Let's take a look at Lincoln's faith...and the last influence of a mother in those impressionable early years of childhood.

About her garden: "It is just a pile of sun, songs, blossoms and butterflies, for what else matters?"

I wrote this story of one of my favorite African-American heroes over ten years ago. She teaches us so many lessons. Here's a recipe you can make to go along with her story--you'll see the connection.

Sweet Potato Pie

1/3 cup softened butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup evaporated milk
2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
9 inches unbaked pie shell

Cream butter and sugar, add eggs, and mix well. Add milk, potatoes, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mix well.

Pour into pie shell.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes. Reduce heat for 350 degrees; bake 35-40 minutes longer or until pie tests done.

Cool: store in refrigerator

​(From Southern Living)

While I don't dismiss the cruelty of slavery, I chose to focus on the gifts they brought to the American soil as expressed through the songs of their hearts.

​Art credit: The Lord is My Shepherd by Eastman Johnson