The Heir of Slaves; an Autobiography
William Pickens
Read by James K. White
In the first of two autobiographies, Pickens describes his early life struggling to help his family free themselves from a system of tenant farming otherwise known as "debt slavery" or "share cropping" in South Carolina and Arkansas during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He tells how once permitted to attend school, he excelled and eventually completed a degree at Yale. (Summary by James K. White)
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Forward and My Parentage | 17:41 | Read by James K. White | |
| To Arkansas | 11:11 | Read by James K. White | |
| Beginning School In Earnest | 11:04 | Read by James K. White | |
| A Skiff-Ferry School Boy | 11:02 | Read by James K. White | |
| The Stave Factory and the Sawmill Lumber Yard | 13:25 | Read by James K. White | |
| You Can Have Hope | 14:15 | Read by James K. White | |
| A Christian Missionary College | 11:58 | Read by James K. White | |
| Preparing For Yale In Ironwork | 10:47 | Read by James K. White | |
| Yale--The Henry James Ten Eyck Oratorical Contest | 18:48 | Read by James K. White |
Reviews
Simple Inspiration
Brian Blackwell
An excellent book for young people beginning their journey, as it depicts a degree of earnest drive and common sense that has largely been lost in modern society. Its anecdotes and overall course is interesting enough, but not remarkable from an entertainment standpoint. It tells of a life well-lived, and of how laboring in faith can overcome many an intimidating obstacle.
Interesting!
Michele Fry
Well read. Inspiring literature from the black community is needed, especially by young Black people.
a worthwhile read. enjoyed the history and its message.
Kam