Mommie Tells

By Nettie Algenia Reaties

Via DNA testing, there are thousands of identifiable relatives of the Reaties family all over the world. Too bad we are so far removed we are unable to celebrate, recognize fame. With that said, this book is a compilation of stories of the Alabama to South Carolina branch. This project is a small effort to let the world know that we are here, we are proud, we are united even if distance keeps us apart.

The stories reflect life and times of predecessors up through recent Reaties family antics. Most are outlines of facts regarding our forebearers and the impact their 'happenings' had on much of family, friends, community. This is a chronicle of stories shared via family events – reunions, births, funerals. A documentation of life before our remaining elders – who were there – transition from this earth and distinguish this family's roots from others.

Sadly, as with most African Americans, our histories are mostly oral, rarely documented and generally unverifiable. But by documenting our stories, we are assuring an inclusive rendering of life in at least African American family. This compilation of stories has established basic truths – we lived, we survived, thrived, we are still here – proud, united, and determined to share what is known of our remaining legacy. The legacy left behind by our ancestors was amazing! So, it is up to us newbies to carry forth our lives, loves and who we are because – our history matters!

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665556736

Nettie Algenia Reaties

Nettie is the sixth of eight (one was stillborn) children of Pearline Blocker and David Charlie Reaties. She was born in Alabama; raised in South Carolina and graduated high school in Montana. She earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science (Urban Studies) and a master's in Business (Nonprofit Administration and Management). Nettie is the proud mother of two, Thomas William Harold Reaties White I and Ayanna MaShonna White. Equally, a proud grand of Thomas, Seth, and Amina. Nettie also has two incredible great-grandchildren–McKenzie and Thomas. She is retired from full-time work, but her employment experience did include nonprofit administration, planning, research, and fund raising. Nettie has owned a small business and worked for large corporations and a hospital gift shop. Currently, she assists her children in their business endeavors. Yet, this lady believes in the power of the volunteer, and is an avid collector of the unusual, odd, and old. In college she was a groupie (of sorts). With a friend–who dated a member of a local rock band–she followed them to gigs in North and South Carolina to get into clubs and drinks for free. Just for fun Nettie took the fast track in Daytona as a member of the 100 Club. As a history buff, she has traveled across this country, meeting and getting to know much of community eccentricities. She had sometimes dined with the rich and famous, while other times with the weird and strange. Nettie is a voice-over actor and assisted with commercials in partnership with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). She is author of the novel–Again and has several short stories in the works. And lest forgotten, Nettie also published under alternate venues: complied and published several human service directories. In partnership with government agencies–published heroes' calendars.

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© 2022 Nettie Algenia Reaties. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/06/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5672-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5673-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022906843

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Appreciation and Thanks

Pearline ‘Pearl’ Blocker Reaties

David ‘Sam-Dave-Chief’ Charlie Reaties

Family Beginnings

Snip-it History

Part One: Family Ties

Part Two: Reunion Revelry

Part Three: Traditions

Part Four: Turkish Delights

Part Five: Baby Chronicles

Part Six: Being Grand

Part Seven: Car Trouble

Part Eight: Surviving…

Historical Resources

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nettie is the sixth of eight (one was stillborn) children of Pearline Blocker and David Charlie Reaties. She was born in Alabama; raised in South Carolina and graduated high school in Montana. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Urban Studies) and a master’s in Business (Nonprofit Administration and Management).

Nettie is the proud mother of two, Thomas William Harold Reaties White I and Ayanna MaShonna White. Equally, a proud grand of Thomas, Seth, and Amina. Nettie also has two incredible great-grandchildren–McKenzie and Thomas.

She is retired from full-time work, but her employment experience did include nonprofit administration, planning, research, and fund raising. Nettie has owned a small business and worked for large corporations and a hospital gift shop. Currently, she assists her children in their business endeavors. Yet, this lady believes in the power of the volunteer, and is an avid collector of the unusual, odd, and old.

In college she was a groupie (of sorts). With a friend–who dated a member of a local rock band–she followed them to gigs in North and South Carolina to get into clubs and drinks for free. Just for fun Nettie took the fast track in Daytona as a member of the 100 Club. As a history buff, she has traveled across this country, meeting and getting to know much of community eccentricities. She had sometimes dined with the rich and famous, while other times with the weird and strange.

Nettie is a voice-over actor and assisted with commercials in partnership with the Southeastern Conference (SEC). She is author of the novel–Again and has several short stories in the works. And lest forgotten, Nettie also published under alternate venues: complied and published several human service directories. In partnership with government agencies–published heroes’ calendars.

APPRECIATION

and

THANKS

It has been my privilege to present these amazing stories. The narratives were ascertained from and have persevered because of ties that bind – family. It is comprised of bits and pieces of Reaties family chutzpah.

