One of the things I regret most in my life is that I did not get more information about my parents from my parents. I had plenty of opportunities but I procrastinated. If you are reading this and 1 or both of your parents are still living then take a lesson. Talk to your parents and find out as much as you can before you can't.

     My father, Chester, was born in Northampton, NC in either 1915 or 1916. He was half Native American and half Black. His father was Native American, Blackfoot as far as I've been able to determine. His mother was either a freed slave or the daughter of a freed slave. He had a number of brothers and sisters none of which are alive today. I only got to meet 1 uncle and 1 aunt. I never met my paternal grandmother or grandfather but I did attend his funeral.

     My mother, Marion Tamao, was born in Cambridge, MA in either 1915 or 1916. She was half Japanese and half Black. Her father was Japanese and her mother was the daughter of a freed slave. She has 3 sister and 1 brother of which 2 sisters survive today. I never met my maternal grandfather. He died before I was born.