Jim May, a storyteller who speaks in a
disarmingly simple, matter-of-fact style, tells original stories of
growing up in the rural farming, all-white town of Spring Grove,
Illinois. His stories, both humorous and touching, range from
coming-of-age German-Catholic experiences to horse trading tales and
memories of family life. For children, he offers stories from
traditional sources and a variety of cultures, in an effort to emphasize
the wisdom of great tales that have been handed down from one
generation to the next.
That practice of handing down stories from
one generation to the next is especially poignant in his stories of John
Henry, a former slave who found a welcoming home in a small Illinois
town, and Lisa Derman, a resistance fighter and Holocaust survivor.
“John Henry” focuses on the stories May’s
family and neighbors told about the former slave from Tennessee who
found work, respect, and some kind of home in Spring Grove. Their
memories, however, also reveal a sense of loneliness that must have been
a part of John Henry’s life in this rural community. As May seeks out
his grave stone at the cemetery, he discovers a small but powerful
symbol of remembrance, and hope for America’s racial future.
In “Lisa Derman,” May highlights the life
story of the Holocaust survivor and Illinois patriot whose own words had
the power to move people toward action, justice and peace.
Derman once said, “I might not be here much
longer, but my story must go on.” And while neither she nor John Henry
are still living, their stories can and should be kept alive. They offer
reminders of history that some would like to forget, along with hope
for the future and encouragement to do the right thing.
“John Henry.” Jim May recounts
his community’s experience with former Tennessee slave John Henry, and
how, in a small red plastic flower on a grave stone, May feels the power
of remembrance and promise for America’s racial soul.
Author Unknown
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