Most of the stories came from my mother, siblings, aunts and uncles. Verified, as the same were told to me and my siblings. It was clear the oral traditions of our ancestors were embraced. The recollections were gathered and then passed on so that we:

Never Forgot Our Roots.

A special thanks is extended to all who took part in this endeavor. Thanks especially to the children and grandchildren of David Charlie and Pearline Blocker Reaties. They told their stories and provided their support and talents to the research, editing and design of this manuscript.

Sincerely, Thank You

Nettie Algenia Reaties

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Pearline Blocker Reaties

January 24, 1925 – July 25, 2012

Bessemer, Alabama

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David Charlie Reaties

(Spelling variations: Readis/Reades/Readies)

December 10, 1924 – February 7, 1979

Brent, Alabama

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SNIP-IT HISTORY

In 1924…

URBANE:

♠ President Calvin Coolidge – Signed laws restricting immigration for all non-Europeans

♠ United States population – Slightly under 108,000,000

♠ African Americans – 9.9% of total United Sates Population

♠ Native Americans – Classified ‘Colored’ (The term generally used to politely classify African Americans) mainly in Southern States

♠ Native Americans – Granted Citizenship

♠ Honorable Albert B. Judge – First African American Municipal Court Judge

♠ J. Edgar Hoover – Appointed Director – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

♠ Home-Grown Terrorists – Lynched 16 African Americans

EDUCATION & SCIENCE:

♣ Leap Year

♣ WEB Du Bois – Published The Gift of Black Folk: The Negroes in the Making of America

♣ Statue of Liberty – Recognized as a National Monument

♣ Tutankhamen’s Sarcophagus Uncovered

♣ Rudimentary Television Pictures Sent Over a Short Distance

♣ First Flight Around the World

‘CELEB’ BIRTHDAYS:

• African American

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

♥ Father’s Day – First National Recognition (Official – June 1972)

♥ Macy’s Department Store, New York – First Organized Thanksgiving Parade

♥ Roland Hayes – First African American to perform at Carnegie Hall

♥ Jelly Roll Morton – Recorded Jelly Roll Blues

♥ Little Orphan Annie – Comic Strip début

♥ First Winter Olympics

SNIP-IT HISTORY

In 1925…

URBANE:

♠ American Negro Congress established

♠ National Bar Association (For African American Attorneys) Founded

♠ Geneva Convention – Outlawed the use of biological and chemical weapons

♠ Home-Grown Terrorists – Lynched 17 African Americans

EDUCATION & SCIENCE:

♣ Total Solar Eclipse – January 24

♣ State of Tennessee passes the Butler Bill which prohibited the teaching of evolution in the public schools

♣ Xavier College – First Catholic African American University (Louisiana)

♣ Afrikaans – Became Official language of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe (Most of Southern Africa)

‘CELEB’ BIRTHDAYS:

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

♥ Black Renaissance Movement (1925-1985) – African American Artistic Explosion in Art, Literature, Music, Poetry and Theater

♥ F. Scott Fitzgerald – Published The Great Gatsby

♥ Paul Robeson – African American Actor debuted in BODY AND SOUL

♥ Josephine Baker – Performed interpretive dance – LA REVUE NEGRE – Paris, France

♥ Countee Cullen, African American Author – Published COLOR – A Novel

♥ Dr. Alain Leroy Locke, African American Author – Published The New Negro – An Anthology of African American Essays

♥ Art Deco – Introduced at International Art Exposition, Paris, France

♥ Erector Set (1925-1959) – Construction and Engineering toy introduced

A TWIST IN TIME

Over the course of this country’s evolution, history was raw, up close and, sometimes, personal. No matter which view, this country’s saga was incredibly amazing, overwhelming and remarkable. And when you consider the GOD factor, humbling. Take a gander:

89911.png First Slaves arrive in the Americus (1619)

89911.png Revolutionary War – from beginning to end (1775-1783)

89911.png Forced Relocation of Native Americans (1818-1848)

89911.png Abraham Lincoln elected President of the United States (1860)

89911.png Civil War – from beginning to end (1861-1865)

89911.png Emancipation Proclamation (1862)

89911.png United States Congress ratifies 13th (1865), 14th (1868) & 15th (1870) Amendments: Outlawed Slavery; Citizenship; Voting Rights

89911.png President Lincoln Assassinated (1865) (The last shot of the Civil War?)

89911.png First Civil Rights Act Passed (1866)

89911.png Klu Klux Klan organized – Home Grown Terrorists (1866)

89911.png Post-war – Reconstruction Rise and Fall of non-Europeans to elected office in the South (1866-1879)

89911.png African American flight from the South: Great Migrations (1879-1970…)

89911.png Peonage & Prison Labor Institutionalized (slavery revisited) (1879-1972…)

89911.png Haley’s Comet (1835, 1910, 1986)

89911.png Hale-Bopp Comet (1997)

89911.png Barack Obama – President of the United States (2008-2016)

The fight against this country’s human rights began with the BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS of our ancestors. The UNRESTRAINED could no longer deny rights simply because ‘THEY’, as they believed, were entitled.

