After reading Unearthing Hidden Literacy: Seven Lessons I Learned in a Cotton Field written by Lillie Gayle Smith, I’ve come to the conclusion that the statement ‘there is a blessing in every obstacle’ is not only prevalent through out the article but through out life. For example, Smith mentions her experiences laboring in the cotton fields. She states, “A strong work ethic was one of the lessons that I pulled from my experiences working in the field. Rising early, being on time, doing a commendable job, accepting a challenge, completing a task, and working with others”. Overall, working in the fields, under the hot sun allowed Smith to develop in character and to learn responsibility. Through out history we as black women have been tested and exploited. As a result, we are able to overcome these obstacles. These challenges help us become functionally literate, as we are able to adjust to our surroundings. The writer also mentions how working taught her the value of a dollar. Black women are thrifty with a dollar. We have learned how to stretch a dollar a long way. Thus, having the ability to bargain and buy necessities to support her family.
The article also addressed a need for education within the Black community. If we as Blacks want to improve our statue, then we would need to be educated. Blacks viewed education as a gift and not a right. Therefore, we were motivated to do well in school. This text reminds me of how my family would support me through education. Whether it is through report cards, money/treats for good grades, flash cards for test prep, or even attending parent-teacher night. Their actions ensured that my education would continue well after grade school. As educated blacks, it becomes our duty to give back to our community. We have to teach others the value of education. Our ancestors have fought for us to attend school and we should not take it for granted.
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