Poppa was the center of Clifton’s existence; he was not only his best friend, but also Poppa’s experience of the world and his Poppa taught everything wonderful in it to young Clifton. Clifton looked up to him. Clifton grew up among his extended family, love was always present for him, it must have been difficult to be away from his mother due to complicated circumstances, but she remained close by; he saw her often.

While growing up one of the most memorable moments were Saturday s when he and Poppa took a trip to Greenville, he got ready so quick and he could hardly wait to leave, while Poppa took his time to get ready (probably on purpose). Glen Allen was a community populated by colored people, mostly house cleaners, domestics, farmers, and teachers. Set apart from the humiliation and painful barriers of discrimination, and racism of the time. Glen Allan’s community nurtured and protected each other, looking to enjoy life as much as possible.

Once on their way to town, it was like cro

It is sad to see the reality of those years for African-Americans, the humiliation, maybe this is why they all where such a tight nit community. It is also moving when their kids leave in search of a better future and do not come back until they have found it. Most important the people in Glen Allen made Clifton believe he was special and that he could succeed, despite the hardships on his life.

By the time Clifton was almost six years old, he was ready for school. Schools at that time were not integrated, so he attended a colored school. Ms. Maxey was his teacher, she taught in a one-room schoolhouse where eight different grades attended, but she did her best to get to everyone. By this time Ma Ponk was the one taking care of him, his Mama Pearl was too sick to do it anymore.

ssing a barrier, where differences were very noticeable. The signs at public restrooms, water fountains read “colored”, “whites only”. I cannot imagine a young child trying to figure out the difference, or how he even began to comprehend this world. When in Greenville Poppa made sure he kept Clifton close to him, at the bakery or getting ready for the frozen custard, he made sure, Clifton stayed away from bothering white people, and once they were done with their business it was their

Some topics in this essay:
Glen Allan, Poppa Christmas, Clifton Clifton, Glen Allan’s, Uncle Cleve, Greenville Poppa, Cleve Clifton, Glen Allen, Pearl Poppa, Ms Mayberry, uncle cleve, glen allan, extended family, mama pearl, people glen, frozen custard, glen allen,