The Gazette

Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: Opinion

Red River

This novel serves as a vivid reminder of the sacrifice and the determination needed to overcome obstacles that have advanced the African-American community. It gives an intimate account of the author's family, who were African-American leaders in the town of Colfax, La. The narrative focuses on the life of the author's great-grandfather, Jackson Tademy, from his childhood to his death in 1937. Jackson was not raised to be a leader, but when his older brother Green is killed in a hunting accident, Jackson takes up his responsibilities to the community. The narrative is not limited to one member of the family, however. In fact, it opens in the voice of Polly, the centenarian widow of the author's great-great grandfather, as she tells the family story.

A dominant theme in the novel is pride in the African-American heritage, symbolized by the name Tademy. Sam Tademy, the great-great-grandfather of the author, was given the family name as a legacy by his father, who was fleeing slavery. Sam was told that the family was from the Nile Delta, in Egypt. This oral tradition was passed down from generation to generation in the family as a source of worth.

The novel opens with the African-American defense of the results of elections for the sheriff of Colfax in 1873. In the first election in which African-American men were allowed to vote, the candidate that they support wins. However, a racist sheriff tries to take office by force. When the African-American community defends the legitimate sheriff, the response is a brutal massacre of the men. This incident really brings home the sacrifices that brought about the right to vote. Two of the author's great-great-grandfathers were involved in defending the results of the election.

Another major focus of Red River is the importance of education. Sam Tademy, was born a slave, but is determined that his children's lives will be better. He dreams of founding a school for African-American children. His son Jackson carries out the dream, opening a combination commissary-smokehouse school. A racist mob burns down the school, but it is eventually reopened. In the meantime, Jackson collects books assiduously, and his library becomes his most prized possession. The author's father, Ted Tademy, enjoys his grandfather's library from the time he is a small child, and as a teenager he dreams of going to Grambling. University.

Red River reminds the reader of the responsibility that we all have to our community. This book can be found in the BHC under call number 813 T121r



Reviewed by Dr. Carol Evans, Harrison Library

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