They Got Daddy: One Family's Reckoning with Racism and Faith

by Sharon Tubbs

An unforgettable journey through racism and faith across the generations.

January 15, 1959―a day that changed one family forever. White supremacists kidnapped and severely beat rural Alabama preacher Israel Page, nearly killing him because he had sued a White sheriff's deputy for injuries suffered in a car crash. After "they" "got Daddy," Israel Page's children began leaving the Jim Crow South, the event leaving an indelible mark on the family and its future. Decades later, the events of that day fueled journalist Sharon Tubbs's epic quest to learn who had "gotten" her mother's daddy and why.

They Got Daddy follows Tubbs on her moving journey from Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the back roads and rural churches of Alabama. A powerful revelation of the sustaining and redemptive power of faith and unflinching testimony to the deeply embedded effects of racism across the generations, it demonstrates how the search for the truth can offer a chance at true healing.

Genres: Nonfiction

162 pages, Paperback

Published January 3, 2023

Reviews

[Shelby (allthebooksalltheways) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖✨

Thank you @iu.press, Quarry Books, and @sharontubbs for the gifted copy.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆
𝗕𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘀
𝟭𝟰𝟯 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝟭/𝟯/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 - 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄!

Featured in @ms_magazine

📖 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁: On January 15, 1959, Alabama Preacher Israel Page was kidnapped from his front porch by White Supremacists in an effort to silence him. Page was going to be testifying the next day against the Sheriff's department for causing an accident that cost him his livelihood and thrust his family into poverty.

They Got Daddy is a recounting of Preacher Page's story through generations of secondhand accounts, written by his granddaughter, Sharon Tubbs. It is an exploration of the way trauma manifests through generations, and now their faith ultimately sees them through.

💭 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: I saw a few book friends share this book this year, and knew immediately that it was one I wanted to read, review and share. So I emailed IU Press and they promptly sent me a copy.

This is a book that can easily be read in one sitting. It's quick, concise, and easy to read. Tubbs's writing flows smoothly from one chapter to the next, and I enjoyed that the book included a lot of backstory about her and Grandaddy's family, as I think it helps personalize the story. I also appreciated Tubbs's vulnerability and candidness in sharing how this horrific act of brutality impacts her and her family members, as trauma so often does. Tubbs spent decades on this book and I'm so grateful that she shared her family's story with the world. 💗

They Got Daddy is out now, so grab your copy today!

[Susan • BryantParkBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always looking for good nonfiction to read and They Got Daddy was a good pick to read for Black History Month. The book is the memoir of the Tubbs/Page family that was the victim of a hate crime in the late 1950s.

January 15, 1959―a day that changed one family forever. White supremacists kidnapped and severely beat rural Alabama preacher Israel Page, nearly killing him because he had sued a White sheriff's deputy for injuries suffered in a car crash. After "they" "got Daddy," Israel Page's children began leaving the Jim Crow South, the event leaving an indelible mark on the family and its future. Decades later, the events of that day fueled journalist Sharon Tubbs's epic quest to learn who had "gotten" her mother's daddy and why.

This book was extremely powerful and heartbreaking to read. This family had to go through so much and they were good people minding their own business. Sharon’s book was well researched and heartfelt.

They Got Daddy is an excellent reminder to everyone that these awful things still exist and happen today and that we all need to fight racism. This should be required reading for all young students and adults.

Thank you so much to @suzyapprovedbooktours, @sharontubbs and Quarry books for my gifted book.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sad and tragic, but I'm glad Sharon Tubbs took the time to research and share this story with us. It's an easy read that you can get through in no time, but because of the subject matter I did have to take a few breaks. Take some time and give this a read, it's worth it.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
👥 enjoy memoirs
📖 like short books
♥️ love to learn about new things
🧳 have ever moved from your hometown

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Sharon Tubbs’ granddaddy was taken back in the 50s by a couple of white men posing as a couple of innocent guys just wanting to get to know the preacher. Even though he returned home, he was never the same after that. Sharon was only 7 when he passed away, so they never grew very close. As an adult though, Sharon was determined to find out everything she could about her granddaddy’s past, as well as her own.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a moving memoir. I really enjoy being able to step into someone else’s shoes for a little bit and get to know another family and their way of life. This honestly had me wanting to try and research my own family history as I just simply don’t know that much beyond my grandparent’s lives. I loved how determined she was to find the answers, even if it meant stepping on toes and hurting family feelings. I highly recommend this memoir!

