The Memoirs of Albertis Magnus Armstrong Sr. 2004 The Last Century
My Bigoted, Racist Grandfather
by
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Introduction
I was born in Bluff,
Self-respect, respect for others, and encouragement to persevere for self-improvement are what I consider to have been the parental “package” for child rearing which I received from my parents. That was my greatest asset.
My father taught me how to do a job. He verbalized and illustrated. When I experienced failure he continued to be supportive of my efforts. He taught me how to analyze criticism and make use of it. When I became an adolescent and went out to earn money, I knew I had to produce if I expected to get paid. My relationship with my family members enhanced my desire to share my earnings with them and to do as much work as I could.
Becoming an adult and having a family of my own taught me to be resourceful; and gave me a profound recognition of the need to care for, listen to, and understand others. My many work experiences have enabled me to juxtapose various situations involving people; and to make use of my observations.
Academic preparation and training, consultation with professionals, and a personal interest in people have been significant in preparing me to carry the responsibilities of a professional worker in this complex field of interpersonal relations.
I believe in honest work. I believe in the courage of high convictions. I believe in giving the best of one’s self to enhance the general welfare of all mankind. I believe in the truest and best to be found in people, in books and in life.
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About the Book
This book depicts the perseverance of a black man, who was economically disadvantaged at birth; as a member of the black race and a descendant of American slaves.
Illustrations are set forth with respect to unequal access to public accommodations, racial bias in employment and racial profiling by state troopers along the highways.
It also indicates the struggle experienced by a young married couple, who made plans for their future while in high school, only to have to reassess their priorities due to an unexpected pregnancy.
The challenge to succeed against the odds are clearly apparent and a bonding relationship continued to manifest itself; and we would raise two sons and reap ample reward for a steadfast determination to maintain a safe – harbor for togetherness, and a natural love that remained unfaultered. We were family and although we encountered discrimination in housing, as well as in public accommodations and the job market, we proceeded with an open mind and taught our children to understand that life is sometime unfair; but there is a need to understand the mindset of others and to move on.
About the Author
The author was the fifth of twelve children; I grew up on a dirt-poor farm in South – Eastern, Bluff OK. I was blessed to have hard working, dedicated, and loving parents; who wanted greater social, educational, and economic opportunities for me than they had ever experienced.
I completed the 8th grade in Bluff. There was no higher education for Black Youth in the country. I eventually got accepted into a Bog’s Home in
World War II cut my college career; as I was required to work in an industry essential to the war effort. I became a