Library Love Fest

W. Ralph Eubanks Speaks...

In March, I wrote about the House at the End of the Road, written by W. Ralph Eubanks, Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress and his search to find the truth about his maternal grandparents; Jim Richardson, a white man and Edna Richardson, a light-skinned black woman.  W. Ralph Eubanks will be interviewed by NPR’s Talk of the Nation scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th.  Listen in as he discusses the House at the End of the Road and the fascinating journey of discovering his unique racial and cultural identity.  For more information, visit:
 
http://www.npr.org/

-Bobby

A Search For Identity

Imagine growing up in a family not knowing the real story of your ancestors.  The House at the End of the Road explores one man’s journey of discovering his unique racial and cultural identity.

The House at the End of the Road, takes us back to Prestwick, Alabama in the year 1914.  This book tells the story of W. Ralph Eubanks, Director of Publishing at the Library of Congress and his search to find the truth of his maternal grandparents; Jim Richardson, a white man and Edna Richardson, a light-skinned black woman.  The House at the End of the Road also brings back memories of a time in our country’s history, where racism was alive and well and racial identity not only divided a family, but also (in some cases) made the difference between life and death. 

Check out this video of W. Ralph Eubanks as he talks briefly about his quest.

I was completely captivated by this story.  The House at the End of the Road takes you to a time where interracial marriage was not only looked down upon, but was considered illegal.  It takes you to a place where who you identified with determined your social class and ultimately your future.  On a personal note, I couldn’t help think about my family who lived in a small town very similar to Prestwick, and how they were able to live in a time where just your very existence was considered wrong. 

The House at the End of the Road also reveals how Eubanks’ grandparents were able to instill love, tolerance and understanding in their children to prepare them for a world that made them feel as if their love was taboo.  These lessons were in turn passed down to the generations that followed. They did an amazing job teaching that love and content of character and should always outweigh any notions of racial identity.  I truly hope you add this to your reading list.

-Bobby