REMEMBRANCES - SEMINOLE DAYS 2002


 By Gwen Ashby
 Kansas City, Missouri

When I first started researching the genealogy of my Seminole Great-grandfather, William (Charley) Smith, I had no idea that it would
take me on a journey to Texas and Mexico. I was very curious about the
interrelationship between Africans and the Five Civilized Tribes. Their
story of the "Trail of Tears" from Florida to Indian Territory in the
late 1830's was an American Tragedy.

My research started in the early 90's. I found very little  information about this hidden history and heritage. After attending a seminar on American Indians, I obtained a list of books which weren't  helpful. It was only after reading Kevin Mulroy's book, FREEDOM ON THE BORDER, that I was able to get a clearer picture of this history. I began to read Kenneth Porter's material and William Loren Katz's books,  and became fascinated by the subject.

My late brother, James L. Smith, remembered Mexican artifacts in my
Grand-parent's home. They were things that we were never allowed to
touch. We decided to attend the 1996 Seminole Days.  One thing that we noticed that was similar to our background was the use of nicknames. Everyone in our immediate and extended family had nicknames. Also, we had attended HomeComing Celebrations each year.

At the 1996 Celebration, we met William and Ethel Warrior, Izola
and Will Raspberry, Charles Emily Wilson and others. Izola lived in St.
Louis, and I was able to correspond and telephone her quite often.
Through our conversation, I was able to learn more about the Seminoles in the Texas and Mexico area. She invited me to visit The Camp, which  was their residence at Fort Clark, Tx.

When I returned for Seminole Days 2002, I had the occasion to visit
The Camp. Their family gatherings were wonderful. There was good food, laughter, and good fun for all reminiscing about the past. So, I felt at  home.

The parade participants and the Bexar County, Tx Buffalo Soldiers
got the Celebration off to a good start. I enjoyed the speaker, Paulina
del Moral. Her research and presentation gave me insight into the lives of the Seminole Mascogos in Mexico.

Clarence Ward, Beverly Wright and those who helped them are to be
commended for their efforts in making the 130th Anniversary Celebration a tremendous success. Bennie McRae and those who helped him did an outstanding job in conducting an informative program and seminar.

Remembering Seminole Days 2002 means to me good food, great
hospitality, interesting and nice people, relaxing, doing research and
appreciating this great group of Black Seminole Descendants tenacity
in preserving their heritage.

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