Mitiblende The Story of an American Family

Mitiblende reads like the story of a Black American family in its quest

to sell or partition an heir's property legacy of 56 acres of undivided

interest. The term Mitiblende (translation, make the brains grow

smarter) was coined by Robert M. Pittman. The late Mr. Pittman was

Joe Harris' uncle. Joe Harris is the novel's protagonist. The storyline

is cast around property located in a small town rural Texas setting.

Heirs property essentially represents generational wealth that has

been transferred to multiple family members by inheritance, usually

without a will. The deed to the property was dated August 2, 1898,

from Sallie Simpson to Rosie Burse Edwards (Joe Harris' greatgrandmother).

The granting of the land was instead of monetary

compensation and represented repayment for services rendered by

Joe Harris' ancestors.

In many ways, the Mitiblende story can be characterized as

semi-autobiographical. Several aspects of Joe Harris' childhood to

adolescence to adulthood passage (such as names, places, and other

identifying descriptors) may be fictional. However, many aspects

of the journey, such as his efforts in structuring the Harris Family

Tree, are factual and historical. Intertwined between the story is an

evolving collage of clues presented in the form of letters, emails,

teleconferences, and dialogue. For example, a letter written in 1986

by Joe Harris' Aunt Maude (the late Maudell Williams) provided

clues that highlighted issues such as (a) the landlocked perimeter

and (b) the lack of easement rights.