In the United States, successful individuals from Black communities often hear the advice to never forget their humble origins. However, this advice fails to acknowledge the vast gap that can develop between one’s past and present. When accomplishments take someone far away from their upbringing, it can be challenging to maintain a connection to both worlds. Ruth J. Simmons, the first Black president of an Ivy League university, shares her personal journey in her debut memoir, “Up Home: One Girl’s Journey,” in an authentic and insightful manner.
Simmons, the youngest of twelve children born to sharecropping parents in Grapeland, Tex., achieved remarkable success as the president of Brown University, Smith College, and Prairie View A&M. However, her memoir focuses less on her prestigious positions and more on her early life, particularly her upbringing in poverty. Simmons vividly recalls the dilapidated farm home she was born into and the deplorable living conditions her family endured. She does not shy away from discussing her father’s abuse or her mother’s acceptance of it. She also remembers the educators who influenced her, demonstrating through their appearance, speech, and teaching methods that there was a world beyond her own.
“Up Home” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the people who supported Simmons on her journey out of poverty. From the residents of her Texas hometown to the faculty at Dillard University, where she earned her undergraduate degree, Simmons expresses her gratitude for the inspiration she received from these individuals. She sought guidance and motivation from her church, school, and community, striving to transcend the limitations of her family’s rural lifestyle.
At first glance, it may seem that Simmons embraced respectability politics during her early years. She admired educators like Miss Ida Mae, who spoke with eloquence and rejected the common dialect. Simmons viewed well-spoken individuals as a gateway to a better future and eagerly adopted their language skills. However, as the memoir progresses, Simmons appreciates these educators for their dedication to communities like hers, rather than solely focusing on their physical appearance or manner of speech. When she reunites with Miss Ida Mae later in life, Simmons realizes the profound impact her teacher had on her educational perspective and her own approach to teaching.
Simmons’s memoir is not just a tale of triumphant success despite humble beginnings. She introspectively questions whether she judged her roots too harshly in her quest to escape them, particularly in her relationship with her mother. Simmons acknowledges her dismissive attitude toward certain aspects of country living and regrets not realizing the sacrifices her mother made for their family. She credits her mother’s sacrifices with enabling her success, as her older siblings provided financial and moral support after their mother’s untimely death. Simmons regrets that her mother never witnessed her achievements or received her gratitude. She also grapples with the challenge of bridging the gap between her own experiences and those of her family and community who supported her. Her new life, full of opportunities and experiences, creates both embarrassment and concern, as she fears it may separate her from her roots.
Through her memoir, Simmons offers guidance to those who navigate the tension between their difficult pasts and their current successes. While the concluding portion of the book feels rushed as it covers major life events, such as graduations, marriage, children, and divorce, Simmons succeeds in delivering a thoughtful account of her life before and after overcoming adversity. “Up Home” acknowledges the difficulty of holding onto meager beginnings after achieving a quality of life unimaginable during Simmons’s childhood. However, Simmons’s unwavering commitment to reflecting on her challenging past serves as a vital explanation for her exceptional accomplishments, surpassing the significance of her educational degrees and career appointments.
Stacia L. Brown, a writer, audio producer, and mother based in North Carolina, praises Simmons’s memoir for its measured and introspective approach. Simmons provides readers with a clear understanding of her remarkable journey and inspires those who also strive to reconcile their past with their present.
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