Photo: Judith Meeks, Author
Osiyo (Cherokee for hello)! My parents are Nathaniel and Corrine Willingham. They were Black Indian pioneers of La Jolla, California, back in the early 50s. They moved to California while my dad was in the military.
My mom enrolled at San Diego College, with plans to pursue education. After she finished her degree, she became an elementary schoolteacher at La Jolla Elementary. She also sometimes worked as a substitute teacher.
When she came to the school as a substitute teacher, the black children at the school were happy and proud to see her. La Jolla was a hub for black families. When my dad’s enlistment was over, he remained in the community and became a government employee.
Nathaniel and Corrine Willingham, Judith Meeks' parents
My family lived at 7463 Draper Ave. While living in LaJolla, my parents had five children. I was the second child out of the five.
My parents were members of the satellite club and other organizations such as Alpha Phi Kappa Alpha Psi and the Black Masons.
Our family remained in La Jolla up to 1959. I’m glad to be a descendant of Cherokee Nation Black Indian pioneers of La Jolla, California.
