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Cover

"Raise Up a Child"

Human Development in an African-American Family

Edith Hudley, Wendy Haight, and Peggy Miller

Publication Date - 01 July 2003

ISBN: 9780190616533

264 pages
Paperback
5.5 x 8.2 inches

Description

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.

Features

  • Tells the story of Edith Hudley--an African-American grandmother born poor in rural texas in 1920--in her own words. Her story is a vivid portrait of the multiple intersections of history, culture, community, and family in the development of human behavior.
  • Haight, and Miller provide "interludes" following each section drawing connections between Hudley's story and broader HBSE themes.
  • An appendix, "Some Notes for Students" provides an opportunity for reflection and critical thinking

About the Author(s)

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. She and Miller 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.

Peggy Miller, (Ph.D. Teachers College, Columbia University) is professor of psychology and Speech Communication at The University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She and Haight 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.

Table of 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

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