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books like this never fail to surprise me because it always seems like slavery and Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement were so far in the past. It's kind of strange to think the author's Granddaddy's story pre-dates the Civil Rights Era. It's strange to think he knew people who were slaves. It all brings it into perspective how these things that seem so purely historical are not all that far removed.

Granddaddy's story is sad and frustrating. I understand why it concluded the way it did, but I had hope that maybe there would be a different ending since so many thought he was "One Of The Good Ones", as gross as it is to even type that. Real stories don't always get to be tied up with a beat little bow.

It will be interesting to see how much things change between now and another generation or two. Things seem so incredibly different now than during Granddaddy's time. I hope there's as much positive change in the time to come.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would be really hard to know that my grandfather had been treated so badly and to grow up knowing about this happening but having so many questions. In the introduction to the book the author shares that the threat of injustice never stopped breathing through her family and in these pages she exhales.

In this fairly short book, the author talks about her family and experiences. She is a reporter and as an adult begins to investigate what happened to her grandfather. I found this to be an engrossing read and the author’s insights were interesting. I think it’s important to read these stories and to be aware of injustices others experience. I am glad the author had the courage to share this story.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read in our church's study of racial justice. It's a true story that includes the thoughts of multiple generations, so it's also a look at how far we have come (or not) and the differences between the attitudes of those living in different parts of the country. The author is from Fort Wayne so you get a look inside the Black Community here.

[Misse Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Reaction: A great exploration of racism through the lens of one family's experience told through shifting perspectives

Sharon Tubbs gives a wonderful account of a personal tragedy that happened to her grandfather in They Got Daddy. I appreciate the way her storytelling incorporates a sort of weaving and blending of what has happened when her grandfather ids kidnapped from home by white men. As a result of her family's tragedy in the 1950s she uses parallel examples in our current social climate that too call into question her faith in the justice system both then and now.

It is a really good read and provides a rich historical context that helps set the tone for why sharing this story is essential and important. I rated this book 4/5 stars because I had a time weaving through so much information that at times I felt it took to long to get to the events leading into the author's grandfather being kidnapping. In essence it took much longer for me to get through.

Thank you to NetGalley for sharing an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review. I hope you find this review helpful!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

In They Got Daddy by Sharon Tubbs she shares her quest with us as she goes on a research journey to collect historical information about Black life in the twentieth century and the story of her grandparents and family. She shares powerful anecdotes from her family life that are brimming with examples of blatant discrimination, police brutality, racial injustice, and also all of the ways faith in God and the holding space of the church environment have helped her people, and Black folks, through it.

I enjoyed the timeline of events shared in Sharon's storytelling. I think her book is the blueprint for what many of us who feel disconnected from our lineage wish we could pull together in order to make a connection from the past to the present for ourselves.

I felt deeply touched by Tubb's rendering of the stories of Granddaddy and Big Mama. The events that led Graddaddy and many black men of his time turn to a pastoral calling and the ways that religion helped to soothe trouble mind and hearts. I will never forget the first time I attended a pentecostal church service with my own grandmother. The move of the spirit, the shouting, the humming, the dancing- Tubbs writes to this experience so beautifully: "After all they'd been through, the rejoiced in survival."

Readers who enjoy memoir and autobiographies will love this book. There is a way Tubb's is able to weave together the story of her own ancestors while telling the greater narrative of how the legacy of slavery has impacted and touched all of our families. And she does this with tenderness, grace, and care.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. It should be required reading. It will stay with me forever.

[Ονι · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one gutted me. It hit me hard. This was SUCH a powerful read. I'm at a loss what to say. I can't imagine what this family went through. I can't imagine how I would react if I had to go through this.

Israel Page was a preacher in rural Alabama. One day he had the "audacity" to sue a Sheriff's Deputy for due to injuries suffered during a car accident. This seems normal right? Someone crashes their car into you, and you sue them. Nothing audacious about it right? Wrong. Israel was black, the Deputy was white. A black man suing a white man didn't sit well with the white supremacists. So on January 15th 1959, the supremacists kidnapped Israel and beat him up and left him for dead. They "got" daddy.


This is the story of author Sharon Tubb's maternal grandfather and her quest of finding out who got her granddaddy. I think everyone should read this. We can't erase history no matter how awful it was. Only by reading, and studying it can we make sure we will never repeat it.

[Dasha Slepenkina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank-you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for giving me a copy of this book for an unbiased review.

4/5 - Really liked it.

"They Got Daddy" is an excellent example of how American "post-racial" society fails to live up to its promises. Many of us who grow up white in America are spoon-fed lovely stories of MLK's dreams for equality, which were supposedly achieved with the passage of the Civil Rights Act. But the stories told by families like those of Sharon Tubbs destroy that illusion and force us to come to terms with a heavy reckoning - there is no post-racial America. It's an uncomfortable truth for many, but one that we must face if we hope to live side-by-side in a world that truly is equal.

