Human Development in an African-American Family

“A compelling book. . . .
There is something in this story for us all.”

–Karen Wyche, University of Miami

“The book ‘sneaks’ into one’s private mind. . . .
informing, moving, and meaningful.”

–Carl N. Johnson, University of Pittsburgh

“RAISE UP A CHILD"

Edith V.P. Hudley
Wendy Haight, University or Illinois, Urbana
Peggy Miller, University or Illinois, Urbana

Edith Hudley is an African-American grandmother who was born poor in rural Texas in 1920. In this beguiling book she tells how, through many vicissitudes, she achieved a better life for herself, her children, and grandchildren. But she is no stereotype. Without sentimentality and with considerable humor, she tells of both the privations and pleasures of her long life so vividly that she draws the reader into her world.

In this book she tells her stories to two white academics who know her well. At the end of each chapter, they provide an “interlude” suggesting what her narrative can teach about the process of human development. As each stage of her life unfolds, they make it clear how her character and convictions were formed.

Edith Hudley’s convictions are strong, particularly about child-raising which has been her abiding interest as mother, grandmother, and “other” mother.

She has more than her own family's welfare at heart. She has definite views on education and parenting, and her attitude to physical discipline will spark controversy. Not that that will worry her. She has never been afraid to speak her mind (“You always were mouthie,” one of her brothers tells her.) What she has to say is well worth hearing.

About the Authors

Edith Hudley is a mother, grandmother, church deaconess, and master storyteller. She has devoted over seventy years to the care and nurturing of the many children who have called her “Mama.”

Wendy Haight, (Ph.D. University of Chicago) is Associate Professor of Social Work at The University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana). Peggy Miller, (Ph.D. Teachers College, Columbia University) is Professor of Psychology and Speech Communication at The University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana). Both have known Edith Hudley for years and, in this book, share the insights she has given them that have enlarged their own understanding of human development.

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Part 1: Childhood
1. Family
2. Watching, Listening, Questioning
3. That Little Switch
4. Mamie’s Death
5. Other Mothers
6. Community
7. Racism and Resistance
8. The Dead Return

Interlude 1: Religion and Spirituality

Part 2: Youth
9. Eighth Grade
10. Working for Miz A.
11. Protection against Predators
12. Keeping to the Right Path
13. Segregation and Integration

Interlude 2: Oppression and Resistance

Part 3: Married Life
14. Courtship
15. Outsmarting Mr. Bill and Cousin Oscar
16. Working in the Shipyards
17. Aaron’s Death
18. Family Troubles
19. No More Babies
20. Storekeeping
21. Edna and Kathareen
22. The Accident
23. Mother Ewing

Interlude 3: Mentoring

Part 4: Raising Children
24. Raising Sand about School
25. Working with the Teachers
26. Chastising Children
27. Two Different Children
28. Fathers
29. Other People’s Children

Interlude 4: Physical Discipline

Part 5: Later years
30. Meeting Floyd
31. Floyd and His Sons
32. Little Edith and Lulu May
33. Reaching out in Salt Lake City
34. Thoughts about Death

Interlude 5: Narrative

Appendix A: Chronology of Important Events in the Life of Edith V.P. Hudley

Appendix B: Important People in the Life of Edith V.P. Hudley

Appendix C: Some Notes for Students

Index

2003, Paper, 240 Pages, ISBN 978-0-925065-47-6, Price $24.95