While hate, discrimination and bigotry remain, much of humankind, emphasize hope, joy, possibilities. The United States grew strong because of contributions from a diverse populace, not solely ‘Euro-ethnics who believe they are creators. Everyone, together must persevere – press on, trust that this country can strive to remain a vanguard for freedom! We can not allow democracy to become a dwindling GRAND experiment because the few demand more than the rest.

PART ONE

FAMILY TIES

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FAMILY TIES

DAVE AND PEARL

Born on December 10, 1924 (David C.) and January 24, 1925 (Pearline), this couple grew up, principally, in Bessemer, Brent, Moundville, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. From the start, they had the love of family; they also had the admiration and respect of their peers as they grew into adulthood.

David C. and Pearline B. received education in school systems set up for African Americans (separate but…). Following their respective educational epochs, David C. rejected the farm life but went on to be employed by manufacturing like Coca Cola, gaining as much knowledge as he could.

From what family lore holds managers and supervisors liked him the eager beaver (a credit to…?). It was said, he was a fast learner and performed his tasks carefully and efficiently. Thank GOD the real side of ‘Southern Hospitality¹ never surfaced.

With permission, the pair courted and then joined in HOLY Matrimony, May 5, 1945. You see, David C. joined, or perhaps was volunteered (Drafted), the Army, spending two years (1944-1946) as a foot soldier (Sir – yes sir)! They married the year prior to the end of World War II.

After serving those two years, David C. separated from the Army to later join the Navy, 1947. The reason was never clear, but it is believed it was due to a tight job market for African Americans. He spent twenty-plus years serving his country, moving up in rank to E-7, Chief Petty Officer (EMCPO).

Upon retirement from the Navy, and until health failed, David C. remained active via the Reserves, partly as a condition of retirement. The other was – he was an electrician and treasured his stint in the service. So, government dependence on WW II frigates and submarines during the Vietnam era created a need for retirees to help with the undeclared war effort. When opportunities presented, David C. hopped, skipped and jumped at chances to keep that part of the war machine working.

Anyway, Pearline B, was a military wife but technically like many, a single mom with a bunch of children. She was the stabilizers during unpredictable times, (Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, Cold War, Europe) . She managed the household without worrying her spouse who was – too many times – in comunicado.

Pearline B., prior to, and during early years of matrimony, took on a variety jobs. She was a substitute teacher, hotel clerk, a cook for a sorority house on a university campus, a reporter and an assistant at the Tuscaloosa Citizen. Through her writings as a poet and prolific story- teller, she could make you laugh and cry almost at the same time. She also, from time to time, joined family members – working Alabama farmland, some of which was family owned and occupied.

Since 1946, the Reaties Family seemed always near a coastline, near Naval Stations, unless in Alabama. That’s another story. Those frequent moves slowed when the older children entered high school. The family’s final destination – Charleston, South Carolina – 1958/59, living for a short time near Burke High School before moving to the residence on Bee Street.

Permanency was with the purchase of the Family home – Westchester, James Island, SC – 1966. It should be noted, 1966 was a busy year for the family. Most of those happenings were while David C., was at sea or in San Diego, California, his last duty station. Pearline B. followed her man, westward bound, but only after the events of that year.

Once more, 1966 was a fast-track year for the entire family: A house was purchased; the oldest graduated South Carolina State College (University) and was New York City bound. There, this daughter advanced a successful social service career, working for human care agencies that assisted a diverse clientele (welfare-addiction). She married the man of her dreams, and together they created a lovely family, including one each – a boy and a girl.

Each of her children attained advanced degrees. While one is a business professional in New York, the other enjoys work in his field in Georgia. As strong, independent persons, they strive toward success. Both have the kind of determination to do their thing their way. If you add a beautiful grand-daughter, you complete this family affair. The son is a proud poppa, and that lovely little girl is the ‘I’ in his pie.

The second child of Reaties was in the Air Force in 1966. In due course, he also retired as an E-7. Over the years he served, he visited the homestead, mostly prior to being dispatched to exotic locales like the frozen tundra of Alaska; semi-remote venues in Newfoundland and the great mountain views of Montana. In one of those places, this son found love. He married a Newfie and with his wife, had one child, a son.

That son of the son of Reaties also joined the Air Force. He (like his dad) found love while in service to his country. At a different time, the son of the son – followed his mother to Canada. There he met his life-long partner. There, they raised his, hers and theirs. After years living in Canada, he returned to the United States and is very much loving being married with children.

