My mother has always shared short stories about my ancestors with me- as many as she can remember. As an African American, we hold the things we know about our family dearly because we recognize that if we don’t, no one will. One story that always resonated with me was the story of how my grandmother got to NYC.
After my grandmother’s mother passed away, her father brought and her sisters to stay with him where he worked in Baltimore- except one. Aunt Mary is the oldest of all her siblings and was 15 at the time of her mother’s passing. She wanted to stay in Virginia.
My grandmother, her family stayed in Baltimore for a few months before leaving for New York City. Their entire family caught a ride in the back of a watermelon truck. If you know anything about the history of watermelons and Black farmers, you know how lucrative that industry was before it became heavily stigmatized.
Her family eventually settled in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Despite her fruitful journey, she ended up in a neighborhood that lacked access to fresh produce- by design. However, whenever my family would drive back down to the south, they would be given homemade cans of peaches, apples, and other fruits that were in season to ensure we always had access to quality produce throughout the year or until our next visit.
I always pay close attention to these stories because I can always find a common theme. The story of my grandmother’s migration to NYC is a story of resilience. Through Fly Girl Goods, I intend to honor the resilience of my ancestors. Despite the advanced external efforts to disrupt our health, we can always rely on ancestral remedies that heal us no matter what.
By the will of God, my products and recipes will be an added source of healing and benefit for all.
Fly Girl T