My Fighting Family

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In this debut memoir, award-winning journalist Morgan Campbell recounts his family's generational struggles, blending humor and emotion in a powerful exploration of Black identity in Canada, shaped by strong American roots. Originating from a "fighting family," Campbell's narrative traces back to the 1930s South Side of Chicago, where his parents' families participated in the Great Migration from the rural South to the industrial North. A history of perceived slights and social-class differences fueled a feud that intensified over the century, especially after the families intertwined through marriage and later split across the border. Morgan's maternal grandfather, Claude Jones, a notable musician in the Chicago jazz scene, moved to Toronto in the 1960s, paving the way for Morgan's parents amid the upheaval of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights movement. In contrast, his paternal grandmother, Granny Mary, remained in the U.S., her resentments growing with distance. The family's fighting spirit extended beyond internal conflicts, as they confronted white supremacist newcomers and faced challenges in their new home. Morgan, an aspiring writer and athlete, navigated the complexities of his identity as he experienced the gap between Canada’s multicultural image and reality. "My Fighting Family" offers a witty and soulful reflection on the quest for clarity amid conflict, highlighting the intricacies of belonging and identity.