The Autobiography of Willie D. Killins Sr.
This autobiography includes interviews with Willie's grandchildren and resulted in a series of deep-diving conversations using YouTube video links. Willie shares his story and aligns his journey to the conditions facing his grandchildren in today's world; he offers words of wisdom throughout their conversations. Willie also offers specific biblical quotes at different points within the book as motivational leverage anyone can use.
This autobiography also includes a heartfelt interview with Willie's 3-boys about their mother. He shares intimate details of how he met and married Bobbie Ann Killins. David (Willie Jr), Dawan, and Dale all ask individual questions that develop a picture for the readers of how strong the bond was between Willie and Bobbie as they raised a family.
This book can be used as an educational resource for all core content areas and social-emotional support. The timeline of Willie's life events, descriptions of racial encounters, and outcomes can be aligned to the "social atmosphere" of the United States. The information within the chapters can be used as prompts to inspire deep learning.
Willie D. Killins Sr. was born in Noxapater, Mississippi (1943). Willie's story is a motivational tale of struggle, perseverance, education, family, and accomplishment. Born to Ruth and Mars Killins, Willie had to perform the duties of an adult beginning at age 8. Ruth Killins raised a family of 10 children on a family farm of 88 acres. Willie was the fourth child of his siblings and the oldest of 3 boys. His older sisters Florence, Ann, and Eddie were all a large part of his journey toward adulthood.
Willie frequently had to miss school to tend the crops and livestock. His role on the farm was critical to the basic needs of the family. Florence (the oldest sibling) supported Willie in the fields and all aspects of what was expected of him. His mother Ruth would ensure he "got his academic lessons" every evening despite how tired he was from farming. She instilled a spirit of relentless effort within his mind and it became a driving force in his personality and success as a husband, father, school principal, community advocate, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Today, Willie's footprint can be found throughout the States of Mississippi and Wisconsin.
