Baedeker Venice Book

Now I understand so much... I did not know. Grateful to have read this very important book. Considering I grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the time period of desegregation on the West Side of Gulfport, I never knew the history and events represented in this book.

Dr. Gilbert Mason's book is one of the most important books I've ever read. Although my mother taught Mississippi History at West Jr. High School, these subjects were not covered. I have in my possession at this time a copy of the history book by John K. Buttersworth that was taught in that Mississippi History class. I was in my mother's class in 1970, so I know we learned very little truth regarding black history.

As I read Dr. Mason's book, I followed the events described in his book with the timeline of my childhood. I cried as I read this book realizing my best friend, Violet Clark, had never been allowed to walk on the beach or play in the sand of that beach across the street from our elementary school, West Ward because of the color of her skin.

I am proud that my mother, as the leader of our Girl Scout troop, insisted it be integrated. She said it was the first integrated Girl Scout troop on the Coast. Dr. Mason's book opened my eyes to make sense of so many things in my childhood.

This book is epic... I am so grateful to know it exists and I urge everyone to read this Mississippi History Book.