Heading South To Visit North

 

 I am heading South to visit North. North, South Carolina. The town my mother is notably from. And this weekend, January 14th 2017, the town of North, South Carolina, will celebrate my mother, her legacy and the fact that this January 17th 2017, on what would have been her 90th birthday, will be the first official ‘Eartha Kitt Day’ in her home state.

My mother always remembered where she came from and would say that she was “just a cotton picker from the south”, understanding that her tumultuous and humble beginnings had given her the foundation and strength to become the person she was. Talking about her young years in the South brought up very difficult memories for her, yet she clung to them as if her life depended on their existence to justify hers.

It was hard for me to listen to those stories, or really understand them, and many times I would get angry and tell her she needed to “let that stuff go!”, wanting to spare us both the pain of reliving it. But, that was never going to be. My mother truly was ‘of the earth’ and that earth, that cotton bearing southern soil, ran deep through her veins.

Visiting the area of her birth, St Matthews Parish, Orangeburg, South Carolina, was not something my mother did many times during her life. I think she only returned three of four times. Physically seeing it, and the rush of old emotions, was, I guess, more than she could handle. I grew to understand that, so, I have only been to that area once or twice.  but I felt strongly that sometimes it’s important to come full circle and bring it back

Through the tireless efforts of State Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter and devoted Eartha Kitt fan, Sheldon Rice, the ‘Eartha Kitt Day‘ bill was passed in 2016. This weekend we will be honoring my mother with a celebration at the North Middle High School, 5pm-8pm, Saturday, January 14th. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will benefit The Cooperative Ministry of North, a non-profit 501(c)3 that helps those in the community needing help with utility bills, medication, housing, transportation, etc.

I feel that it is fitting to ‘come full circle’ and return to the North, South Carolina ‘earth’ and celebrate the 90th anniversary of my mother’s birth and shine the light on her hometown.

 

For more information on Saturday’s event, or to make a donation to The Cooperative Ministry of North,  contact Barbara Jeffcoat (803)247-5511 or you can send checks to

North Cooperative Ministry
P.O. Box 83
North, SC 29112

 

Remember ~Treasure ~ Love…       Kitt

 

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6 Response Comments

  • Stephanie  January 11, 2017 at 12:21 PM

    This is absolutely wonderful! I was born and raised in Edgefield, SC (was just home for Christmas) and I’m quite familiar with North. So happy a state, my state, whose past ( and present in some ways) certainly isn’t the best when it comes to people of color, has done a decent thing, a wonderful thing with declaring January 17th Eartha Kitt Day!!!

    Reply
  • D. Bruce Stevens  January 18, 2017 at 4:07 AM

    I can’t help but think what a powerful mix of emotions I would feel if I were in your beautiful shoes. What a legacy your mother left you (and us)! I feel deeply moved reading this, both with a sense of joy and pride, and with a little bit of sadness.

    Reply
  • Sabina  January 26, 2017 at 7:41 PM

    I finished this morning reading a biography of your mother and am deeply moved by her as a woman of incredible strength, complexity and accomplishment; not the least being such a great mum to you also. It is just and fitting that she be remembered for the extraordinary being she was and is. Blessings from Australia to you, her birthtown and state and to all diverse communities working to achieve justice, equality and respect in the US and abroad. I stand with you.

    Reply
  • Adam  April 2, 2017 at 12:54 PM

    I am a recent Kitt convert. Until recently seeing material on her activism on YouTube, I had no idea of who she was.

    Wonderful beyond words. ..

    A beautiful beautiful spirit

    Thank you Eartha

    Reply
  • DBStevens  April 19, 2017 at 9:19 PM

    I’m so happy they finally passed “Eartha Kitt Day!”

    Reply
  • Sheldon Rice  September 3, 2017 at 11:34 AM

    I am very humbled and I thank the Lord I could play a small part for a wonderful day to honor your mother!

    Reply

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