WUNC: “This summer, I took a trip down to Mississippi to see my family.
Every time I am down there, I feel free. The rumble of a four wheeler engine, fireworks popping and loud bugs in the summer night bring to life a Southern experience I’m not used to.
When people think of states like Mississippi and other parts of the deep south — they immediately think racism, confederate flags, and that being Black is all about struggle, not freedom. I mean, I thought it too, despite what’s on display in my own family.
My Aunt Sumay has owned this farm in Scobey, Mississippi for 40 years, and she feels most free when she is outside.
“I like getting my food out of the ground that I put in, you know. The Lord bless me to have,” she says. “I like preparing food and seeing people enjoy.”
When you’re on the farm, even food and eating is a whole new experience. You can literally walk outside, get something off a bush and cook it and eat it that same day.”