Family is important to me. Growing up in a single parent household made me appreciate the bonds and security that family brings.
My mother made a point to have me spend time with my extended family. Consequently, my aunts and uncles feel like extra parents and my cousins are like siblings. But my grandparents had a profound influence on my life. Not only did they help my mother raise me, but they also instilled values that I now share with my own children.
I recently filmed a short movie for Wells Fargo Untold Stories Series in conjunction with the Kinsey Collection. My film describes how my great-grandfather narrowly escaped a lynch mob and inspired my grandfather to make a better life for his family. You can watch the video and read more on my website, Mocha Dad (note: I created the website to document our family’s stories for my children and to inspire other fathers to do the same).
In addition to my story, Wells Fargo, filmed several influential bloggers’ sharing their families’ stories. You can watch a few of my friends in the following videos:
Karen Walrond – chooklooloonks
Karen shares a story that recounts the long and complex journey of four generations of her ancestors; slaves and indentured servants who were brought to the West Indies from Africa and China.
Kelly Wickham - Mocha Momma
Kelly shares the story of her parents, who raised their children among the segregation and prejudice that took place during the Civil Rights era.
Denene Millner and Nick Chiles - MyBrownBaby,
Denene discusses adoption and the importance of family while Nick talks about his jazz musician father and the value of black music.
Stacey Ferguson - Justice Fergie
Stacey describes the struggles of her great grandmother, who came to Canada alone and lived frugally to send for her children, one at a time.
Joyce Brewer - Mommy Talk Show
Joyce describes the challenges her father experienced growing up during the Great Depression and the Civil Rights struggle of the 50s and 60s.
Go to the Wells Fargo YouTube Channel to watch the full collection. If you’d like to share your family’s untold stories, leave a comment on this blog post or post on Twitter or Facebook using the hashtag #KinseyUntold. I’m looking forward to seeing your stories.