Codis Hampton II is an author, entrepreneur, blogger and radio show host.
Codis’ first love is writing, with books spanning multiple genres including biographical historical non-fiction, urban fiction, self-help and more. His books include: Unchon-ni, South Korea, I Remember 1962-63; Misguided Intentions; The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp—Or A Blogger’s 1999-2014 Perspective; The Episodic Thoughts of Hamp Volume II; Remembering Moz, Gracie & John Hampton’s First-Born; and Gracie Hall-Hampton, The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953.
A multi-faceted talent, Codis is a blogger and the host of the Blog Talk Radio Show, Hamp’s Corner of America. His varied interests range from business and political commentary, to creative arts such as acting, comedy, cartooning, vocal and instrumental music.
This one-on-one interview shares Codis Hampton II’s background and experience in writing Gracie Hall-Hampton, The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953.
Tell us about Gracie Hall-Hampton, The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953.
The book is a tribute to my grandmother’s life and times, living in the segregated South of the United States. To me, little Codis, a young, wide-eyed five-year-old kid, she was just Grandma. I stayed with her and her youngest daughter for almost two years when my parents were going through a separation period.
In her final years, Gracie had become somewhat callous in manner. Friends, family, and foe say dealing with her could be a difficult task. Some say she’d gone from a sweet, innocent young girl to a mean, quick-tempered older woman. With a shotgun and all-purpose pocket knife at the ready, she felt the need to defend her family, property, or self could come at any moment.
One can understand how a single mother would be forced to become the rock of the family, especially in the rural areas of a segregated South. Given where she and her family lived, one can also understand why she had to be tough and fend for herself and those she loved. In some ways, she took on the personality of a frontier woman, blazing a trail for others to follow.
Raising five children after her husband died was no easy task. She had to be a teacher after school was out, a mother when one of her children was physically or emotionally hurt, and a strong, kind, or stern disciplinarian whenever the situation called for it. She had to provide the voice of wisdom and experience to young folks who thought they had the answers to all problems. But most of all, she had to be the protector of her family when it came to dealing with people. Maybe a little begrudgingly, she took on all the roles required of her at specific times. She had to prove that she was neither weak nor reluctant to do whatever it took for her and her family to survive.
What inspired you to write Gracie Hall-Hampton, The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953?
There is a famous Frederick Douglass quote that reads, “Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and where any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.”
This quote reminded me of what it must have been like for an African American to live in a Jim Crow state, suffering through the Big Flood, the Great Depression, and WWII in Banks, Arkansas.
In writing this book, my goal was for readers to understand the sheer courage, determination and will it would have taken to not only survive this time in history, but thrive and raise a family of five children by yourself. I hope this book serves as inspiration, showcasing the strength and power of the human spirit to endure.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
I have learned over the years that there is no greater feeling of accomplishment than to give something of oneself in hopes that others will benefit from that gift. This idea was planted in me by way of how my father raised his children. As time went on, this idea grew in leaps and bounds and, in fact, was magnified when I began to listen to stories about my family history.At times, it was a struggle to keep an eye on my purpose in life. Yet, I’ve always returned to my roots, the foundation of my upbringing and the unapologetic belief that I can not only survive but thrive and compete in any environment. I learned that from my ancestors and it’s a message I would like to share with readers. Ultimately, I hope this book helps others remember who and where they came from.
Purchasing the Book
Gracie Hall-Hampton, The Arkansas Years, 1917-1953 is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Nook, and other online bookstores. Readers are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/490047-Gracie-Hall-Hampton
Connect with Codis Hampton II
https://www.facebook.com/CHTwoAuthor
Media Contact
Company Name: Author News Network
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: authornewsnetwork.com