Now, to cap this story, the son of Reaties (the father) secured advanced degrees, ultimately becoming a professional and landowner in another amazingly peerless locale – Oklahoma. There, he found his perfect mate and together blended families. Ah, perfect love. Together – they are enjoying their roles as grandparents, backyard-ing, cruising, RVing and boating, sometimes with, but at times without the company of...

This child (She is actually fourth – the third child (a girl) died young) of Reaties produced the first grandchild in 1966. She married a native Charlestonian and adopted the ways of Da’iland (James Island) including fluent Gullah-speak. In later years, she became an expert cooker of Charleston cuisine. She mastered such delicacies as Charleston style Hoppin’ John (cow/field peas cooked with rice), Chitterlings, Red Rice, and Seafood. Her gastronomic delights could stand with any native Islander. And that’s a good eat’n thing.

Besides having that first grand, the union produced two more incredible children. One, a son, left for Heaven young – heeding GOD’s call. The other son joined the Navy, and later acquired an advanced degree in computer sciences and electronics. The third (who is actually the first) maintained a career in Corrections. They have beautiful children (a total of two boys and three girls) and four grandchildren.

This fourth child of Reaties attained skills in auto mechanics at Burke High School, downtown Charleston, SC. He was the last to attend this great institution before integration took full effect. By the time he graduated, he set his sights on the Air Force, like his older brother. There, he became an expert in weapons and munitions. He too, like father and brother, retired with the rank of E-7.

As with tradition, he found love and married. He and his bride left Charleston, SC for locales West and parts North. In good measure, this couple added to their crew, two sons. One son joined the Marines and proceeded to create a life for himself with his daughter following the loss of his lady love (natural causes). He did find love again and together followed their dreams working in areas redefining the future. The couple happily lives North-Midwest of everyone. The second son of Reaties’ second son mastered the art of problem-solving, being handy.

With experience in manual-labor fields, this son resolves to build back better² house-hold and vehicular related conundrums. He is a poppa of three (one son and two daughters).

To complete this son of Sam (the father) exposé, while still in the military, he ended one relationship and remarried, his second wife. This wife brought her adult children to this union. They mostly remained Europe. However, the couple retired to Florida, building their quasi-empty nest hide-away. Sadly, this son of Reaties transitioned from complications of ‘Agent Orange’ and Cancer. He is at peace and very much missed.

The final three children (all girls) of Reaties grew to adulthood on James Island, South Carolina (Westchester). They attended Island (Baxter Patrick, Harbor View, two James Island named (Elementary/High), Fort Johnson) schools at a time when desegregation was a hot button issue. By the time each left, they were instrumental in organizing and participating in projects that increased cultural and social awareness.

Following their departure from the island, these young ladies took on life in their own indomitable way. Each attained higher levels of education. Each loved and lived life with their own personal touches! Their results – three husbands, seven children.

Of their children, one died at birth; two (boys) progressed in rank in the Army until retirement (20+ years). Both are married (one – twice; the other – three times). Each found, in the power of love, lasting bonds. Together, they have three girls and one boy (deceased). One has children of her own. They and their children are building back better strong and thriving.

Another went into business for himself. He married twice. The saying – the second is a charm – well charm apparently won. He brought to the union his son, she brought two. While one died young, both sought riches beyond money – unity. Similarly, the son of the son and his lady love have two amazing children, a boy and a girl.

That brings us to this daughter. She is a formidable young lady, never deterred. Her focus – women and children’s empowerment issues. Against the odds she carefully orchestrates legacies that will last through the ages. She has two incredible children, a boy who enjoys playing football and all thing nature. A girl, who loves to read, sing and dance.

The last two siblings (a boy and girl) have each achieved advanced degrees in their chosen fields. Each is passionate and have impressive business acumen, working to fulfill dreams with love in the air. They are in charge to take charge of their lives, their loves.

All of these young Turks have promoted their indominable spirits, inclusive of family and community. In the end, the children of Reaties (whether sibling or grand) have dreams, which are rarely deferred, even if sometimes detoured – divorce, death, job loss. David C. and Pearline B. raised their children to do their thing. And their legacy lives on.

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REMEMBERING SAM

Although they talked about their cousin at different intervals, all but one said they were not the same age as he growing up. The younger cousins knew him as a grown man, with a wife and children. Who? It could only be the head of the family – David Charlie (Sam) Reaties.

Each of his cousins shared memories of the cousin known as Dave or Sam. Back then – the visits were not earth shattering. He and the family came – visited and when it was time for them to leave – they left. The older Reaties brood sometimes spent summers in Brent. One child actually spent a year them. That was when Dave was usually at sea and mom was usually taking care of or having a baby. With that said, the one thing each agreed on, was he was a devoted son.

Let’s start with the younger cousins. As the curiosity of young