The title of this narrative suggests that the story will focus exclusively on Israel Page, who was kidnapped for daring to oppose a white man in court. However, the narrative delves much deeper to the trauma lived out by Page's entire family and the insidious ways in which the injustice of racism trickles down through generations. It is a powerful reminder of the slow, painful progress of change. The story is deeply personal and vulnerable, highlighting one family's struggle not only for justice but also for truth and healing, often through faith. It is massively important, especially as we are at a crossroads in our country's debate on how the past should be dealt with - whether it should be ignored for our comfort, or examined for our healing. "They Got Daddy" makes a powerful case for the latter.

Although I really appreciated the book, I did feel that the story of Israel Page was sometimes lost in the stories of his children and grandchildren (though I appreciated the vulnerability and openness from the author regarding her own experiences). I would have liked to have learned more about him specifically, the court proceedings, and what other influences drove him to make his decision regarding continuing or halting the court proceedings. However, while the story veered away from the direction I would have expected, I did value the way in which the author traced the journey of her grandfather's life down to his great-grandchildren and reflected upon the impacts of racism four generations after the titular events.

Overall, this is an important story and an important book. If we want to understand the impacts of racism on the fabric of American history and culture, we cannot stop with the Civil Rights Movement. This story does not end at that chapter, but continues on today. Narratives such as this one depict exactly how much we have yet to learn, grow, and heal.

[Sharon Dene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about American ISR EAL page. Who was a very strong man provided for his family. You did a lot of different works on different places. He also did wells and And this allowed him to provide support for his family. You had a car which was very unusual for this person.. There's a lot of different things in this book and you could see where they were trying to help each other out. But this was jim crowe. Someone had to leave the south because of the waves which Get them to trouble with the whites. When you get the history of how they have to keep working on these little pots of land and they could not really support Their families. Page was driving one day on a road. And got hit Buy a white deputy. Who was transporting a black person up to the mental hospital. They took him to the block hospital but they could not help them. There so they transformed to the white hospital they were treated very Madly. He could not work anymore so they had no money and had to spray it by. He tried to sue them to help pay for his medical bills. This made the white Deputies and people in town. Very angry so they had him kidnapped. He dropped the case because he was afraid for his life.. This is not right so every year they were talking about this and this writer named Sharon T UV wanted to find out what really happened. And started to look into the history of how this was never Really resolved. People had to leave because they were so afraid something moved up North so they could get jobs and support themselves. It's interesting book because it talks about things. We don't really want to know in history but these people had the right to sue to get money but they're so afraid for their lives they just backed down. I I think this book should be read i In high school Because it's talks about the Gym pro laws and how really affected these people.. I think history should be all tied together especially block history because we really don't know that much about it. This book was an eye opener how somebody could get hurt and not getting help

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the powerful account of a hate crime which occurred in the late 1950s. In the late 1950s, Israel Page was injured in a car accident caused by a white sheriff’s deputy in Alabama. As a result, for his injuries from the accident, Page could no longer perform his job as a weller in rural Alabama. Because of the severity of his injuries & medical bills, Page decided to sue the sheriff’s deputy. In an act of retaliation for the lawsuit, page was kidnapped & nearly beaten to death. After the kidnapping, the Page family left rural south. Years later; author Sharon Tubbs, Israel Page’s granddaughter, set out to find out what really happened to her grandfather & to gain more information about his lawsuit.

This is such a heartbreaking story for this family but it is also a story that must be told!!! Sadly, stories like this happened to many families during the age of Jim Crow & are still happening today. I highly recommend this book.

A special thanks to Netgalley, the author & the publisher for the opportunity to read this advance copy of the book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “They Got Daddy”, the author revisits the events that led up to that fateful day in 1959 when her grandfather was kidnapped and beaten by some white supremacists and how the events unfolded following that day. Israel Page was a mild, hardworking, well-liked black man in the south during the Jim Crow days. But when he sued a white sheriff after a traffic accident permanently disabled him, his troubles began.

Though he survived the kidnapping and beating, his perspective about “well-meaning” white people changed. Instead of anger, he turned to the power of his faith and healing. But, as the author recounts, the trauma from that event follows the generations as racism is so deeply engrained in American culture. Her specific examples will leave you questioning yourself about your own actions (or inactions).

This was a short but powerful read and I’m so glad the author shared her family’s story and their perspective in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Darcie Rowan PR for the opportunity to read and review this ebook. The book is currently available for purchase.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a memoir that may come in at under 150 pages but every page will make you think.

