JOURNEY OUT Of DARKNESS

My intent was to capture the thoughts, views and the images formed by a child growing up in Harlan County Kentucky during the great depression and the lasting effect it had on them. Conditions were worsened with the feuding between the coal operators and the Union. I hoped to capture the feeling of the helpless, not only the youth but many who were hopelessly trapped in conditions they had little or no control over. It was like being in a prison with no bars on the doors or windows. Life here wasn’t easy but I leaned early that no one can control your mind, I made every little task a goal and a game to channel all my thoughts and imagination to a positive ending. I used music and sports as a diversion that kept me mentally young throughout my Harlan life and military career. I’m hoping it will last me another twenty years.

There are many books about Bloody Harlan, its coal strikes and killings. Some things that happened there are not seen in print.