My mom would always tell me growing up in her smiling, yet serious voice that every Black mother has, “Remember who you are and where you come from.” That has always grounded me in every move that I make. It’s a reminder to be in the now but also a reminder of how you got to where you are.
I am rooted in a legacy from McKenzie, TN and South Mills, NC. My parents would tell me all about the people and the environments that I came from. They’d trace back as far as they could and then imagined what they couldn’t. They explored the troubled histories, but also the joyous moments. It all encompasses parts of my story of my being.
At some point during university, I added to my mother’s plea and prayer, “Remember who you are, where you come from, and where you’re going.” This was my call to action to keep moving forward with all of my histories in mind. For me, that is what Southern Futures is all about. Working towards a brighter future that benefits all of us.
As we close out the school year, reflect on this saying: Remember who you are, where you come from, and where you’re going. Here’s a glance at all the work Southern Futures has done or been a part of this academic school year.
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Tony Royle Jr.
Coordinator of Student Research
PhD Candidate in American Studies
