The Love Songs Of W.E.B. Dubois Pdf Family Tree
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois is a novel that takes the reader on a journey through the family tree of the main character, Ailey Pearl Garfield. The novel is set in Atlanta, Georgia, and explores the history of the Black community in the city. As the reader delves deeper into the novel, they discover the complexities of Ailey's family history and how it affects her identity and sense of self.
The Garfield Family Lineage
Ailey is the daughter of Ivy Garfield, a college professor, and Aubrey Palmer, a visual artist. Ivy's parents are Gena Mae and Walter Garfield, while Aubrey's parents are Lila and Winfred Palmer. The Garfield family has a long history in Atlanta, dating back to the early 1900s.
Walter Garfield's grandfather, Lazarus Garfield, was born into slavery. After emancipation, he moved to Atlanta and became a successful businessman. He founded the Garfield Building and Loan, which provided loans to Black families who were unable to secure them from white-owned banks. The Garfield Building and Loan helped many Black families purchase homes and start businesses.
Walter's father, Oscar Garfield, was a renowned civil rights lawyer who fought for the rights of Black people in the South. He represented many Black families who were victims of discrimination and helped to desegregate schools and public spaces in Atlanta.
Gena Mae Garfield, Ailey's grandmother, was a housewife and community organizer. She worked to improve the lives of Black people in Atlanta and was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
The Palmer Family Lineage
Lila Palmer, Ailey's grandmother on her father's side, was a nurse and midwife. She delivered many babies in the Black community and was respected for her medical knowledge and skills. Her husband, Winfred Palmer, was a jazz musician who played in clubs around Atlanta.
Aubrey, Ailey's father, grew up in a creative household. His parents encouraged his artistic abilities and he pursued a career in visual art. He married Ivy Garfield, Ailey's mother, and they had a daughter, Ailey Pearl Garfield.
Ailey Pearl Garfield's Identity
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois explores the complex identity of Ailey Pearl Garfield. She is biracial, with a Black mother and a white father. The novel delves into the struggles she faces in reconciling her mixed identity and her place in the Black community.
Ailey also struggles with her family history and the legacy of her ancestors. She grapples with the weight of the Garfield and Palmer names and the expectations that come with them. As she discovers more about her family history, she comes to understand the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before her.
The novel also explores the themes of love and loss, as Ailey navigates relationships with her family, friends, and romantic partners. She learns the power of forgiveness and the importance of accepting oneself for who they are.
Conclusion
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois is a powerful novel that explores the complexities of family history and identity. It takes the reader on a journey through the Garfield and Palmer family lineages, showcasing the accomplishments and struggles of Ailey's ancestors. Through Ailey's journey, the reader discovers the power of love, forgiveness, and acceptance.
