S2, E1, P2: Rachael Youngman, Part 2, The Choctaw Girl from Hog Creek

WELCOME to Season 2 of Native Choctalk, A Podcast by Natives For All!

My Producer and friend, Bee will be interviewing me in this 2nd of a 2 part series. I am honored to openly share about my ancestral stories, following the lineage of my great grandmother Ella, starting with her mother, Rosa Coley. I say “openly share”, because for too long, our ancestors were told to “be quiet”, to not speak their language and to disown their culture and traditions. I hope to be their voice today, to keep their memories alive and to honor their story and their journey.

You’ll hear about the journey of the Coley family, who were outstanding and prominent citizens in their Choctaw community. Yet, in the year 1896, with the fate of one single decision, their lives would change forever, and generations to come would stare poverty, loss, abuse and death in the face.

Yet even in the midst of such sorrow, resiliency, faith and sheer Okie red dirt grit, held this tight-knit family together. 1896 may have knocked some down, but they were not out, and they found strength in family and in rebuilding together.

Bee and I enjoyed recording these 2 episodes - we can’t seem to get together without laughing and carrying on. However, although we may occasionally burst into friendship mode and a laugh or two, we do care deeply about the people we’re discussing, and we take the issues at hand very seriously.

Yakoke to my ancestors for choosing to carry on, despite the pain and sorrow, and for living the example of strength and resiliency by which we, your descendants can forever be inspired.

CHAHTA SIA HOKE!

 

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