As she travelled the South, documenting her book on life during the racist Jim Crow Era to honor her late grandmother, Alysia Burton Steele realized she was documenting a way of life long gone.
Nonetheless, the professor at the University of Mississippi forged ahead because while nothing lasts forever, telling the stories of the Delta in Delta Jewels: In Search of My Grandmother’s Wisdom, will cement that troubling legacy for herself in her grandmother’s memory.
Those were among the stories she told and ideas she pushed during an appearance Thursday, October 15th at Point Park University’s JVH Auditorium before 125 people.
“My grandmother was a very influential part of my life, and I wanted to use the skills I had as a journalist to interview these women to search more about what life was like for her,” Steele said in a phone interview.
Steele interviewed 54 Mississippi women, which took months, especially since it was initially hard to find contacts. The eldest woman was 104 and the youngest was 64. Each had to share stories and allow their picture to be taken (one per woman). Eventually, a lot of phone calls came from women who wanted to be in the book as it drew more attention. People wouldn’t give names because they all wanted to be the only person in town that was featured.
“I challenged myself, so that I could let people talk. My idea is that everyone has a different story,” Steele said.
The stories she related in the speech ranged from home visits to crying alongside these women because the stories were often very emotional. Steele knew that she had a calling.
A brief PowerPoint followed her presentation, including the faces of the many women in the book, where she pointed out the importance of taking photographs, especially of loved ones. The women each had small profiles and although only a few were shown on screen, the impact was felt throughout the crowd. These women had suffered through so much loss, and have become so strong, as well as an inspiration to future generations.
The Jim Crow Era had made it extremely hard for these women growing up, unable to seek any kind of education. Many families were torn apart because relatives were shot and killed.
“It is the one regret, as a granddaughter, that I have never photographed her or recorded her voice,” she said. “I would do anything to hear her voice again.”
Tyler Polk, a journalism student at Point Park, was moved by the power of Steele’s speech.
“This has opened my eyes. A documentary like this would be interesting to look into in the future,” Polk said.
Associate Prof. Chris Rollinson, sponsor of the event, has known Steele for a year now, first meeting her at a photojournalism conference, and shared that the purpose was to get students thinking about creating meaningful photography.
“She was great,” he said. “She filled the room.”
Alysia Burton Steele spent some time reviewing student work, giving pointers to those interested in sharing their portfolios. Among those students was Lauren Joseph, who talked about some of the advice she was given from the session.
“Alysia liked my work and was very encouraging. She told me to find a way to capture moments as they happen,” Joseph said. “Specifically, she told me to wait for people to come into my shots.”
Copies of Delta Jewels: In Search of My Grandmother’s Wisdom were sold and a book signing was held outside of the Auditorium following the event and had all sold out. Steele will continue touring the states to promote her book throughout April of next year. The book can be purchased on Amazon for $28.00.