Ink Trails celebrates family, history, and resilience, showcasing the profound impact of preserving African American heritage through personal narratives and archival discoveries. This evocative documentary explores the life and legacy of Hossick Jefferson, a centenarian born in 1903 in Cheraw, South Carolina. His extraordinary journey, which spanned nearly 101 years, serves as the heart of this story.
Through a treasure trove of digitized letters and photographs, initially preserved in a trunk belonging to his mother, Mary Jefferson, the film delves into the interconnected lives of Hossick, his sister Carolyn Jefferson, and their family during the Great Migration. These letters offer a unique lens into their experiences, revealing themes of family connection, identity, and resilience amid the upheavals of the 20th century.
Combining archival footage, intimate interviews, and historical context, Ink Trails uncovers the rich tapestry of African American migration and the enduring strength of familial bonds. The documentary examines how the Jefferson family navigated shifting fortunes, fractured relationships, and societal change, offering a poignant reflection on the collective legacy of African Americans who shaped and were shaped by the broader arc of American history.
Ink Trails
Transcription of letter from Beulah to her mother-in-law Mary:
Postmark: Cheraw SC Oct 22 1935
To: Mrs Mary Jefferson
Chesterfield SC
Route 3 Box 59
Monday Morning
Dear Mrs Jefferson just a card to let you know to please send Geroline down on that train
Saturday. So she can start school Monday. Mrs. Jefferson I am very sorry that Geroline can't stay with you but she can't because she will have to be home to go to school with Willie Mae and Little Thelma. Send her Saturday please.
Yours truly Beaulah.
Transcription of letter from Hossick to his mother Mary:
Postmark: Cheraw, S.C. Apr 15 1940
Mrs. Mary Jefferson
53. Canal. St. SW
Washington D.C.
Cheraw SC.
April. 15 1940
My Dearest Mother and sister I got your letter and was glad to hear from you all. We are pretty well only Geraline isn't perfectly well she is complaining of her side sometimes we are having right cool weather I was proud to know that George has a Job. he must not Be at Green Acres.
Tell me if he is or not and if he isn't just why please and if they still doing Business well. Mother I taken a round to visit the sick just got back from Brother Austin house about 10 minutes after Miss Roseana died then I came back to Uncle Jessie and he is in a bad condition.
I mean he first got a little scowl trying to dress a hog by himself then laid him up see then he got in the fire sunday gone a week got burned all over his back of course it wasn't too deep by burns but it bad indeed. He can not lay down much he sit up in a chair mostly. I am going back today to take him something and some slave cousin Amanda Sellers said she need to anoint his burns.
And I am going to Miss Roseana burial too this is Monday and Mr. B.C. Moore is dead too; this was cape on his stores. Saturday people are dropping out this year I mean well. Caroline here is Dollie address 210 Jersey St. CHeraw SC. Please send me sister Katies address. Mother if you want tocome and spend a while I will try to help you to come and see your Brother If you like of course. You would have to stay a while see I got Katies address in here so I will close for this time.
All send love to you all so keep sweet. Kiss the boy. Tell George hi.
From H.J.