Frankie Lennon’s collection of essays are placed together in her memoir that describes her experiences and childhood memories. In The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman’s Life the first essay is titled “Memory” which starts with the quotation “ The root of oppression is the loss of memory.” Oppression is defined as the unjust or cruel use or authority of power. Living in the South during the 1950’s the word oppression has a different meaning to a black female like Lennon. Oppression to a black female during the Eisenhower age means being forced to not repeat or speak about the common mistreatment of African American. Sharing stories, encounters, etc. was simply unacceptable due to the White intimidation on the Black race with the help of Jim Crow laws. The quote in the essay clearly states that the loss of memory or inability to share memories have forced oppression to continue for many years. “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” can distinctly express why racism and oppression occurred for many years. However Frankie Lennon’s memoir pushes the boundaries while she gives her personal encounters and uncovers the disturbing truth behind oppression of African Americans.
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