Down Home In Arkansas: A Family Reunion Story - Hardcover

Maria Hoskins has served as Community Outreach Specialist for the Federal Government for over 14 years and has been employed in the field of community outreach for over 25 years. During her tenure in federal service, she spent ten years as the Senior District Staff for Arkansas' 2nd Congressional District Congressman, Vic Snyder, until his retirement in January 2011. She is a native of Mayflower, Arkansas and a graduate of Philander Smith College where she received a B.A. in English and Communications. She is married to a loving and supportive husband, Archie, and is blessed to be the mother of two wonderful and special young ladies, Christina and Victoria - named for the princesses they are. She is an active member of the Palarm Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Mayflower, Arkansas. Maria's goal is to share her childhood memories in the form of stories that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. She was written two other books for children including Thanksgiving at Grandma's. Through these stories, Maria hopes to remind children that reading and writing can open doors that allow experiences and memories to come back to life.

Birthed in Arkansas, the state forged by Native Americans, Civil War battles, blues and folk music, diamonds, and nine students that helped establish the spirit of the civil rights movement, Wade Hampton was provisioned with inspiration that would lay claim to a unique journey of artistic declaration. The history of the "Natural State" broadened Wade's view to seek education within the "Show-Me State," which gave way to the lifestyle and culture of the "Big Apple." This "gateway to the world" is where Wade honed his artistic talents on the canvas, leading him to an artisan's approach towards dance and movement. The world-class museums, art galleries, highly-regarded visual art and dance institutions, catapulted what was already a burgeoning mind of creation and artistry. This exposure allowed Wade to expand his knowledge of art at the School of Visual Arts. He participated in a profusion of art exhibitions throughout the NYC metro area, Arkansas and New Jersey. In addition to the visual arts Wade was introduced to the performing arts with dance training, rehearsals and performance of the NYC Caribbean, Latin and African dance cultures. This experience and growth ushered Wade towards a new market and clientele in the southwest art hub of Las Vegas; the Cirque du Soleil and theatre community; the Latin, Caribbean, and African performance; and social dance communities. Always in concept, always moving forward, Wade will continue to evolve and "live" the journey.

Review/ Blurb by Janis F. Kearney, Writing our World Publishing Down Home in Arkansas, A Family Reunion Story by Maria Hoskins Maria Hoskins Down Home in Arkansas, A Family Reunion Story, is a delightful children's book that shares the memorable joys of a child growing up in rural Arkansas. It portrays the uniquely southern family reunion, including the large and lively family members, the wonderful meals cooked with love, and the sharing of mesmerizing family tales. Young Maria and her cousins learn important life lessons as they enjoy the annual family gatherings. A special treat is Down Home in Arkansas as a teaching tool - helping both adults and children discover their own family history. The possible audiences and venues are endless; schools, history institutions, libraries and children's organizations. Readers beware...Down Home in Arkansas, A Family Reunion Story is guaranteed to entertain and educate! Down Home in Arkansas, A Family Reunion Story allows the reader a vehicle to drive the lanes of their historical landscape. The view includes historical context connecting the driver to times past while introducing current visions of the same lanes of history. It promotes fluidity of conversation between generations while exposing the connection between generations. Rhonda Stewart Genealogy & Local History Specialist Central Arkansas Library System Butler Center for Arkansas Studies