Introducing Down Home Diaries, a blog dedicated to celebrating the simple joys of Black Southern culture. Join us as we share heartfelt stories that inspire warmth and connection while wrapping you in nostalgic moments. Find the beauty in every small-town experience with Down Home Diaries.
A Chef's Dream
A Georgia chef’s dream comes true and he is now living out his dream inspired by his mother. Read more from Pauline Mansfield.
Oklahoma: The King Of All-Black Towns
Oklahoma, affectionately known as “The Sooner State”, has such a rich Black history that few people know about. These boroughs provided African Americans a safe haven where they thrived freely from racial prejudices and brutality found in other racially mixed communities of the Midwest and the South. In Oklahoma and Indian Territories, African Americans would establish their own communities for numerous reasons. Liberation from discrimination and abuse would be a motivating factor.
How the Diagnosis of Breast Or Cervical Cancer Affects Black Women: A Nurse’s Perspective
Black women are the most at risk of dying from breast and cervical cancer. For National Cancer Prevention Month, Karla Scipio gives her take on the health care divide when it comes to breast and cervical cancer from a nurse’s perspective.
To The Moon: An Inception Of Black Love And Black History With The Pendletons
If you’ve ever witnessed the black excellence portrayed in the movie ‘Hidden Figures’, you will understand the depth of discovery we have truly found with getting to know former NASA scientists Dr. Walter and Dr. Alice Pendleton. They’ve overcome adversities, segregation, and broken boundaries that were meant to anchor down their ambitious dreams. We traveled to the couple’s home located in Hempstead, TX, just down the way from Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a historical black college, to learn more about this dynamic duo whose love story started over 49 years ago.
If It Starts Feeling Like Work, I Won't Be Doing It!
November is all about practicing the power of no. In this story, you’ll discover the things you want to do in life, don’t have to feel like work. Turn your attention and focus to what makes your soul sing and bring you joy. And when something starts to feel like work, you can simply say, no, I won’t be doing it.
No Big 'I's No Little 'U's
The assignment is togetherness. No one person is bigger than the other. Read along as Pauline stresses the importance of community.
Tracing the Historical Black Town of Langston, Oklahoma
When Oklahoma is mentioned in every day life, we rarely talk about its all-Black town movement. Today, you’ll learn about the rich history of one of the remaining black towns in the state — the town of Langston.
The Purpose Driven Journey
Sometimes, life in the south is more about your journey instead of your landing place. What if the journey or the traveling place is the purpose? After all, the lesson is in the journey. Read more from Karla Scipio.
Black Lives Really Do Matter
Recent Black deaths at the hands of law enforcement has amplified awareness of racism and stirred up anger in the Black community, and rightfully so. Connie Perry, a mother and grandmother, provides a thoughtful reflection on the Black lives who were lost or innocently incarcerated and convicted.