The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
If this photo prompt looks familiar to you, it’s because it’s a rerun from Aptil 2016. I’m sort of rerunning my story from that week although it needed tweaking. 😉
Genre: Fact and Fiction
Word Count: 100
SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE
At a critique group I shared an excerpt from my historical novel set in 1904.
“‘…The taller officer, an imposing presence with dark skin, fascinated Havah. Although she had read about them in Professor Dietrich’s books about Africa and American history, she had never met a Negro face to face.’”
“I hate to burst your bubble,” said another writer with self-assured conviction. “I doubt there would’ve been a black officer back then.”
Returning her smug smile, I opened my Kansas City history book to a photo of Lafayette Tillman on horseback. “Second one on the KC force.”
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CLICK TO CHECK OUT MY HISTORICAL SERIES
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
History is “his” “story”!
Inspirational story. Glad that he made it to the history book & you could show & share about him!
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Dear Rochelle, The above comment is from me- Anita 🙂
Wasn’t looged on!
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*logged on
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Dear Anita,
He was an amazing man who overcame the barriers of his time with grace and elegance. Thank you for identifying yourself and for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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One day, children will doubt racism could have been possible, so absurd is it
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Dear Neil,
From your screen to God’s eyes. 😉 Do you think there is such a place, Toto? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story, Rochelle! I just love it when my idiot broinlaw tries to refute something I say, and then I show him the proof. Happened just this past Saturday. He’s experiencing “new to retirement” blues, and is acting out like a two year old high on chocolate. I just showed him the proof, and the rest of the meal he sulked and pouted… yep, pouty face and all. He’s gone from middle management to unemployed and thinks he knows everything when he really knows squat. Gave me sadistic pleasure to prove him wrong….even if it was only about getting internet at home. Here, unlike where he lives, you have to “bundle” to get it affordably, of course, by the time you’ve bundled the price triples. Not the first time he’s done this, loves to argue, feels he has to pick arguments to get power. You know the type. Have a great week, Rochelle. Shalom ~ Bear
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Dear Bear,
There’s something to putting someone in their place, isn’t there? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A study in courage, Rochelle. Have you heard of Bass Reeves?
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Dear L:isa,
Oh yes, I have heard of Bass Reeves. There was a whole miniseries based on his life last year. And I have watched this video. Thank you for bringing him to attention.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I saw the miniseries and absolutely loved it. I’ve read a little on Bass Reeves. He was an extraordinary individual of that time or any other time for that matter. Someone I’d love to meet once time travel is possible. He’s on my TMBL list.
You are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Lisa,
I worked Lafayette A. Tillman and his son into my Havah’s Journey series. His son, Dr. Lon Tillman was on the staff of the first African American hospital in KC. At the same time I think how sad there needed to be a separate hospital.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, thanks much for the info. Separate hospitals, separate cemeteries, separate everything. A very long and shameful chapter in American history.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Ernestine Tomlin W(T)F,
I hope Officer Tillman never had a case involving a mime. He would have surely resigned from law enforcement or went batty.
One of our local police forces is running TV ads trying to recruit officers. I bet they get some interesting applicants. 😦
Clint Boogerflinger
Tent Camp Host
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Dear Clint Boogerfinger,
Officer Tilllman was a singer, amongst his many accomplishments. I’m sure that he and a mime would’ve made beautiful music together.
I would love to see your local applications. I’m sure they’d be quite entertaining. Have you applied yet? One ringy dingy…
Shalom,
Ernestine Tomlin W(T)F
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That feeling of proving a person like that wrong is unlike any other.
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You got that right, Bernadette. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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interesting…thanks for sharing the info….historical events are always so fascinating
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Dear Nandini,
Truth is definitely more fascinating than fiction. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This has a great ‘nah-na na nah-na’ vibe. I love it when arrogance can be beaten with facts. Won’t comment on how terrible segregation was, because…
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Dear Gabi,
It was a great moment. And I knew it was coming. Before the session began I was talking to one of the black authors in the group. I told her I knew someone would contest it. I was right. 😉
Such a dark time (no pun intended) in history. I only hope that my writing of the Tillmans did them justice.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I do remember this one and a wonderful and worthy re-visit it is! Now, lemme see if I can get my muse out of the muck 😉
Shalom and lotsa worthy love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I actually updated the story to make it clearer. Glad you’re on the upside of on the mend.
Shalom and lotsa retrospective hugs,
Rochelle
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Thank you. It was an unexpected uphill battle!
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Her bubble was not for bursting. Once again I leave somewhat wiser, thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
My bubble remained intact. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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i suppose we have become who we are because of those people who came before us.
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Dear Plaridel,
The past definitely shapes us. Too bad we’re so adept at forgetting it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s fun when you have facts on your side. Thank you for introducing me to another inspirational character, Rochelle!
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Dear Brenda,
I try to be very careful with the factual parts of my historical fiction. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a great story.
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Thank you, Anonymous.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I remember reading that in the novel. One of your best, I think. A good re-tread. Well done.
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Dear Sandra,
Here I am scrambling to catch up. Thank you for rereading and commenting again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad you could put that lady who was so smug in her place Rochelle! X
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Dear Carol Anne,
I knew that morning that someone was going to try to refute my storyline. 😀 I was ready. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A terrific aha moment
So many people think they know history without bothering to check. Wish I was there to see her face after that! Great story Rochelle
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Dear Laurie,
it’s always good to fact check, particularly when writing historical fiction. I only hope I did Mr. Tillman justice. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
One of the blogs I follow asked this question today: “What have you learned in the month of February?” Without a doubt, my answer is “everything Rochelle Wisoff Fields wrote for Friday Fictioneers”. You never cease to amaze!
Another incredibly interesting and informative read. Thank you!
Shalom
🕊️
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Dear Nancy,
What a lovely, if not head-swelling compliment. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha! She dare question your research?
First and last time I’d think.
Good job Rochelle.
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Dear Dawn,
I do my best to remain true to history. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I know you do!
Now she does too, ha!
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