Ervena Faulkner
Ms. Ervena is the type of Story-Keeper that makes you lean in close for more. For more of her words, her stories, her writing, her wisdom, her gentleness, her teaching, her keeping, her care, her Rememory, and her recipes of love.
It was a warm, overcast day on the Island and I made us a batch of mullein infused sweet tea, extra honey for sweetness. We sat outside under the ancient live oaks, draped in heavy spanish moss, and the conversation ensued. A conversation that lasted from early morning to early evening. We ended with even more tea, pimento cheese, pickled okra, and all the good ole southern delicacies. Mrs. Ervena loveees her tea.
I will always be in awe of the vessel of wisdom that is Mrs. Ervena. Even more in awe of the way that she tends to her community. A reminder that we are all students of life, Mrs. Ervena is a teacher to us all.
UnEarthing: The Faces of an Island - A Conversation with Ervena Faulkner: Teaching and Keeping the Ways