The First and Last Bell: A Story of Six Missions for Blacks in Wilcox County, Alabama

Jeannette Steele McCall
American Literary Press (2005)
ISBN 1561679097
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (5/06)

Jeannette Steele McCall’s purpose in writing this book was to document the heroes that had the foresight to invest in the education of young black children. She has used photos and documents to demonstrate the history she writes about.

Ms McCall discusses land purchases and governing boards. I was really struck by her description of the bombing of Miller’s Ferry Mission. I could hear the screams and cries of the people as they realized all was gone including their bible. The founding of mission schools was much needed. Many areas of life were taught including nursing and work ethics.

The discipline of the schools was one of “no tolerance”. Corporal punishment was used as well as other methods that we might want to consider using today; such as planting trees. Memorizing poetry was considered a character building process. I enjoyed reading the poems she included in her book. Effort by Esther Lee Carter was very touching.

This book is well documented discussing heating systems, recreation to graduations. Ms McCall is very successful in stating the history of six black mission schools in Wilcox County, Alabama. I would recommend this book to those who are studying black history, Alabama history or the history of schools.

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