Martin’s Sister
Dr. Christine Farris was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s sister. She was one of my teachers when I was a student at Spelman College. I remember the first day of class with Dr. Farris. There were whispers amongst us young students, that our teacher was, indeed, related to the larger-than-life Dr. King whom I had only known through my high school history books and the calendar on Grandma’s kitchen wall. One kid raised her hand and asked, “Did you know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?” Dr. Farris, who was so regal in her stance, said in a slow, measured tone, “Yeeess. Martin was my younger brother.” We all gasped! We were riveted whenever she would tell us stories of her and brother’s life and how we should all strive for excellence for ourselves and justice for all people. How excited was I when I saw Dr. Farris several years ago at an event at Spelman where I received an award and she was being honored also! She was still as regal as ever! How life comes full circle. Today, I remember both Dr. King and Dr. Farris and their lessons that must be continued today.
Model Mom
So, when Mom and I were going through old pictures while I was home in Detroit for the holidays, we came across this one of her. Mom told me she did some modeling back-in-the-day and needed some pictures so her dad, my grandfather, “Daddy Jimmy”, took these of her. I think I look more like her in the first one - the smiling one - but, I can also see the resemblance in serious pic. (Or should I say the “sexy” one, Mom? 😉)
Searching for Ben McFarlin
I’m hoping you can help me locate any of my cousins. Here’s the story: Ben McFarlin was a sharecropper from #Barnesville Georgia. He had 22 children - 11 by his first wife, 11 by his second wife, 11 boys, 11 girls and both wives were named, “Lizzie”. My grandmother, Sarah, was the first child of the second, Lizzie. Her only child was my dad. I’m looking for any of the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the McFarlin 22. These are the only pictures of them that we could find. I wrote the captions underneath to identify them. If you know of anyone who might be my cousin, please tag them below. Thank you, FAM. ~Shaun ❤️
No picture of by great-grandfather, Ben McFarlin, has been found in our family
Our Family Story
My great-grandmother, Lizzie, and my Aunt Carrie, (Grandma’s sister). Grandma wrote their names on this pic)
Grandma with her brother, Uncle Grady (right) and my daddy
Uncle Joe (Grandma’s brother). So handsome!
My Aunt Lil (Grandma’s sister) Love this picture of her
Uncle Grady (left) And I think these other two men are also Grandma’s brothers. She wrote “Robert and W.C.” on the back of picture
My very fun Aunt Amanda! (Grandma’s sister)
Uncle John (Grandma’s brother) and his grandchildren
Grandma (in blue) was always so happy when she was around her siblings. From left (Aunt Amanda, Uncle John and Aunt Lil)
All of Ben’s children. Looking to find more information about Grandma’s brothers and sisters and about Ben himself. There are so many cousins I have around the world. I would love to find them.
Sidney Poitier
An Icon. A Master of his craft. A pioneer. It was a blessing to have met the incredible Sidney Poitier. What a life well-lived. There wasn’t anyone who did it better than he. I’m thankful to have met him. My deepest condolences to the Poitier family. RIP. You magnificent angel. 🕊
The incredible Mr. Sidney Poitier and me at the Essence Luncheon