Sharon tells the story of her grandfather, Israel Page, who in 1959 Alabama was kidnapped after he brought a civil suit against a deputy sheriff that ran a stop sign and hit Mr. Page.

Sharon also alternates chapters between Israel’s well researched story with present day links of bigotry that have affected her and other family members. She also has pictures scattered throughout the read that really enhance the memoir.

This is a family story that has roots in Israel Page but grows into something bigger as Sharon shares how she and others have fallen victim to cultural trauma.

It is an interesting and inspirational read especially knowing how Israel’s faith carried him forward and allowed him to continue sharing his faith even after he was treated so unfairly.

[Vicki Gatchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When was the last time you looked at the world through someone else’s eyes? Sharon Tubbs just published her 5th book, “They Got Daddy.” The book follows the true story of her grandaddy, a black country preacher and laborer through his 1950s kidnapping in Alabama by a white supremacist group.
Sharon has utilized her background as a journalist to investigate the public records of the era, bringing still more clarity to her grandaddy’s story. What’s more, Sharon weaves her granddaddy’s story with many others like it, adding understanding to her own story. She delves into the emerging science of epigenetics, cultural trauma, and the effects on families today. Sharon also weaves in her personal and cultural faith story and that of her extended family. Their story is that of forgiveness, perseverance and faith. You’ll be glad you read it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Got Daddy was the perfect nonfiction book to read for Black History Month. Sharon's family was always quiet about the past and what happened to her Grandaddy in 1959. She interviewed several family members and friends and researched newspaper articles and court records to find out just what happened that day and to the lawsuit her Grandaddy filed against the police.

Sharon's writing style makes the story come alive and is enhanced by pictures throughout the book. It is a story of racism and bigotry and cultural trauma that has affected generations. Unfortunately, these injustices are still happening today. I thank Sharon for sharing her family’s story. I received a gifted copy and this is my honest opinion.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful story about the family of the author. Sharon Tubbs a reporter, who traces the events that forced her family to flee. Her grandfather Israel, was a preacher in Alabama who was kidnapped and brutally beaten by white supremacist for daring to sue a white sheriff after a car accident. Tubbs travels back to the south to uncover the horrific events that forever changed her family. This was a deep look at social standards, racism, brutality and the justice system, then and today and the power of having faith and healing. A book everyone should read.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book packed a punch. This powerful book opened my eyes, broke my heart and infuriated me. I am still seething about what this family lived through. So many would be bitter forever but Israel Page was truly a remarkable man. This book had to be hard to write and I have a great deal of admiration for the author who shared her family’s story. The family photos were a wonderful touch. This should be a must read to remind us that unfortunately racism is still alive in 2023.

[Meg Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small book with a BIG impact. For the serious subject matter, presented so clearly, I read the book quickly. It was full of important information from Civil Rights milestones of the 1950's and 1960's to one family's fight for justice in Alabama during that tumultuous time. I would recommend this book to anyone. It really is a riveting look at a significant part of the Page Family history.

So, so good.

[Tiffany K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew this was a powerful story. I really think everyone should take the time to read this. It’s short but filled with so much history and story. Racism is not dead and this details all of it, past to present. I loved the illustration of family values and how all of Israel’s people stood with and for him. The patriarch of his family, Israel’s story is heartfelt, historical and poignant.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵-𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨!

A haunting, powerful, heart-breaking and exceptional memoir. The author did an amazing job writing the story of her family. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and Indiana University Press for this tour invite.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆 by Sharon Tubbs released January 3, 2023.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the contents of this book can be triggering for some, especially those apart of the African Descendant of Slaves community, it is a much needed and powerful read. It will make you go through a mirad of emotions. And it sheds light on some of the generational trauma of African Descents of Slaves. And it was powerful to read what this particular family had to deal with.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Got Daddy by Sharon Tubbs is a very strong story about family and racism.

This was a short, but very powerful story. Alot of history and details and heartbreak.

Racism is alive and well in 2023 as it was in the 50's when this book took place.

This is a heartfelt story, which made me sad but opened my eyes.

[Beverlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this book!

1. It was a compelling, emotional memoir that everyone should read!
2. A powerful reminder that racism is not dead and must continue to be addressed.
3. Loved the combination of the author's story and journey with her grandfather's story.

What I wanted more of:
1. Her grandfather's story - the details - and more of the outcome!
2. I wanted the book to be longer because the story was captivating and needs to be told!!

Thank you to NetGalley for sharing an electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review.