Living On The Other Side Of Poverty
I grew up in abject poverty. It was a long journey out, but my family and I persevered. Read my memoirs to learn more. www.simplybestreads.com Amazon
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The Learning Center for Francie Mae’s Blog
The Great Society
Many poor families, including mine, benefitted from the Great Society. These domestic programs were launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 and 1965. The main goal was to eliminate racial injustice and poverty. Many new federal programs that addressed medical care, rural poverty, education, transportation, and urban problems were launched during this time. …
Scholarships
Some students may believe they are not financially able to attend a college or university. Fortunately, there are many scholarships available if potential recipients apply for them. When I was a senior in high school, scholarships were limited. I didn’t let that deter me. I was from a poor family, but I was determined …
The Kennedy’s Without the Titles
Like many people in the 60s, I grew up fascinated with the Kennedy family. My favorites were John and Bobby. It didn’t hurt that Bobby and I shared his middle name. His name was spelled with an “i” and mine was with an “e.” I was a little poor girl and thought of the …
The Pain of Poverty
The pain of poverty is what got many people out of poverty. I grew up in the South during The civil rights movement. This decades long movement helped secure equal rights for black people under the law in the United States. Prior to this movement, more people were living in poverty. After the end of …
Living in Poverty
Many people do not understand, or don’t care to understand the challenges of poor people. Many middle class or rich people may label poor people as “lazy.” The opinions regarding poverty may extend to political parties. Many conservatives believe poverty is the result of poor choices and behaviors. Many liberals believe that choices may …
Poverty in Appalachian America
There are approximately 26.1 million residents living in poverty in the Appalachian regions in the United States. The per capita income is 23% lower than the U.S. average. One in every three people lives in poverty. The Appalachian Regional Development Act can be traced back to President John F. Kennedy. During his campaign for presidency, …
The Voting Process
In 1972, I was eighteen years old and voted in the presidential election. This was my first time voting, and I was excited to use the power of the ballot. I grew up during the civil rights era and Black Power movement. I learned that one of the most important rights of American citizens is …
Surviving the Jim Crow South
I grew up in the South during legal segregation. My parents were not able to obtain meaningful employment because of racist Jim Crow laws. They worked on farms, picking and chopping cotton. After the cotton season was over, Dad worked as a day laborer and MaDear worked in private homes. They worked whatever odd jobs …
Climbing Companions
In the book, The Power to Prevail, by David Foster, he wrote “Climbers prevail because they never lose heart. They push back, not with their hands, but with their hearts. They refuse to relent, retreat, or resign themselves to the way things are. They don’t rely on their emotions. Developing their heart muscle gives them …