Melvin Descendant: Sequel of Tumelo

By Jermaine Huddleston

After seeing his mother and others die at the hands of the Confederates, Melvin is left searching for the best route to change society. He's faced with his own personal battles, as well as the world. But he's guided by the spiritual presence of his fallen family. At what cost will he commit to getting the job done? What happens when you must cross a path that you escaped? Tumelo brought you the exciting beginning of this two-part story. Melvin Descendant: Sequel of Tumelo will leave you with the beginning of the end. Strap in, the sequel is here!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887317557

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: Oberlin College

Chapter 2: Lucid Dreams

Chapter 3: Marked

Chapter 4: Third Eye

Chapter 5: Tumelo Chapter 15: The Fog

Chapter 6: Awaken

Chapter 7: Train Tracks to Hell

Chapter 8: Red Moonlight

Chapter 9: Darker Days

Chapter 10: Booker T. Washington vs. W. E. B. Du Bois

Chapter 11: Lucid Dreams 2

Chapter 12: Beautiful Death

About the Author

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Melvin Descendant

Sequel of Tumelo

Jermaine Huddleston

Copyright © 2023 Jermaine Huddleston

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88731-754-0 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-755-7 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

Oberlin College

There I was, in the first semester of college, surrounded by all these kids, who looked at me as a foreign exchange student. I sat in the middle of class, hoping I'd somehow blend in. Being a mixed kid during this time only made it harder for me. Comments such as decide which side you're on or you don't classify as either really put me down. I took harsh comments from both the white and black kids. As a kid, I never understood why I was lighter than both of my parents. My parents were both dark from what I remembered. I understood that we were family, and that's what mattered. That's what mattered to us, but others saw us as peasants. Being one of the few colored kids in my school, I saw an opportunity to make a change in the world. It's not expected that we can reach great accomplishments. But a woman once told me, Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. That stuck with me since I was a kid.

Hello, class, I'm Professor Hawkins. Get out your book and turn to page number one.

Hey, man, me and about 99 percent of this class don't really like a black person teaching us. Maybe the brownish kid thinks the same way, then it'd be 100 percent. I think it's best if you find another job.

What's your name?

Why? Are you going to report me?

Nope, I just wanted to know the name of the student I'm going to personally kick out.

This town will kill you in a heartbeat.

I wonder if the town knows you've chosen one of the first coeducational institutes. In fact, a white man by the name of John Keep cast the final vote for this institution to become available for people of color. That's just a history lesson for you and the rest of the 99 percent. Now turn to page number 1.

The class grew quiet, and we began our lesson on 1860s' American history. It was a bit unsettling to hear about the history of America without detail. I've seen the truth before reading these lies. Paragraph after paragraph, I grew more upset. Just as I began to walk out, the professor dismissed us.

Mr. Hawkins, before I leave, I'd like to say thank you. I feel more comfortable being in class with someone of my descent.

What's your name?

My name is Melvin.

Melvin, nice to meet you. It's a hard time for us in general. But if we stick together and come together as one, we'll be just fine. How're you doing personally?

I've had a rough life, but getting this degree will make things better.

Once you get this degree, what're you going to do with it?

I'm going to get a job with the government and make a change in our system.

What kind of change?

A change that brings us together as one, one that'll end racism.

Melvin, I love your plan. You can make changes. I see great things in you. Being optimistic will only get you so far. Accomplishing this feat isn't political. It's an individualized perspective that this country has. Not all people are racist. Not all races like their race. We live in a world where it's acceptable to display your hatred for one another without punishment. We have to fight our battle before we can help fight theirs. We're in a physical and mental battle with so many people. If you make it to the government, which you will, it does us no justice. Your suggestions will be vetoed. I've seen it all. Trust me on this. The system will fail us.

Mr. Hawkins, I've seen the worst. Don't tell me to trust you. You don't understand what I've been through. You don't know what I've seen. This is the way I'm going to do it, and that's final.

You can't change anything, or anyone, if you don't change yourself, Melvin. This isn't our country. These aren't our roots.

Neither is it theirs.

I grab my bag and pace out of the room. As I walked home, I began to think about the conversation I and Professor Hawkins just had. I guess I rushed out in fear of hearing the pros of his argument. I know who I am, and I know how and where to make changes. While thinking about school, I was home before I knew it. A mile walk seemed like seconds. I lived in a secluded place away from those who view my skin color as a disgrace to their society. I never understood the term colored, which only referred to blacks. White, brown, and tan are colors as well. While entering the door, I was rushed by my adoptive family, and hugs and kisses were given to me, not because it was