Green Grapes Black Hands

Green Grapes Black Hands was inspired by her paternal grandfather's journey from Teneha, Texas to Selma, Ca in 1942. He bought his first harmonica in Texas for $.025. Her grandfather lived in the tent cities depicted in the classic movie "The Grapes of Wrath" directed by John Ford and based on the novel written by John Steinbeck. Her grandfather also lived in the first black settlement in California which was Allensworth. Joice's grandfather is still alive at the ripe age of 93. Green Grapes Black Hands is also inspired by her maternal great-grandfather William Joseph Harden who arrived in California sometime in the early 1900s. Harden started the first and only zoo in Hanford, CA. He also served 14 years in the U.S military. Harden was a Spanish American War veteran and was a member of the 1st US Volunteer Calvary known as the Rough Riders. He was recruited by Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and commanded by Colonel Leonard Wood. He was also apart of Roosevelt's 71st New York Regiment. He served in the 48th Volunteer and 9th Calvary in Cuba and Phillippines ( Buffalo Soldiers). Harden was in France with the 52nd Division during the first World War. Joice began her research on Harden in 1993. William Joseph Harden was born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 9, 1874 and died in Central California on February 14, 1973. This work emerged from the stories, songs, and sayings of her great grandparents, her grandparents, her parents, especially her mother, aunts and great aunts, uncles and great uncles. Lastly, Green Grapes Black Hands is Joice's wrath but also a glimpse into Joice's character and politics