Happy Bend Roots: The Sanders Family Story
From slavery to the promise land - six generations of faith, resilience, and triumph
160+
Years of Legacy
6
Generations
2
Powerful Books
I'm creating two books about our incredible journey to the Promise Land - and I need YOUR stories to honor our ancestors and inspire future generations!
Two Books, One Incredible Legacy
I'm not just preserving our family history - I'm bringing it to life in ways that will
make our kids and grandkids actually want to read about where they came from.
The Family Novel
An inspiring fictional story rooted in our real journey. Think 'Roots' meets our family - where our ancestors Joseph and Lucinda Sanders become heroes of liberation, and Granddaddy's Great Migration becomes an epic of courage. Your stories become unforgettable characters of strength and hope.
Through vivid storytelling and captivating narratives, we aim to celebrate the roots that bind us and inspire future generations. Our commitment to preserving the essence of our family heritage shines through in every word, photo, and cherished memory we share.
The Family History Companion
The documented truth - authentic stories, photographs, timelines, and genealogy tracing our path from bondage to freedom. Every family needs this: the facts, the struggles, the victories with names and dates. Our descendants will treasure this forever.
Our Journey So Far
1863
Freedom's Dawn
Great-Great-Great-Grandparents Joseph and Lucinda witness Emancipation, holding their children close as they take their first steps as free people. Their courage and faith in freedom set everything in motion for generations to come.
1880
Seeking New Ground
Joseph and Lucinda pack their belongings and leave Laurens County, South Carolina, heading west to Arkansas in search of better opportunities and a fresh start. Their bold move west shows the determination that would define our family for generations.
1920
The Great Migration
Leaving the Jim Crow South behind, our family joins the great exodus North, carrying nothing but hope and determination. These are the stories of courage that shaped our destiny.
1960
Walking in Dignity
Grandma's lunch counter sit-ins, Granddaddy's voter registration drives, and a family that refused to be denied their place in America. The civil rights generation shows us what courage looks like under pressure.
2025
Your Story Continues
This is where YOU come in. Your memories, your photos, your stories of triumph - they're the living testament to how far we've traveled. What chapter of the Promise Land will you add?
Learn More About the Project
🎯 What Kinds of Stories Matter
Every family story has value! Here are examples of the types of memories that help preserve our legacy:
🏛️
Historical Moments
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Civil rights memories and experiences
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Military service stories
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Migration experiences and reasons
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Economic challenges and opportunities
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Integration and segregation memories
🏠
Everyday Life
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Sunday dinners and family gatherings
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Holiday traditions and celebrations
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Family sayings and expressions
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Childhood memories and games
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Daily routines and home life
👨👩👧👦
Family Characters
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Unique family personalities
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Love stories and relationships
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Mentors and troublemakers
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Family dynamics and roles
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Legends and family mysteries
Remember: "Ordinary" moments often become the most treasured memories. What was a typical Sunday like? What made your grandmother laugh? These everyday details bring family history to life.
⏰ Project Timeline
Phase 1: Story Collection (Next 6 Months)
Family interviews via video, phone, or in-person • Gathering family photos and documents • Building complete family timeline and genealogy
Phase 2: Research and Organization (Months 7-12)
Filling gaps in family knowledge • Cross-referencing stories and verifying dates • Family review of collected information • Organizing materials for
both books
Phase 3: Writing & Production (Year 2)
Writing both books simultaneously • Family review of drafts and fact-checking • Professional editing and book design • Printing and distribution to
family
Expected Completion: 2027 • Your Role: The earlier you participate, the more time we have to capture the depth of your stories!
🤝 How Interviews Work
📅 Before the Interview
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Schedule 45-60 minutes at your convenience
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Video call, phone, or in-person if local
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No preparation needed - just bring your memories
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Receive meeting link and my backup phone number
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Can reschedule anytime if needed
💬 During the Interview
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Relaxed conversation about family memories
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Guided questions to help you remember details
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Share whatever comes to mind - no pressure
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Can pause or take breaks anytime
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We'll capture both big moments and small details
✨ After the Interview
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Thank you note and summary of key stories shared
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Option to review how your stories will be used
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Complete control over your participation level
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Can add more details or clarify information anytime
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Follow-up conversations always welcome
Most importantly: This is a conversation between family, not a formal interview. We're just talking about the people and stories that shaped our lives. It's actually pretty fun!
🔒 Privacy and Family Control
⭐ What You Control
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Which stories you're comfortable sharing
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How your name appears in the books
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Whether stories are used in fiction, history, or both
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Right to review content before publication
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Right to withdraw participation at any time
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Can choose to remain anonymous if preferred
🛡️ Privacy Protections
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Family novel uses fictional names and changed details
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Sensitive information only with explicit permission
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Focus on positive family legacy and inspiration
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Private matters stay private unless you choose to share
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Digital files stored securely and family-only access
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No sharing outside family without permission
Bottom line: This project celebrates our family's strength and legacy. You have complete control over your participation and how your contributions are used. Trust and respect come first, always.
Common Questions
How You Can Be Part of This
🎤
Share Your Stories
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30-60 minute fun conversation
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Video, phone, or in-person
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No preparation needed
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We'll make it easy and enjoyable
Connect the Dots
🔗
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Help identify people in old photos
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Connect me with other relatives
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Fill in family timeline gaps
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Verify family legends and stories
Takes 10 minutes • No commitment required • You control what you share
Ready to Honor Our Ancestors?
Your stories, memories, and photos are the living testimony of our family's journey from slavery to freedom. Don't let them fade away - let's preserve them together in something powerful that will inspire generations to come.
"Our ancestors dreamed of freedom and we are living proof that dreams come true. Let's document the journey." 🌟
Let's Connect
📱 Call or Text
972.464.8366
⏰ Best Times
Weekdays 9am-7pm CST
Weekends 10am-6pm CST
Questions? Excited to get started? Want to share a quick story right now?
This project is a labor of love, funded by family enthusiasm and a whole lot of coffee ☕