My object is called a cotton boll. The object is planted by seeds; it is used to make attire. I could hardly believe that something of this texture grows like any other plant. The outside (boll) -what the cotton sits in- is very hard and brittle. Inside the boll was fluffy and soft. Despite my confusion, I was able to understand how easy it was to obtain injuries from picking cotton day in and day out. The cotton came from an small town in Georgia. I was told about this object when I was young. I was informed with a brief history of the significance of cotton before my great-great grandmother died; I always had so many questions for her about our background. She told me about how hard things were, the oppression, and discrimination that occurred as a result of us looking different. My family and I connect to this during birthdays of loved ones who have passed away. As a tribute to them, their memories and livelihood are discussed. The cotton boll is important to me because it is a part of my culture’s history. To me, this represents a milestone in what my culture has overcome; as well as an reminder of how long they suffered. 
 

– Makayla D. Hawkins

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more