Riding With Mr. Washington: How my great-grandfather invented himself at the end of Reconstruction.

This article, titled "Riding With Mr. Washington: How my great-grandfather invented himself at the end of Reconstruction," explores the life of the author's great-grandfather, Casper George Garrett, who was a lawyer, newspaper editor, and college professor in South Carolina during the late 19th century. The author reflects on the ignorance of their white friend regarding Black history and highlights the resilience and ability of African Americans like their great-grandfather to reinvent themselves in a society that regarded them as less than human. The author discovers their distinguished family tree, including ancestors who repatriated themselves to Africa and relatives who were involved in significant cultural and political events. The article acknowledges Garrett's accomplishments and ambitions, as well as his failings, and emphasizes the importance of education, homeownership, obeying the law, voting, and proper leadership in bettering the Black community. The author concludes by highlighting the shared experiences and aspirations of their forebears and suggesting that their story may resonate with others as well. [Extracted from the article]