Stories from the Past, Visions of the Future

Our family began in a small town on the outskirts of Wharton, TX. This was the kind of town that was known as a rural area. The majority of the African American families that lived in this town were very poor and blue collard. Many of the families were large with more than five children in the houshold, which added to the family’s daily struggle. It wasn’t always easy to put food on the table, so everyday a hot meal was served was considered a blessing. Back then, all these families had to rely on (and look forward to) was love, church, and togetherness. It was a time when families stuck together. When parents were out working, they rested with the knowledge that the community would continue to look after their children.
Among all of the children that experienced this day to day struggle was my mother , Katy Sue. On May 26, 1955, she came to life in this small town born into poverty. She was the second born of what would soon become nine children to Jason Lee and Maribell C...