Kindle Edition Amazon Google Kobo Category:  History Publisher: Booklocker.Com ISBN-10:  1634928830 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 280 Copyright: January 25, 2019 ISBN-13: 9781634928830 Price: $16.95 (eBook) A book that uses personal life experiences to reveal the impact of racism in America.  An American Story: My Family and Yours is a template, using myself and my family to reveal the impact slavery has had on America, not just to African Americans, but to whites as well.  An American Story: My Family and Yours, recognizes that biases are deep, mental, destructive patterns of thought, that cling to and guide our behaviors.  Layers and layers of human, corrective, theories and practices have been tried, but as we see today in this country, the sleeping giant is awakened when one side ventured too far above what the other side considers tolerable.  Because of economic reasons, blacks always get the short end of the stick!  The power structure is white, and it sets the polices, laws and social norms. Spirituality is goodness, perfection, justice, faith, hope, righteousness and inner beauty…to name a few.  With these embedded in consciousness, there is no room for hate, superiority, inferiority, injustice, inequality and fear.  We are. . .what we believe!      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6txJ41CuLa8 Excerpt “Lillian, you have done so much for me, but I am sorry, I’m not interested in him.” “Ok. I would certainly take him up on it if it were me. But, he likes you.” I thought to myself, “Too bad.” One night about a week or two later when Meta and I were in the apartment alone, the phone rang. Upon answering, the voice on the other end identified himself as the used car guy. For a few seconds, I was astonished as to how he had gotten the number. Then . . . of course Lillian had given it to him, maybe thinking he could convince me to change my mind about having a relationship with him. As he talked, mostly with my listening, he came right out and said he was very interested in me, and wanted to help me financially as much as he could. Needless to say, I came right out and said I was not interested in anything he could do for me. I don’t recall all of the things he promised, but the answer remained “No!” “Is it because I am white?” “Yes, that’s part of it.” “Why?” “Maybe it’s because I grew up in Mississippi, I don’t know . . . but I am not interested in ‘being kept’ by a white man.” “I thought that is what you would say. I like you because you are a very attractive woman, and not because you are black.” I thought to myself, “Yea, sure.” “I’m sorry, you seem like a nice guy, but when I enter into another relationship, I want to believe it will lead to marriage. And I do not believe that is what you have in mind.” “Why not find out?” “No, I’m sorry.” After trying to convince me of his sincerity for a while and not getting a positive response from me, he hung up. A couple more phone calls followed, but finally he was convinced there would not be

4.0 out of 5 stars The story soon centers on Mamie’s life and reads like a novel complete with unexpected plot
Dr. Smith has written a book full of surprising turns in both the story and her presentation. Beginning with plenty of research and documentation regarding slavery and the black experience in America, she weaves the history of her ancestors from the early 1700’s to the present day.
Her endearing account of growing up on a farm being her father’s helper and wandering on her own along the hills and valleys draws a sharp contrast to her early experiences of racism as a child. The story soon centers on Mamie’s life and reads like a novel complete with unexpected plot twists.
Dr. Smith exhibits a courageous honesty about her life and her beliefs. Her love of family shines throughout the book as she draws a portrait of each individual’s personality and challenges. The accompanying photographs help us to get to know these diverse characters.
An American Story is a testament to the resilience and strength of a people and a family. What I’m left with is a sense and appreciation of the Ferguson and Dotson clan whose values live on to the present day. Their story is woven together by a bold and creative author who loves them all.

Caterina Zucker, author of Gray Beaujolais, and Friends in Paradise

respect and love that you felt for them
I appreciated all the research that went into tracing your family’s ancestors and the deep feelings of pride, respect and love that you felt for them. What a great gift to your widely extended family to have this record and narrative available to them now and for future generations. I hope, too, that it will bring you back in touch with more distant family members forming fresh links. I think my favorite part was your description of your childhood written in great detail of place and experience. Your memories are vivid and beautifully written. Your book is is both personal and timely.
B. Abiko