I am a Mountain Man. Born and raised. Back when we knew who we were. Our identities were established generation after generation by hardworking, fun having, church going people of a community.

It was as of a solid community as the granite that birthed the mountain. Our community was the home of Gilliam Park. It opened as the only, colored only swimming pool in the state of Arkansas.So growing up on the mountain had its advantages in the 1950s and 60s in the segregated south.

As with most things, there has been tremendous change on the mountain. Hundreds of life long neighbors have been disbursed and scattered into the wind like the leaves fallen from autumn trees.

Yes, there were pockets of people still on the mountain after the majority of the community was torn down and demolished.

Our people were the first to reunite as a community with the introduction of Granite Mountain Day. Now almost every community in the city celebrates their community day.

It may not have been what some would say was the best environment, but it was historical and it was our's. Most residents didn't own homes, but the Mountain belonged to all of us.

We still claim Granite Mountain pride. At least I do and will until the day that I die.

I am a Mountain Man!!!

Mountain Man©
EdwinBrown9®™
8/10/15