The Strength of a Thousand Sons - Book Review

Award-winning author, Melvin E Edwards, has a new memoir, The Strength of a Thousand Sons. This series of stories about his Texas family is a compliment to his previous memoir, The Eyes of Texans. Edwards has the honor of being one of the first Black members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. As a newspaper reporter and genealogist, he has documented his family’s history and little-known Black history in Texas.

Edwards’ love and respect for his father, Melvin Edwards, is apparent in his initial chapters, where he relates his father’s experiences as if his father were present. Melvin Senior carried many scars from his own abusive father. The father’s stories are related as passed down to the writer or as the writer experienced them.

As the elder Melvin relates his memories of family and the younger Melvin collaborates the stories from his own memories, the reader learns of historical injustices inflicted on the Black population. Many of the atrocities suffered by the Blacks have been glossed over by history and minimized. The author’s relating of these historical incidents is a welcome addition to accurate history.

The author tells many stories of the warm relationship he had with his father, who was determined to be the opposite of his own father. Many incidents include references to baseball and the games played at the Houston Astrodome. This magnificent structure was also the location of the yearly Houston Livestock show, which they attended. Within walking distance of Edwards' childhood home, the Astrodome was a staple in his young years.   Author Edwards also includes stories of his relationship with his own son. He tried to emulate his own father by encouraging his son’s love of baseball and family outings together.

He has a unique perspective on racial relations. He was raised by African-American parents who had experienced some of the depredations of post-slavery mentality. He later married a white woman and reared Biracial kids. He is currently with a white woman raising white children. He knows racism exists because he’s experienced it, as have his ancestors. His journey through researching his ancestors has uncovered many fun and unforgettable heartwarming stories and revealed deep scars due to racial mistreatment that time hasn’t healed.

Readers will enjoy this memoir and a look into a segment of little-known Texas history. Although genealogy study is fascinating, the reader must be aware that it can “also open old wounds.”  The Strength of a Thousand Sons is a testament to knowing your roots, resilience, the importance of family, hard work, and the power of owning your truth.