWARD WINNER FOR GENEALOGY**"INCREDIBLY INSPIRING..." —E. Wairimu"[E]xemplary in character appeal (or interest), development[and]choice of topic or theme... a master class in organization, and in keeping engagement fresh throughout... a fascinating time in history, as Congressional and Senate leaders dive into the politics of race, with the tensions of political and racial divides crackling throughout... It feels like Hamilton in tone,and the crafting of this voice captivates us much the same." Judge, 11th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published E-Book Awards.2023 TOP 100 NOTABLES. SHELF UNBOUND.If you, like me, watch and love classic movies, particularly Gone With The Wind, you may wonder what really caused producers to bar accurate depictions of certain races from the silver screen; OF PROVIDENCE answers that question.Learn what role senate and congressional leaders played in promoting exclusion. Sit in on secret congressional hearings we now have access to, but was banned a century ago. Marvel at debate sessions and arguments against laws that would incorporate all citizens into American society.My ancestry search examined the connection between American laws and the relationship between two of the most studied groups in American history—African Americans and Native Americans. For a time, they united to survive and become stronger, then one turned against the other for the same reason.This story explores one individual, Alexander Powell--born into both groups--and his mission to fight for others like him. His life becomes a theme park attraction with twists, turns, highs and lows at every junction while leaders anxiously conspire to derail it.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2023

Reviews

[Shirley U. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Kay Carroll's new book "Of Providence, which follows the life of Alex Powell, who has a mix of African American and Choctaw Indian ancestry. Ms. Carroll depicts with honesty and insight the struggles Alex faced throughout his mission to get equal treatment for himself, his family, and the Choctaw people. The book's structure is filled with historical events described through actual congressional and legal hearings, which makes the book stand out, in my opinion. This method brings the reader even closer to understanding what Alex was going through as he was subjected to oppression, degradation, and humiliation at the hands of the highest officials in the country. The strength of Alex Powell comes through "Of Providence" as he perseveres through each setback and comes back to fight even harder for his promised rights.

Ms. Carroll takes you through a vicarious experience of the mixed Indian and African American people during Alex's lifetime and the undue hardships and unfair treatment they were subjected to in fighting to obtain their rightful land ownership. Through Kay Carroll's handling of the book, we can see exactly how and why Alex's mission to achieve his rightful ownership of land went from a single mission to a heartfelt destined path of his life to fight for all mixed people of African American and Choctaw ancestry. "Of Providence offers a clear picture of how those holding the highest power in the land continued to enact laws that prevented Alex and those like him from obtaining their rightful ownership. Alex's perseverance amid his trials and setbacks is a testament to his strength and belief that one day African Americans and Indians would achieve equality.

"Of Providence" should be a must-read for schools and placed in libraries nationwide. It's a history lesson based on Kay Carroll's personal story of her great-grandfather and many others with similar family ancestry. Ms. Carroll's story is well written and completes a part of history that many are unaware of, and I know they will be excited that she shared her family's history.