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Bright Ma: Day Clean- A Story About The Underground Railroad
Growing up in a rural Washington, North Carolina community in 1920, young Bright Ma is excited about her family's first reunion in 30 years. it is at this reunion she will learn of the family's history beginning in West Guinea Africa in the mid 1700's. The family history will tell of the slave trade that brought them to North Carolina, their new life on the plantation, and their journey to freedom on the underground railroad in the greater Washington area.
Bright Ma learns of the secret codes her ancestors used to convey messages thru songs, dancing, clothing, food, flowers, bird calls and more and how these things aided their escapes to freedom. She is amazed at the genius and creativity they used as Freedom Seekers.
She is asked by the family Elders at the reunion to become a 'Keeper of the stories' she learns about. She is also asked to make sure the family's history is not lost. Bright Ma's stories are shared in a series of books giving the readers opportunity to learn and experience Bright Ma's adventures through local history, cooking lessons, songs, games and crafts. Young and old alike will enjoy Bright Ma's discovery of her family's history and it is hoped will inspire the readers to become 'keepers of the stories' of their own family history.
Bright Ma learns of the secret codes her ancestors used to convey messages thru songs, dancing, clothing, food, flowers, bird calls and more and how these things aided their escapes to freedom. She is amazed at the genius and creativity they used as Freedom Seekers.
She is asked by the family Elders at the reunion to become a 'Keeper of the stories' she learns about. She is also asked to make sure the family's history is not lost. Bright Ma's stories are shared in a series of books giving the readers opportunity to learn and experience Bright Ma's adventures through local history, cooking lessons, songs, games and crafts. Young and old alike will enjoy Bright Ma's discovery of her family's history and it is hoped will inspire the readers to become 'keepers of the stories' of their own family history.
44 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 24, 2020
3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 8, 2020
I just finished Bright Ma: Day Clean - A Story About the Underground Railroad
This is the first book in a series and ends just when you want more. The story takes place in 1930 as the family and Elders gather for a reunion, a celebration, and the presentation of a new name to Bright Ma. The family's ancestors are from Guinea and Betoba. The stories of their capture and sale are told here, along with stories of they lived, became free, and helped others regain freedom.
The author, Leesa Payton Jones has opened the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. Anyone local to Washington NC may have a chance to go or participate in programs!
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series as it is published.
(ETA: as of this writing, the book is still 99 cents on Kindle. It is worth more!)
This is the first book in a series and ends just when you want more. The story takes place in 1930 as the family and Elders gather for a reunion, a celebration, and the presentation of a new name to Bright Ma. The family's ancestors are from Guinea and Betoba. The stories of their capture and sale are told here, along with stories of they lived, became free, and helped others regain freedom.
The author, Leesa Payton Jones has opened the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum. Anyone local to Washington NC may have a chance to go or participate in programs!
I am really looking forward to the rest of the series as it is published.
(ETA: as of this writing, the book is still 99 cents on Kindle. It is worth more!)
December 14, 2020
A quick, educational and enjoyable book.
Bright Ma is a good and interesting book. I love the meeting of the elders and look forward to continuing reading of the history from "theirstory".
The song, " Let Us Break Bread Together" was taught in my elementary years attending a Lutheran church. I never knew it was used by my ancestors for freedom seekers. I look forward to continuing you thus series. I would definitely encourage elementary students to read this book. While it is a very easy read the history it teaches makes interesting for middle school students.
Bright Ma is a good and interesting book. I love the meeting of the elders and look forward to continuing reading of the history from "theirstory".
The song, " Let Us Break Bread Together" was taught in my elementary years attending a Lutheran church. I never knew it was used by my ancestors for freedom seekers. I look forward to continuing you thus series. I would definitely encourage elementary students to read this book. While it is a very easy read the history it teaches makes interesting for middle school students.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews