Speech 3/30/09

Hello Class of 1940. I would just like to congratulate you on your great accomplishments. I am here today because there are many traditions and preparations that your graduating class is engrossed in, leading up to this symbolic day. This is a day of liberation and hope. 

There have been many successful African-Americans that have already made names for themselves. George Washington Carter is an African-American man who revolutionized southern agriculture. He used what he learned in school and decided to study hard and he made a name for himself. 

Mary McLeod Bethune is a great example of what courage and determination can lead to. She lifted herself from the cotton field to the White House as an advisor to the President of the United States. Her greatest accomplishment was almost single-handedly building Bethune-Cookman College in 1923.

I would like to take this time to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you. You all have a great future ahead of you. All of the students are special in their own way and you will all grow up to do great things. 

All the staff of the Lafayette County Training School are glad to have met students as wonderful as you. With courage and the right mind set, you will all go far in life. Believing leads to succeeding. Don't let anyone bring you down no matter what. You are all great people and you will move on to great things. I am glad to announce you all as the graduates of the Class of 1940!

Instant Message Conversation between Marguerite and Tommy

Tommyboy21: Gee Maya thanks for ripping up my valentine today :p

Maya555: oh sry about that 

Tommyboy21: yea why did u do it?

Maya555: idk lol

Tommyboy21: ohh well it kinda hurt my feelings L

Maya555: sry! I didn’t mean anything by it, I just didn’t know how to react

Tommyboy21: Do you like anyone?

Maya555: umm… maybe.

Tommyboy21: I think I might like someone too.

Maya555: hahhaha

Tommyboy21: why do u always laugh?

Maya555: it’s a nervous habit

Tommyboy21: why r u nervous when I’m around?

Maya555: Because each time I see u I get butterflies in my stomach..... I like u ;p

Tommyboy21: It just makes me feel uncomfortable and I think you’re weird when u laugh at me randomly

Maya555: I’m sorry your right. I’ll try and stop

Tommyboy21: ok sounds good

Maya555: alritey see u tomrw J

chapter 17-18 after the retreat revival

“Got to feed the soul just like you feed your body.” Pg 121

This quote is relevant to the story because the African-American community in Stamps revolves around religion. They use religion as a way to escape their hard lives. They love going to church and praying. They feel that going to church and praying is just as important as eating. Without being religious they can't survive.

Jesus Christ is the guiding force in Momma's life. She is very religious person and always says her prayers. Momma always refers back to God before all of her decisions. I chose this quote because I think it is true with the way some highly religious people think. They feel like they need to do their religious part in order to survive and life a happy life. I also feel like this quote is very descriptive of Momma and her beliefs.