This Older Americans Month, “Powered by Connection” serves as the theme to recognize the impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on the health and well-being of older Americans. It shines a light on how connectedness combats loneliness and isolation.
Alma Crawford Williams, who recently turned 103 years old, exemplifies the value of family connection.
“Meca [Lewis], that’s my granddaughter,” Williams said to 90-year-old Leola Dickerson Shockley, the second oldest person in their family.
The centenarian continued, “She [Meca]better come on and get out of here.”
Williams resides with Lewis. Williams was eager to head home after a long day at her birthday party in Greenville, North Carolina. Seven generations of their family who are scattered around various states attended Alma’s memorable celebration.
Lewis’ grandmother served on the church usher board and sang in the choir until she was unable. Williams visited the sick and shut-in when she could. Today, Williams remains an active member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Williams has served as a foster grandparent. She was once employed at a tobacco warehouse where tobacco products were made. Her story provides insight into American life in previous eras.
Brandi Nichole Wallace shared a wish on behalf of older Americans.
“I would like to see them being taken care of more by their own family members and not being put into nursing homes,” the Salisbury, Maryland resident said.
She added, “It was important to celebrate my Aunt Alma’s birthday because she is a living testimony of 103 years of life.”
The personal history of older Americans can easily slip through a family’s fingertips. On the other hand, the Aycock/Crawford family is determined to uphold the legacy of their family tree’s branches. They want the Guinness Book of World Records to recognize them for having seven generations of living family members. According to the family, as far as records have shown, an African American family has never reached a Guinness World Record of this nature. The Aycock/Crawford family compiled census records and birth certificates in their pursuit of holding a world record.
Natonya Walker, a resident of Montgomery, Alabama was raised in Salisbury, Maryland.
“I am Aunt Alma’s great-great niece,” the family historian explained. “In a dynamic turn of events at my grandmother’s ninetieth celebration in March, I began family census research. Within four days, I discovered that we were not just the already discovered six generations, but rather seven. We immediately sent an application to Guinness to be documented as the first recorded African American family to have seven living generations.”
Walker divulged why she would like the Guinness Book of World Records to recognize her family for having seven generations of living family members.
“Historically, the worldwide average for living generations is four to five. In African American families, less than one percent make it to six. Our family represents seven. We have proven that in a nation that used our people for cattle work, and we should have been extinct, we are indeed phenoms. Guinness is a worldwide entity that can further solidify our existence and provide proof that the African American is, was, and will always be an “American.” We are the skeletal base of this country and deserve sufficient recognition.”
She also said that a new category is needed. There is very little documentation in Guinness about Black culture.
Terri Terrell Boyd, PhD., Williams’ granddaughter who resides in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina, made a point about knowing ancestral history, even beyond the value of creating a greater sense of self-identity within the African American community.
“It is essential for all Americans, not just African Americans, to know and understand African American history, and it shows how the struggles throughout the generations helped to shape and define this country.”
The family’s quest to achieve a milestone with the Guinness Book of World Records comes with expenses.
Walker further noted, “So far, over $8,000 has been raised from private unnamed investors towards the $20,000 goal established by Guinness to be received and admitted.”
The public can help the Aycock/Crawford family by spreading their news; signing their petition to gain global recognition; encouraging the Guinness Book of World Records to add a category; or by donating to help them achieve their record-breaking goal.
“We, our family, and our culture deserve the earned accolades. The Aycock/Crawford family are a first: Seven Living Generations of an African American Family,” said Walker.
Visit https://chng.it/6g5NPq4pjP to sign the petition and www.generise7.com to learn more about the family.